Each month we feature one ASA coach to learn more about his or her background and personal story and this month we’re featuring Coach Liz!
What programs do you coach at ASA and how long have you been coaching with our club?
I have been coaching with ASA since July 2013, almost 5 years! I mainly coach in the Tots program, but also the futsal league and summer camps!
When did you begin coaching? What got you interested?
I have coached since I graduated college, I have always had a passion for teaching and I believe coaching goes hand in hand with that. I started a youth field hockey summer league in 2009 in Alexandria. I also coach field hockey and soccer for TC Williams and work with ASA on the weekends. I think as an athlete myself, having awesome coaches inspired me to coach. I hope to be as influential in my athletes lives as my coaches were in mine!
What is one of your favorite things about coaching for ASA?
Since I work with the youngest participants — the pure joy I see on Tots faces is so rewarding. I am typically their first coach and experience with organized activity, so to see them smile, play and fall in love with soccer is amazing. Since I’ve been coaching for almost five years now, it’s fun to see to my old Tots now in the Recreation and Academy programs, they still remember me and I love to watch them on the big field!
Where did you grow up and what’s your favorite soccer memory from your childhood?
I am actually from Alexandria, VA. I grew up here and went through ACPS. My favorite soccer memory is my SFL team in middle school, The Alexandria Storm — we were never very good but we had a blast! I still remember our last tournament in 8th grade, braiding our hair and dying it red and sparkly—I have no idea if we won or not but the friendships with my teammates lasted and those memories have helped shaped my coaching philosophy today.
When you’re not coaching what do you like to do in your free time?
I love being outside! I’m still very competitive so you can usually find me playing golf, tennis or other sports in my free time. I love traveling — exploring new cities and adventuring — like hiking or ocean activities!
Who’s your soccer hero and why?!
My soccer hero is Pele — growing up I had a poster of him in my room and in elementary school I remember reading books on him. He was pure magic on the ball and his story is inspiring — he had an amazing work ethic and dedication to his “craft” which I think every successful athlete needs.
And finally….give us one fun fact about yourself.
One fun fact about myself is that I grew up riding horses but chose soccer and field hockey over horseback riding in high school.
Thanks Coach Liz! If you’d like to learn more about out Tots program click HERE.
