#ReUnited22: United Soccer Coaches Convention Recap

Having been virtual in 2021, everyone was happily “reunited” in Kansas City as the United Soccer Coaches Convention happened in person once again. This was my first year at the convention, and not knowing what to expect, I was immediately overwhelmed- in a good way. As I walked around trying to navigate my way, the entire center was buzzing. You could feel the excitement, joy, and pure gratitude for being together again. I realized that the soccer world is BIG, and it’s growing fast. 

There was the Exhibition Hall, where soccer brands of all kinds set up to display their stuff, and we saw some familiar faces – Ida Sports, Capelli Sport, Diehard Scarves, Duktig, Select Sport America, Senda Athletics, WorldStrides Sports, just to name a few! 

Then there was Podcast Row, where Girls Soccer Network resided, amongst 11 other soccer savvy podcasters. We got to interview some MAJOR legends, including Mirelle Van Rijbroek, director of Talent ID for US Soccer; Lesle Gallimore, commissioner of the Girls Academy (GA); Michelle Meyer, founder of the NIL Network; Coach Mismer, head coach of the Northampton High School Girls Soccer team; Erin McLeod and Dr. Rachel Lindvall, co-founders of the Mindful Project. 

One of my favorite parts was getting to attend lectures by coaches and other professionals to learn about their work and experiences. Some of my favorites were:

• Character in the Final Third: Learn How to Integrate Sport Psychology with On-Field Training – Amanda Ferranti (CMPC, Ferranti Empowerment; and the host of GSN’s “Ask Amanda”)
• Developing the Self-Determined Player: Coaching Keys to Help Players Take Charge of Their Game: Dan Abrahams (sports psychologist) and Tom Shields
• U.S. Soccer Talent ID – How to successfully identify and monitor high potential players? – Presented by Mirelle Van Rijbroek
• Dynamic Investments in Women’s Football – Amanda Vanderdont (president, USL Super League), Esmeralda Negron (co-founder, ATA football), Dr. Kaitlin Okamoto (director, GA), Nicole Hercules (president, Rochester City Soccer League). 

Women’s Coaches Breakfast

On Saturday morning, we had the pleasure of attending the Women’s Coaches Breakfast. Sitting down, you could feel the potential and inspiration, just being surrounded by so many incredible people who have dedicated their lives to growing and supporting the game.

Amanda Vandervort, president of the USL Super League, led the program with empowering words about creating equality in the space and moving the game forward for everyone, especially women. 

Haley Carter, former assistant coach of the Afghanistan Women’s National team, was awarded the Presidential Recognition Award, for her effort in successfully airlifting more than 100 senior members of the team and their families to safety. 

Erin McLeod, Orland Pride and Canadian National goalkeeper, Olympic Gold medal winner, gave an entertaining and inspiring performance as the featured speaker. Drawing from her own life story, she emphasized the importance of being “your own biggest fan” instead of your biggest critic and how our entire purpose is to be right here, right now. 

I mean, it doesn’t get more inspirational and motivating than that, right?

Oh, but it does.

In my opinion, the most inspiring moment of the entire weekend happened around 9:15 am, when Amy Griffin, 3x World Cup Champion and volunteer head coach of the US Deaf Women’s National Team, came up to speak as she “accepted” the Award of Excellence. I use quotes around accepted because, just as Lesle Gallimore predicted, Amy went up there and downplayed all of her accomplishments, alluding that it was ridiculous that she was being given this award when so many others have done great(er) things. 

With barely a full cup of coffee in me, I was entirely unprepared, as was the rest of the room, to be moved to tears by Amy’s humbling character and empowering story. She was comical and self-deprecating throughout the whole speech, but amidst all the embarrassing soccer stories, Amy outlined exactly who she was and why she was receiving this award: she was that person, who was all in for the team, who made a positive impact in whatever role she played. She was the person that showed up, every time. Amy’s quiet yet powerful demeanor spoke volumes, which were amplified through her closing words: 

“Thank you, United Soccer Coaches, for reminding me and others that great leaders also need brave and energetic followers. And to show up and try. So thank you for leading in a way to make me feel like my following made a difference.”

Although utterly exhausted, I left the convention feeling grateful and inspired. Thank you, Erin and Amy, for imparting profound wisdom that will stick with me forever: Show up for yourself, and show up for others. That is enough to make a difference. 

Philly 2023, you have big shoes to fill!

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