Life and career of a director of operations

SS: Who are some of the mentors you have along your journey? What are some of the most impactful lessons you have learned from them?

JG: I have been able to take something from a lot of different people during my time coaching.

My basketball coach in high school, Chris Gibson, had a giant impact on me as a player and throughout my coaching career. 

He taught me how hard work pays off but also the importance of being willing to step back and enjoy the moment. He always told us to look at ourselves in the mirror. It has stuck with me for years. 

Randy Hanson was my first instructor on the D License, when I was 19. He gave me the confidence that this was my path and one that I would be very successful in.

He continued to check in with me and follow my career for some time and for that I’m forever grateful.

Most recently, the president of my current club, Scott Nall, has made a very big impact on me. He taught me that winning isn’t everything and sometimes falling on the throne allows for more growth.

He’s a giant family man, which I respect and admire so much, and he pushes that within our club. It’s a reason why I came back here - to help grow my hometown club into something even bigger.

"Being able to create a place where everyone feels welcomed is very important to me..."

HER WORK AS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

SS: What does your day-to-day look like? What appealed to you about being a director of operations, since it is more ’off the field’ than what you did previously?

JG: I oversee off-field operations of the club that include, but are not limited to, marketing, registration, fundraising, sponsorships and equipment, while also providing support to our club director of coaching with any on-field operations.

One of my favorite pieces of my job is getting to create community events that give back or show our appreciation to the club families and community.

I’ve spent a lot of my career on the field. But now I’m seeing how important it is to create a community atmosphere. Being able to create a place where everyone feels welcomed is very important to me.

SS: What motivates you day-to-day?

JG: Making an impact in youth sports and on young athletes. I love knowing I’m creating a safe environment for them to come to enjoy something they love.

COACHING LESSONS, CHALLENGES AND ADVICE

SS: Have you seen the number of women in coaching grow in the last five to 10 years? If so, what would you attribute this growth to?

JG: There is such a big difference in the number of young females coming into the coaching profession and it’s so exciting. I think you can attribute it to more support for those young females.

We also see a drop off, though, because some female coaches get so tired of the grind and never getting anywhere. By that, I mean the fact that they continuously get passed up for a leadership position. 

People like Gina Brewer, Lesle Gallimore and [one-time Women’s Soccer Coaching cover star] Heather Dyche are examples of women pushing for more support of young female coaches. 

They are great people to be leading the push. I think you will continue seeing more and more female coaches.

SS: Have you faced any challenges along the way working in soccer and leadership – both predominantly male fields?

JG: It can be a challenge to just be heard at times, so you have to have a strong will for things you believe are important.

I have battled situations throughout my career but have made sure to remind myself how my path can affect those behind me.

I make sure, every day, I come to work knowing I can and will make an impact on the present and future of our club.

I’ve had some amazing male role models in my life who have pushed me to always strive for more. I will always appreciate how they supported me throughout my career.

SS: Why do you think coaching education is so important for coaches, especially for women in coaching?

JG: When I was young, as much as I felt I knew the game, there was so much more that coaching education gave me.

It’s fun seeing all the courses being offered only to women and how many women are actually leading these courses. 

It is something the game has needed for a long time because it’s going to create a stronger bond for all female coaches to work together. 

Coaches’ courses are so beneficial to help learn the game but also for networking and creating those relationships that really can take your career to the next level.

"Don’t be afraid to push for more. Put the work in and you’ll get your chance to shine..."

SS: What advice would you give to a young female coach starting her coaching journey?

JG: The first thing I’d tell them is that you’ll have a lot of ups and downs but surround yourself with people that will support you and push you.

Keep your head up during the tough times and never give up if this truly is your dream. It is easy sometimes to be pushed aside in a male-dominated profession - be brave and strong and follow your passion.

SS: What advice would you give to any coach interested in getting more involved in leadership roles in the youth game?

JG: Be patient. Every young coach always comes in feeling like they have all the answers - I know I did. What I’ve learned is there is a maturity curve and I’m glad I didn’t get thrown into leadership right away.

All my experiences on and off the field have shaped my leadership style today and it’s one I can say I’m pretty proud of. 

That being said, don’t be afraid to push and strive for more in your career. Put the work in and you’ll get your chance to shine.

SS: How can clubs, schools and directors support their newer and beginner coaches, in particular female coaches?

JG: Education, on and off the field. When a new coach signs on, we often just focus on teaching them the Xs and Os on the field. But they also need to be educated on how to deal with situations off the field: parents, game management and so on.

I have always approached my job as one of a mentor, not just a soccer coach. It’s important to me to make sure players, or anyone I work with, know that I am here to support them in any way I can.

I hope all the young females that have played for me or worked for me can still say that I had some kind of impact on them.