So let's start off with you. Who are you and how did you get involved with KC Courage?

Before the KC Courage, I coached for 12 years at Johnson County Community College and resigned in the spring of 2013 to spend more time with my older kids as they were nearing the end of their high school years. That summer I had the opportunity to coach the Kansas City Shock, the first WPSL team in Kansas City. That team folded after only one season and I knew it was important to keep a team going so I started my own team, the KC Courage.

Were you ever tempted to spell Courage with a K?

Heavens no, my third grade spelling teacher would be appalled.

How long have the KC Courage been playing and what level of talent have you produced?

The KC Courage was formed in the spring of 2014 and has played in the WPSL for seven seasons. Including my player pool for the Shock in 2013, I’ve coached seven players that have gone on to play professionally. I’ve also had two players go from pro to amateur status to continue their playing careers with the KC Courage.

I think it’s also important to mention ALL of the players that didn’t go on to play professionally but that still play at a high level and have careers in other fields. Our players are nurses, teachers, coaches, police officers, physical and occupational therapists, accountants, managers, probation officers and business owners.

After college, a female player has a couple of choices depending on level of play and commitment that she wants. Most big cities have the option of adult recreational leagues or another option would be an employer based sports league. Both the WPSL and UWS are set apart because they’re well organized by a constitution and by-laws with a set of minimum standards, which results in a very competitive, high level of play.

The KC Courage matched it's best win total in 2019. How can the club build on that for next year?

Our level of play gets better every year and our players have always been our best recruiters. They enjoy their time spent with the KC Courage and tell their friends and teammates. Every year, we get a good bit of interest from internationals, and while we do have some players from outside of the KC area, I tend to favor the local players for filling out our roster. It’s important to me to provide a team for local women to play and continue to get that high level of soccer. Many of our college players attend school out of state. The opportunity for them to play back at home during the summer where their friends and families are, gives us a pretty solid fan base.

How much emphasis does your club put on wins and losses? What are some other priorities?

There was a time in my life that I could spout out every stat and score in the book, but if I’m being honest I’d have to say that I don’t put an emphasis on any of that anymore. I put more of an emphasis on playing pretty soccer than on winning or losing. That’s not to say that I’m okay with losing, but life is about way more than what the scoreboard shows at the end of a game.

“Better than the day before” is my mantra. For our college players prepping for their upcoming seasons, it’s a priority that they improve their game. For our post-college players, it’s a priority that they stay fit, healthy and able to continue playing the game that brings so much joy to their lives.

Inclusion, empowerment and giving back to the community are our top priorities. It’s important to me that every player feel accepted and a part of our soccer family. It’s also important to me that my players feel like they have a voice. Nearly all of my post-college players are coaches at some level and I treat them as equals. I respect the opinions of all of them and even when I don’t agree, they know that at least they were heard and are a part of a culture where all suggestions are welcome. And finally, the KC Courage looks for opportunities to “give back” in the form of free soccer clinics to under-served populations, assistance with college tuition and partnering with like-minded organizations in the Kansas City metro.

Tell us about a player or two.

Impossible. I’d want to tell you about all of them! They’re all strong, independent, empowered women and I’m so proud of each and every one of them.

What club is your biggest rival?

I don’t really see any one club as our biggest rival. Lindsay Kennedy-Eversmeyer, the owner and coach of Fire & Ice, is good friend and it’s always fun to play her team. She’s a fierce competitor and runs her team with class.

How has the protracted offseason been for you, your players, and the club?

For me, it’s been a much needed break – an opportunity to be present and spend time with my family. This is the first summer I’ve had free in seven years. But, being away from the game has really made me miss it. I’m ready for this pandemic to be over! I know my players have missed playing as well. It’s been hard to see every weekend since the end of May pass by knowing that they should’ve been playing. Hopefully we’ll get through this and come out on the other end with a renewed passion and appreciation for the game.

Any chance of playing matches later in the season?

In 2020, no. With the resurgence on Covid-19 cases, I just don’t see any scenario for that happening.

Anything else we should know about your club?

Yes, our website is www.kccourage.com and you can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @KCCourageSoccer.