Building from the Ground Up: Reflecting on My Time at ADF Portland

When I look back on my time as Assistant Director at ADF Portland, I’m filled with pride and gratitude. What began as a role rooted in vision and uncertainty became one of the most rewarding chapters of my coaching career.

When I first stepped into this position, there was no girls’ academy program in place. The world was in the midst of the pandemic, and the path forward was anything but clear. But from the very beginning, I believed in what we could build—starting with a handful of committed players and a shared dream.

We laid every brick of the foundation ourselves. We designed the curriculum, created the culture, and built a supportive environment where young girls could grow not just as athletes, but as people. Step by step, the vision came to life.

By the time I moved on to new professional opportunities, the girls’ program had grown into a thriving, stable part of ADF Portland. We celebrated championship wins, watched our players get invited to U.S. Youth National Team camps, and saw many of them take the next step toward college soccer. Each of these milestones was a testament to the power of belief, hard work, and community.

I’m incredibly thankful for every coach, parent, and player who believed in the vision and contributed to its success. Leading this initiative reminded me of why I love this work so deeply—because at its core, it’s about impact. It’s about opening doors that once seemed closed and helping young athletes believe in what’s possible.

While my journey there has concluded, I’ll always carry the lessons and memories with me. There’s no greater reward than knowing we helped shape a future where more girls have the chance to chase their dreams through sport.