Julie Bergstrom
Waubonsie Valley High School
Aurora, IL
- 26th season as Head Girls (28th overall) record 384-136-47
- 28th season boys assistant
- 2026 NHSACA Coach of the year finalist
- 2026 USC Presenter
- IHSSCA Girls Vice President
- Regional Chair USC COY & AA
- United Soccer Coaches Women’s Coaches Committee – H.S.
- United Soccer Coaches H.S. Coaches Committee
Who or what inspired you to pursue coaching?
My father was a coach and teacher, so as a kid, I was constantly watching the way he approached people, solved problems, and continued learning. He showed me that coaching is about much more than the game itself; it’s about helping others grow and finding ways to bring out the best in them. What continues to inspire me today is seeing players accomplish things they once believed were impossible. Watching athletes grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and develop both on and off the field is incredibly rewarding.
How has being a United Soccer Coaches member benefited you?
Being a member of United Soccer Coaches has given me the opportunity to build a network and community of coaches across the country who support, encourage, and challenge one another. Coaching can sometimes feel isolating, so having access to people who share ideas, experiences, and advice has been invaluable. The organization also provides countless educational opportunities that continue to help me grow and evolve as a coach.
As a female coach, attending the convention and participating in sessions specifically focused on the women’s game has been especially meaningful to me. Being surrounded by so many strong, passionate women in coaching is both motivating and empowering. Every time I leave the convention, I feel recharged, inspired, and excited to continue growing in the profession.
What do you feel has been the hardest part of coaching?
One of the hardest parts of coaching is learning not to be too hard on yourself. Coaches constantly evaluate everything they do, and it’s easy to feel like you could always be doing more for your players or your program. Balancing that desire for improvement while also giving yourself grace can be challenging.
Time is another major challenge. Coaching requires so much energy and commitment, and there is always another session to plan, player to support, or detail to improve. It’s a profession where you are continually investing in others, and sometimes it can feel like there are never enough hours in the day.
How do you measure success with your team?
Success looks different for every player because each athlete is on their own unique journey. Sometimes it is a smile and sometimes it is a stat. It can be a player gaining confidence, becoming a better teammate, overcoming adversity, or growing as a person off the field. As a team, I measure success by the culture and connection we build together throughout the season. If at the end of the season, the players still love the game and want one more opportunity to compete together. If they are willing to fight for each other, push through challenges together, and cherish every extra day they get in the playoffs, then I know we’ve created something meaningful.
If applicable, what has been your favorite United Soccer Coaches education course and why?
One of my favorite educational experiences was the A Audit in Chula Vista.