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Board of Directors Nominations: Voting Opens on January 2, 2024.

 

***Ballots have been sent to each member via email, which provides a personal link to vote. If you did not receive your ballot via email, please contact Angie Eliason at aeliason@unitedsoccercoaches.org***

United Soccer Coaches by-laws currently require all elections for Board of Directors positions to include two to five candidates on the final ballot and utilize a rank order voting method in the selection process.  Rank order voting for five candidates allows voters to express their preferences by assigning a numerical ranking to each candidate, ranging from first to fifth. Voters choose their favorite candidate as their first choice, followed by subsequent preferences for the remaining candidates (for ballots to be tabulated ALL candidates must be ranked).  Points will be assigned from 1-5, with one point for a first choice, two for a second, and on to five for a fifth.  The candidate with the fewest points will be elected.

Such a process ensures that the ultimate winner is acceptable to a broad spectrum of the electorate. This system aims to minimize the risk of vote-splitting and encourages voters to express their genuine preferences, also minimizing the possibility that the person elected wins by a plurality of the votes.  Thank you for voting in this important election in the life of our association!

Click below to learn more about the candidates. 

Downloadable PDF

Serving on the Board of Directors is the ultimate way to give back to the association and the game as a whole. The elected position will have a six-year cycle on the Board. During that cycle, the elected position will spend four years as Vice President, and then ascend to become President. They then serve a final year on the Board as Past President. We specifically encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, adults of all ages, various geographical regions, and all levels of the game to self-nominate themselves to be considered for United Soccer Coaches Board of Directors election.

This self-nomination process will stay open until 11:59 PM CST, November 30, 2023. Once the nomination questionnaire is completed, it is sent directly to United Soccer Coaches Nominations and Elections Committee who will select the Board of Director candidates to be voted on by United Soccer Coaches Membership.

Vice President of United Soccer Coaches Candidates Questionaire.
Nancy Feldman
Explain why you feel becoming Vice President of United Soccer Coaches is important to you and briefly detail the first initiative you would like to achieve if given the opportunity once elected to the board: 

United Soccer Coaches, formerly NSCAA, has supported me so much over the years that I feel compelled to continue to serve and give back. I have been involved in numerous ways over the years, through committee work, convention education planning, and being a staff member/instructor at coaching courses, to name a few. I have always looked at the board and the professional staff in awe at the work they do in order to keep this organization humming along and to provide members with much in return for their membership.

For coaches and players to be able to have the force of this national organization behind them, accessible to all levels of soccer, is essential for the betterment of coaching and providing the best resources and environments for our soccer players.

Offering coaches connection, developmental opportunities, recognition and enrichment in the game of soccer, and thus impacting those who play the game, is an important part of leveraging sport as a vehicle for positive communities, a sense of belonging, development and character enhancement, competency, success and accomplishment.

Since becoming a member in 1986, after attending my first NSCAA coaching course, I have been inspired, challenged and supported through relationships with soccer colleagues as part of my connection with this great organization. As well, I have been able to access all that United Soccer Coaches offers. For my players and teams, recognitions and rankings; and for my own development, avenues for advanced education, new experiences and state of the art support for coaching enrichment.

Becoming part of the United Soccer Coaches Board is a significant commitment. I am now a retired coaching professional that has time and energy to devote to giving back to the organization with the goal of having it carry on being an association that continues to provide all the benefits of membership and engagement, that I was able to tap into during my coaching career. 

In 500 words or less, describe your vision for United Soccer Coaches as it pertains to inclusion and diversity for future members of our association.

I take great pride in the evolution of United Soccer Coaches as it relates to diversity and inclusion during my nearly 40 years of membership in this organization. Examples of this enhancement can be seen in many aspects of the organization workings. Staff, board and leadership representation, membership initiatives that include active affinity groups/communities of traditionally underrepresented populations, investment to diversify the educational programming and staff including offering bilingual content and presentation, mindfulness of diversity, equity and inclusion in award recipients, presenters and honorees at the annual convention are just a few of the areas in which United Soccer Coaches has intentionally evolved in the area of inclusion and diversity. That is not to say that there are additional areas to develop. There is more to do in supporting players and coaches in underrepresented and economically diverse communities. Our country’s pay to play model is at the heart of the issue of representation in soccer. United Soccer Coaches commitment to solutions in partnership with US Soccer, USYS and other national organizations including non-profits doing the work on the ground, is imperative to change and enhance access and opportunity to a more diverse population of players and coaches. I also envision continued augmentation of cross community engagements. While separate constituency groups provide much in the way of a sense of belonging, initiatives that bring affinity groups together, to foster a better soccer community for all, should be a priority. In the area of diversity and inclusion, LGBTQ+ youth are still marginalized and United Soccer Coaches should take a more active role in ensuring safe and inclusive environments in all collaborations. Taking a lead in supporting players and coaches with physical and/or intellectual disabilities is another area of continued development for United Soccer Coaches and its intention to serve this population of athletes and coaches.

Give a detailed example of an event you experienced in a leadership role that you feel describes your leadership style, ability to overcome adversity, how you grew an initiative, or expanded diversity in your company or community.

During our Covid year while Head Coach of Women’s Soccer at Boston University, Black Lives Matter came into sharper focus due to incidents in this country that shed light on inequities in law enforcement as it related to black and brown communities. As a leader of the team, I felt it was my responsibility to use our platform to educate, discuss and amplify thoughtful messages. I created a diversity and inclusion leadership group within our team that I mentored to lead educational initiatives for our team and coaching staff, initiate inter and intra team discussion sessions and create social media messaging that amplified support for, and recognition of, inequalities that black and brown people face in dealing with police. We also put effort into learning more about and celebrating black culture. As an action-oriented leader, the Covid shutdown was very challenging for me. Shifting my focus away from an area of strength and routine, coaching a collegiate soccer season, to leading a group of female athletes under my charge through this incredibly difficult period of time, with limited interpersonal contact, forced me to pay attention to things I had not made a priority. While this transition gave me pause and ultimately was followed by my soon after retirement from collegiate coaching, it proved to be enlightening. I had not appreciated the depth of my white privilege until I started to do this work with my team, and it has motivated me to continue my personal growth and learning in this area of diversity. Since retiring from collegiate coaching, I have co-created an LGBTQ+ educational training module for clubs and state associations, have presented a pilot of this module to a local club and its coaching staff, and am in the midst of scheduling future trainings. We have initiated this as a service to the coaches and players in our soccer community, to highlight actions that can be taken to enhance inclusivity and creating safe environments for all our soccer players, staff and families.

Giovanni Pacini
Explain why you feel becoming Vice President of United Soccer Coaches is important to you and briefly detail the first initiative you would like to achieve if given the opportunity once elected to the board: 

The NSCAA and now United Soccer Coaches has been an important part of my personal and professional life since 1982 when I first joined. It has given me the opportunity to grow as a coach through its coaching education program, provided me with mentors of whom I could always rely on, the opportunity to serve on committees, the opportunity to meet so many wonderful coaches many of whom have become my friends and, in some cases, dear friends. The organization has been an oasis of joy no matter what was happening personally or professionally. For me, becoming Vice President is the next natural step for me to not only give back, but to contribute to its future. Over these many years, I have been able to accumulate a significant amount of experience, through trial and error formulate good instincts, and have created a network of professionals of whom I can reach out to in my service to the organization. My first initiative is based upon my displeasure with what is now called “the corporatization of youth sports”. The sport of soccer (and youth sports as a whole) has become big business and too often families are spending thousands of dollars in order for their kids to play the game. Where it hits me the hardest is in the lower socio-economic communities where we find predominantly people of color; most of who cannot pay the exorbitant fees for the children to play. And one could make the argument that it is in those lower socio-economic where we find our most talented and creative players. I encourage members of the selection committee to listen to my GP Soccer Podcast Season 9 Episode 5 opening comments on this subject as well my entire series entitled “The State of the Game” where more in-depth conversation takes place on this subject.

In 500 words or less, describe your vision for United Soccer Coaches as it pertains to inclusion and diversity for future members of our association.

I draw inspiration from the United Soccer Coaches philosophy regarding inclusion and diversity from a portion of its stated position which says- “The organization firmly believes in soccer as not only a sport we are passionate about, but as an avenue to celebrate diversity and inclusion, promote health and wellness, develop leaders, and impact communities.” Over the many years of my involvement in the game, I have often said that the sport of soccer can be used as a vehicle by which we can positively affect change. Orchestrated correctly, not only can we develop players, but we can also develop fine human beings. In that sense, we have the influential power to inspire our players to be open minded, enlightened, respectful, and kind. The ideal scenario would be to have the capacity to not only bestow those virtues within our players, but among those in the community as well. No small task I grant you, but a task not only worth taking, but must be taken. I firmly believe that if the soccer community at large is keenly aware of this organizational philosophy, then the doors shall fly open to the many who will want to be a part of it.

Give a detailed example of an event you experienced in a leadership role that you feel describes your leadership style, ability to overcome adversity, how you grew an initiative, or expanded diversity in your company or community.

The single biggest professional challenge I’ve faced was in 1996 when I was hired to be the very first Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Lasell College in Newton, MA. Since 1867, the institution had been an all-female school. I arrived on campus facing a blank slate that was fraught from the outset with resistance. For you see, there was 129 years of history that featured only women many of whom on and off campus resented the transition. The reality was that if the institution did not, closure was an inevitability. My task was twofold, build a competitive men’s soccer program and showcase the fact that I was sensitive to the feelings of the on-campus community and to the alumni as well. My thought was that if I could construct a program that maintained virtues that resonate amongst all people, then the feelings of resentment could be transformed. Fortunately for me, I came equipped with a level of open-mindedness and sensitivity to that dynamic that over my 16 seasons proved to serve me well. One of the most important components of showing folks said open mindedness and sensitivity was to have a presence on campus, to warmly introduce myself to folks, and through example clearly show that my dedication to all this was indeed sincere. I am proud to say that over those years, I was complimented on how I conducted myself, my work rate, and on my dedication to the institution. Oh… and over my 16 seasons there, I had 14 winning seasons with the last 13 straight all featuring winning seasons. I was extremely proud of the fact that my teams were diverse; a result of my recruiting heavily in communities of color. This is the crown jewel of my coaching career.

Kat Khosrowyar
Explain why you feel becoming Vice President of United Soccer Coaches is important to you and briefly detail the first initiative you would like to achieve if given the opportunity once elected to the board: 

Becoming Vice President of United Soccer Coaches holds significant importance to me as it provides an opportunity to contribute substantially to the organization’s mission. Leveraging my international coaching experience, I aim to bring a distinctive perspective to the board, emphasizing diversity and inclusivity.

If elected, my primary initiative would focus on two key areas: implementing a comprehensive diversity and inclusion program and modernizing the coaching education program. In terms of diversity and inclusion, I propose creating resources and educational programs for coaches, fostering a more inclusive environment within the association. This involves developing materials to enhance cultural competence, establishing partnerships with like-minded organizations, and implementing mentorship programs. Simultaneously, modernizing the coaching education program is crucial for staying at the forefront of the sport.

I envision incorporating the latest coaching methodologies, sports science, and technological advancements. By embracing modern practices, we can ensure that United Soccer Coaches remains a leader in providing top-notch education for coaches at all levels. In essence, the role of Vice President is vital to me because it aligns with my commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion while also driving the association’s coaching education into the future. My combined initiative aims to make United Soccer Coaches a more inclusive and forward-thinking organization, benefitting all members.

In 500 words or less, describe your vision for United Soccer Coaches as it pertains to inclusion and diversity for future members of our association.

My vision for the association revolves around fostering a culture of true inclusion and diversity. With extensive international experience and recognition as a Global Leader of Influence by the World Affairs Council, alongside a nomination for the Best Coach in Asia alongside Asako, the Head Coach of the Japan Women’s National Team, I bring a unique perspective to the table. In my vision, diversity is not just a goal but a fundamental strength. I am committed to championing inclusivity at all levels of our association. Drawing from my experience as a global leader, I understand the importance of creating an environment where every member’s voice is heard and valued. As Vice President, I will ensure that our coaching methods, educational programs, and overall approach are not only cutting-edge but also culturally sensitive and globally relevant. I aim to integrate insights from diverse soccer cultures into the United Soccer Coaches community. I will actively engage with the membership, creating initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. This includes providing resources for coaches to enhance their cultural competence, fostering partnerships with like-minded organizations, and establishing mentorship programs for underrepresented groups in soccer.

Give a detailed example of an event you experienced in a leadership role that you feel describes your leadership style, ability to overcome adversity, how you grew an initiative, or expanded diversity in your company or community.

As the Head Coach of the Under-19 National Iranian Women’s Team, I encountered a defining leadership moment that reflects my style, resilience, and commitment to diversity. This experience not only showcased my ability to overcome adversity but also highlighted my dedication to expanding opportunities for women in soccer, particularly in regions where cultural considerations, such as the wearing of the hijab, had historically posed challenges.

During my tenure, our focus extended beyond developing a competitive team; it aimed to elevate awareness across Asia about women soccer players from Central Asia, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. The wearing of hijab, a cultural norm, had often been a barrier for athletes in the region. Recognizing this, I undertook a multifaceted approach to foster change.

Firstly, I implemented a training program that not only honed the girls’ soccer skills but also integrated the highest level of education knowledge. By emphasizing education alongside athletic prowess, we aimed to empower these young women, preparing them not just for success on the field but also for broader personal and professional achievements.

Our success on the soccer pitch was undeniable. The team, under my guidance, became an Asian powerhouse in women’s soccer. However, the impact extended far beyond the scoreline. The foundation we built in the region had a lasting effect, contributing to increased soccer awareness and raising the level of the sport for women, particularly in the Middle East.

One remarkable outcome of this initiative is evident in the progress of the Iran Women’s National Team. They are now competing at Olympic qualifications, showcasing remarkable performances against formidable opponents like Australia. In a recent match, they demonstrated their skill by narrowly losing 0-2 and securing a victory against the Philippines, a team that participated in the World Cup.

These achievements underscore the enduring legacy of the foundation I helped establish. The players I trained not only excelled on the field but also became ambassadors for change, challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers. The impact has transcended borders, contributing to the broader narrative of women’s soccer in the region. This experience encapsulates my leadership style, characterized by a holistic approach that values education, diversity, and empowerment. It demonstrates my ability to navigate challenges, overcome cultural barriers, and foster lasting positive change. As Vice President on the United Soccer Coaches Board of Directors, I am committed to bringing this same passion and dedication to furthering inclusivity and diversity within our association.

Beverly Biancur
Explain why you feel becoming Vice President of United Soccer Coaches is important to you and briefly detail the first initiative you would like to achieve if given the opportunity once elected to the board: 

I have been a member of the USC (Formerly the NSCAA) for 25 years. over the years I have seen the numbers grow to become more inclusive and international. I believe the USC has done and incredible job offering education and outreach programs to communities regardless of location or financial support.

I believe we need to continue assess the retention of female coaches and identify strategies to improve retention in the coaching profession, including a peer to peer mentorship program. I believe providing information, resources and support to female professional athletes and coaching could improve the retention and continued growth of females aspiring to impact the sport.

In 500 words or less, describe your vision for United Soccer Coaches as it pertains to inclusion and diversity for future members of our association.

The United Soccer Coaches has become a global community model of diversity, equity and inclusion reflecting the acceptance and respect of every coach, athlete and supporter participating and promoting “the beautiful game”. The continuation of growth and awareness within our organization, requires a leadership body to remain united in the commitment to educate, inspire, and empower current and future members . The United Soccer Coaches Association should continue in to provide safe, welcoming environments for all members regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, abilities or socio-economic background in both unity and opportunity . Actively seeking and promoting individuals from underrepresented groups in exposure and experience to the world of soccer, increases the opportunity for positive change in the global community. Celebrating this diverse tapestry of cultures and individuals through events (such as the convention, webinars, etc.), communications and award opportunities within our sport, encourages participation through a sense of value, respect, and belonging, so important in society today. Continued effort should be placed on the implementing policies and initiatives to guarantee equitable opportunities and resource accessibility for coaches and players from any marginalized socio-economic environment to ensure the talent and passion are recognized and cultivated. Finally, the USC leadership should continually assess policies, procedures and programs to identify areas of improvement, gaps in program outreach and ensure organizational response to the changing environment of diversity, equity and inclusion. Financial considerations in the implementation of programs and events focused on diverse populations, should be explored annually in grants, sponsorships and collaboration to ensure a affordable collective outreach and inclusivity of programs and resources. The United soccer Coaches association is not only a advocate for coaching education and coaching but can become a stimulus for positive change in a global soccer community and a model for future world organizations the benefits of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the worldview.

Give a detailed example of an event you experienced in a leadership role that you feel describes your leadership style, ability to overcome adversity, how you grew an initiative, or expanded diversity in your company or community.

In my role as the Women’s Soccer Coach at North Carolina Wesleyan University, I recognized an opportunity to enhance participation within our local community. Our community is considered to be a rural, southern faith-based population content in participation in traditional American sports such as football, baseball and basketball. Traditional parks and recreation programs were filled but soccer programs and participation were constantly on the brink of being eliminated fue to lack of interest. Recognizing the need for an educational and increased exposure to soccer, I developed and led the planning our “Kix Program”. The goal was to bring soccer to the schools and introduce individuals from diverse backgrounds, athletic levels and socio-economic class to the fun, collaborative sport of soccer.

The program was advertised and promoted through the Nash Rocky Mount School Board office. Every Physical Education teacher within the community was given the information to set up a day of soccer at their school. Each instructor to schedule a day of Soccer for their PE classes and our student athletes would bring our equipment and lead the students in fun games in the exploration of the sport of soccer. We focused on skill acquisition with fun reproduceable games welcoming to all no matter their ability or level of previous experience.

The first year we were invited to four elementary classes and one middle school, initially exposing 250 students to the wonderful sport of soccer and how anyone can participate and experience the benefits of learning and sharing the experience as a contributing team member. The “Kix Program” exceeded expectations in the following years. We increased our interactions with elementary , middle and high school to over 600 students per year. The positive experience generated momentum for clinics and camps initiatives within the community. The numbers of participants in the community soccer programs increased and soon there were waiting lists for teams. Our ties with the community through the schools helped to energize the high school and middle school programs as well as Summer soccer camp participation Our University soccer camp grew from 20 participants to excess of 200.

This experience highlighted the importance of proactive program development to continue the introduction and of soccer to schools and communities brings the beauty of the sport to the student and sparks a desire to continue. By acknowledging and addressing the lack of exposure to the sport, we were able to increase participation and our programs identity within our local community.

Lindsay Kauffman
Explain why you feel becoming Vice President of United Soccer Coaches is important to you and briefly detail the first initiative you would like to achieve if given the opportunity once elected to the board: 

It is important to me to be part of this BOD to continue to see women in leadership roles, to continue to support marginalized communities within the soccer communities. I would like to see many more women get coach and referee professional development which means connecting more personally with clubs and associations around the US for them to provide these opportunities. I also want to see more women and women of color not only attending the convention but speaking on panels and coaching field sessions.

In 500 words or less, describe your vision for United Soccer Coaches as it pertains to inclusion and diversity for future members of our association.

I would like to continue to push USC to get more girls and women, particularly women and girls of color coaching and refereeing. This means working on creating ways to get coaching courses, referee courses and mentorship opportunities accessible to more individuals and clubs. This means building relationships with club directors and their boards understand the need and value in this mission. I am also committed to making sure that sports is a safe space for LGBTQ+ players, coaches, referees, and family members. 

Give a detailed example of an event you experienced in a leadership role that you feel describes your leadership style, ability to overcome adversity, how you grew an initiative, or expanded diversity in your company or community.

I have been part of the USC LGBTQ+ advocacy group and several years now we have talked to our coaches, kids and their families about the importance of supporting the LGBTQ+ soccer community. All of our kids get a rainbow or a trans show lace if they want to show their support. Since we began this we have continued to attract LGBTQ+ coaches and families to our club as we are a safe space. We also hosted a trans athletes game which was so incredibly beautiful. This past year we hosted a youth and an adult trans soccer games on Pride weekend and it was an amazing turnout and folks were so happy to play and meet others and see a trans soccer community + allies. I got SF Rec and Park, the local youth soccer league, and The Spikes to sponsor the event.

About the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for determining the association’s mission and purpose, ensuring effective organizational planning, providing financial oversight, and determining and monitoring United Soccer Coaches programming. Candidates should possess strong leadership and communication skills, the willingness to think critically and share ideas, a passion for serving the association, as well as, qualities, skills, and attributes that strengthen the diversity of the Board of Directors. Candidates must be a current member of the association. The Vice President will serve for four consecutive years, followed by one-year terms as President and Immediate Past President (in total, 6 years of service).

Board members are expected to attend meetings regularly and contribute to the strategic mission of United Soccer Coaches. The role of a Board Member can vary depending on committee service and current tasks of the board, however, members can expect to participate in monthly phone calls, weekly/monthly tasks, and other official business of the Board of Directors. View our Board of Director Members.

All questions regarding the nomination process can be directed to elections@unitedsoccercoaches.org.