H.E.R. Coaching Scholarship Spotlight | Paula Jurewicz

RICHMOND, VA (May 3, 2017) – As part of the Amazing Young Women^TM campaign, the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) developed the H.E.R. Coaching Scholarship Program to encourage top female players to enter the coaching profession, and to help the next generation of coaches and leaders continue to raise the bar in youth soccer. The ECNL selected the first scholarship recipients in 2015, and has continued the successful program for three years.

The 2017 scholarship recipients included twelve women from across the country that were chosen from a deep pool of talented applicants to continue their coaching development and receive a scholarship to pursue a USSF “D” or “E” coaching license. The ECNL launched this program specifically for ECNL Alumni and aspiring female coaches.

Paula Jurewicz is currently an assistant coach with the Temple University’s Women’s Soccer program as well as a youth coach for the Continental FC ECNL U18/U19 Composite team, current member club based in Pennsylvania. Jurewicz is an ECNL Alum, having played for FC Bucks in her youth career from 2010 to 2012 before continuing her soccer career at Temple University. She is currently working towards acquiring her USSF “D” coaching license.

“I want to coach because so many of my coaches growing up have taught me life lessons outside of the game. I want to inspire players and make a lasting impression on their lives, by pushing them to be better soccer players and people,” Jurewicz said about aspiring to be a soccer coach. “Soccer has a way of bringing people together unlike any other sport. I met my closest friends through the beautiful game, and continue to meet fascinating colleagues.”

The ECNL caught up with Jurewicz to learn more about the coaching education course she has attended, her aspirations and some fun get-to-know questions.

Why did you become a soccer coach?
I was presented with an opportunity to coach at the collegiate level and decided to take my love and passion for the game as a player to the coaching side. I thought about how many influential coaches I had throughout my soccer journey, and aspired to be that for others.

What are your coaching aspirations and goals?
My biggest goal as a young female coach is to make a difference. I want to give back to young female players and help them chase their dreams. I want these young women to love training each session, with the unwavering motivation to get better each day. One of the biggest goals I have is to teach female athletes that failing is part of the journey. Learn from mistakes and use them as fuel to perfect your craft and enjoy every moment.

Describe the USSF “D” Coaching Course you took this past summer and what did you like about the course?
The USSF D coaching course has been the most informational so far. I received great feedback from instructors and learned valuable information from other student coaches. The best part of this course was definitely the networking and connections I made throughout the weekend.

How has taking this course affected your coaching career/outlook?
This course taught me how to properly plan my sessions, learning how to adapt to variables and changes at a moments notice.  I truly value the knowledge shared from the veteran instructors and coaches in attendance.

How has the ECNL impacted you?
The ECNL has opened my eyes to opportunity, and how many options are out there for young females.  It is an organization that directly aligns with my motives and aspirations, making young females better and giving them the best opportunities to compete at the highest level. One of the reasons the ECNL is so great today is because it gives players an idea of what the college level will be like with the elite level of competition being played at the youth level. I can see a significant difference in players who have played at the ECNL level, versus players who have not.  The ECNL has been a great opportunity for young females to be exposed to top-notch collegiate programs. It has been an open gate of success for many young females who want to pursue their dreams of playing college soccer.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
In 5 years I would like to be a head women’s soccer coach at the collegiate level.

Define “Success”:
Success is something accomplished with hard work, resilience and dedication.

If you could have one super-power, what would you chose and why?
To fly because I hate sitting in traffic! 

Snapchat or Facebook?
Snapchat! 

What is one thing most people do not know about you?
I’m one of 5 (and middle child syndrome does exist!).

What is your favorite emoji?

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Italy.

What is your favorite month of the year and why?
September (aside from my birthday) because it is the transition between summer and fall when the weather starts to change and fall is my favorite season. I love when it starts to become sweatshirt weather, bonfires, s’mores, and of course soccer season!

What is your guilty pleasure?
Ice cream, I could eat it for every meal of the day.

Who is your favorite person/organization to follow on Twitter?
Chrissy Teigen!

Paula, thank you for sharing your story and following your dreams. You are an Amazing Young Woman, and we look forward to following you as you continue along your coaching path and help pave the way for future H.E.R. Coaching Scholarship recipients.

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About Amazing Young Women^TM:  Launched by the ECNL, the Amazing Young Women is a dynamic platform of online and local market activations that showcase and celebrate female role models offering an aspirational focus for all female athletes and teens as they prepare to be our next generation of leaders.  The ECNL is calling on all of the nation’s women to join the movement to celebrate the endless potential of today’s girls.

Women of all ages can share their personal moments of inspiration through social media and at www.AmazingYoungWomen.com.  Every share and submission helps drive a movement that celebrates the power of what it is to be a girl today.

Amazing Young Women of the ECNL will be showcased at AmazingYoungWomen.com. Through testimonials, tips and tools, the website is providing all girls to view, share, and celebrate what it is to be motivated, strong, and successful.

About Elite Clubs National League:  The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) was founded in 2009 to enhance the developmental experience of female youth soccer players in the United States through: (i) improving the competitive environment through creation of a true national competitive league; (ii) improving the process for identifying elite female soccer players through a systematic scouting and identification program based on national competitions; and (iii) improving the daily training environment at top female youth soccer clubs through developing best practices and training and organizational guidelines for its member clubs. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and is sponsored by Nike Soccer.

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