H.E.R. Coaching Scholarship Spotlight | Maggie Everett

RICHMOND, VA (June 29, 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.

Maggie Everett is a student-athlete at Gardner-Webb University and currently coaches the U8/U9 Greater Cleveland County Soccer Association (GCCSA) Cobras girls team. Everett is an ECNL Alum, who played for Internationals SC in her youth career from 2012 to 2015 before continuing her soccer career at the collegiate level at Gardner-Webb University. She recently completed the USSF “E” coaching course, and looks forward to pursue additional coaching education opportunities.

“I want to infuse the same love of the game and fundamentals that my coaches gave me over the years. Soccer has propelled me through some incredibly tough times in my life, lifting me up when I needed it the most. When I stepped onto the pitch, all of my stress and hardships seemed to disappear,” Everett said about her aspiration to become a soccer coach. “When I coach my team, I see the joy in their eyes, and it takes me back to my childhood. I want to inspire others and help them live their dream.  Hard work pays off if you truly believe in your life mission. If anything, I want to echo these four important values every time I take the field: drive, character, persistence and integrity. This is the foundation that will allow the next generation to prepare for the next chapter in life, wherever the road may lead them.”

The ECNL caught up with Everett to learn more about her coaching ambitions and some fun get-to-know questions. 

Why did you become a soccer coach?

In 2016, I had two major surgeries: a meniscus repair for a hypermobile meniscus rupture and a tumor removed from my femur in July. Both injuries sidelined me from playing my sophomore season, which included a grueling 16 months without soccer. The opportunity to coach was presented to me and I was immediately drawn to this new adventure. Entering the coaching realm, helped turn one of the hardest moments in my life into one of the most rewarding and fulfilling. It gave me a fresh approach on how I come to play each day. I am finally cleared to play again, but I haven’t stopped coaching and honestly don’t believe I ever will.

Describe the Coaching Course you took this past summer: 

I took the “E” Course in Pineville, North Carolina. It was a three-day course, with both classroom time and actual outdoor sessions, where I learned how to prepare a practice plan using the Digital Coaching Center (DCC).  I presented my session on the field both Saturday and Sunday, where I was evaluated and critiqued by peers and staff. It was a great experience, and one that I will truly remember.

What did you like about the course?

I enjoyed working with the course instructors and fellow registrants, growing my pool of coaching resources even more.  It was fun and high energy, but also constructive at the same time.

How has taking this course effected your coaching career/outlook?

Learning to utilize the planning tools in the DCC has already helped. I finished the course on a Sunday, and the following night I made a practice plan on the DCC for my individual sessions that night, and it was unbelievable how prepared I felt.  It gives me confidence and a more professional outlook going into each session.

How has the ECNL influenced you?

The ECNL gave me an opportunity to play with, and against, the best of the best. It prepared me for college in more ways than one. It prepared me for long bus rides, staying on top of homework, being away from family, preparing myself for games effectively and fueling myself efficiently. To this day, I would give anything to go back and play alongside my Internationals teammates in an ECNL game just one more time. I believe I will always look back at my time in the ECNL and remember it as one of the most challenging, yet enjoyable times of my life.

Q&A

If you could have one super-power, what would you chose and why?

I would choose to be able to teleport as my superpower. It would really help make that 9 hour drive from GWU to my home in Ohio a lot faster, or my hour and a half drive to WPSL practice not as long.

Snapchat or Facebook?

Snapchat. As a Communications student, I love photography, so Snapchat and Instagram are my favorite social media outlets.

What is one thing most people do not know about you? 

I tutored inmates in math at the local jail over the summer, so that they could get their General Education Diploma (GED). It really broadened my experiences with a different demographic group. Another fun fact is that I almost competed in “The Voice” in the summer of 2014, but couldn’t because my team made it to the ECNL Finals in Richmond when I was supposed to try-out.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself accomplishing a few things.  First I will obtain a Master’s Degree and work as a Public Relations Director for a company whose products I am passionate about. I also hope to continue coaching club soccer and have a family down the road.

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

If I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to Grand Teton National Park. It is crazy beautiful there and is a must see. I would highly recommend everyone to edit their bucket lists right this second and add it!  You will not be disappointed.

Define “Success”: 

I personally define success by the people I impact. I try to live my life in a way that serves and invests in others. I believe we would all be stronger and closer to living our true individual purpose if more people defined success through giving.

What is your favorite month of the year and why?

I love December, because it has my birthday, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve all in one. It also means winter break, gingerbread houses, snow, Christmas carols, hot chocolate, twinkle lights and Christmas trees.

If you could tell your 12-year-old self one thing, what would it be?

Never give up on your dream. Everything you are going through now will pay off down the road. Standing up for what is right is not always the easy thing to do, but sometimes it is needed. Appreciate all of the sacrifices your parents have made, and tell them how grateful you are more often. Never settle for good enough, never get complacent, because someone, somewhere out there is working twice as hard as you. Lastly, God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I absolutely love chips and queso & salsa. We have a Mexican restaurant near our campus and a bunch of us order chips and queso to go when we have to study late.

Maggie, thank you for sharing your story and pursuing your dreams. You are an Amazing Young Woman, and we look forward to following you as you continue along your coaching path. You are helping 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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