See it to Be It

By Aubrey McLin

From the first moment I stepped onto the soccer field at just three and a half years old, an undeniable excitement surged through me as well as a thrill of curiosity and pure joy. There was an enchanting quality to that rectangular stretch of grass, it was love at first sight. My parents couldn't keep me off the field and, as a result, I became known as "All Day Aubrey”, always the last to leave. It became evident from an early age that my rightful place was on the pitch.

Thirteen years as a player and lifelong student of the game, soccer has changed my life in more ways than I can count. What started out as a thrill has turned into my safe haven. I didn't have much of childhood; I learned to grow up fast and make life-altering decisions regarding my own health at only age six. But I could always find my way back to the pitch, where I felt not just normal but alive.

Every training session I became a sponge, soaking up knowledge from coaches, trainers, and other players. I don't just play; I analyze and watch games, keeping notes on aspects of the game. Soccer excites and captivates me from every angle. Gradually, my interests began to extend beyond playing, as the coaching side of the game captivates me equally. For the last few years, I have closely observed my coaches, each with slightly different styles, highlighting their own techniques in how they bond with players and motivate them, keeping everyone focused on the bigger picture of a season; the long-term goals. A true understanding of how intentional the design of each training session and the strategies they use to help the players. 

I've been in numerous different environments as a player myself in order to develop not just as a player but also to enhance my knowledge of the coach. From ID camp, club or school training sessions, to high-level programs-ECRL, ECNL, WPSL, USL, ODP, PDP-I've picked up on a lot of clues. I notice how coaches communicate their expectations, the language they use, examples they give, and which player movements are emphasized. Each experience has allowed me to develop a greater understanding of coaching methods and player development.

One of my favorite examples came from an ID camp where a coach asked us how we ride a bike. Most of us could relate, so it made for the perfect visual analogy that was understandable to all.

The coach noted that while riding, you don't stare at your handlebars or the bike; you keep your eyes down the road for impending obstacles and tailor your movements accordingly. A player doesn't look strictly at the ball or right in front of themselves. Instead, they look down the field for open teammates and make predictions and decisions based on incoming scenarios.

When he said this, it was a true lightbulb moment for me. This type of thing really gets me excited about the coach-player link.  I want to instill a love for the sport in others, the same way it has been instilled in me by my coaches. I also want to develop players to grow not only as athletes but also as individuals. My passion will also center on the mental aspect of the game, an often-neglected but pivotal portion of success. I want to ensure that this element remains part of my coaching philosophy. 

Another big turning point in not only wanting to coach but to coach at a high level was when I saw Coach, a documentary about Tracy Hamm Joyer's journey to completing her UEFA A coaching license. It made me want to be a female coach at the highest levels following in the footsteps of Tracy Hamm Joyer, Emma Hayes, Margueritte Aozasa, just to name a few. 

Her story, combined with the influence of a coach I've worked with for years, reinforced the power of role models. As Courtney Levinsohn, founder of Women in Soccer, describes it, "See it to be it." The impact of seeing women in leadership roles is undeniable. My club coach first planted the seed, but Tracy Hamm Joyer was the first woman who truly made me excited to embark on my coaching journey. Her passion and excellence on the pitch made one thing clear, this is where I belong, playing, coaching, and growing.

I've watched Tracy closely, at identification camps as a participant, from the sidelines at UC Davis women's soccer matches, and even as an opponent in the GGWSL. I also have WPSL teammates who have been coached by her. And whether you're being coached by her, watching her work, or playing against her, her understanding of the game is unmatched. Her intelligence, passion, and ability to bring out the best in her players inspires me.

This is my see it to be it moment. This is my future in soccer.

I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have worked with two other female coaches, one of whom just earned her B License. Their journeys inspire me even more, fueling my commitment to putting in the work and preparing for the next steps in my own coaching path.

As Courtney Levinsohn highlighted, seeing women in power and leadership roles has had its effect on the game. Building that momentum is key and ensuring equitable attention, coverage, and opportunities for women in soccer alongside men going forward.

With my Grassroots License completed, next stop: Coach D License and beyond.