SCOTT MCDONIEL

Upon finishing his United Soccer Coaches Master Coach and Leadership Diploma, Scott began tackling the discrepancy between the number of male and female coaches within the SLSG girls program.  But throughout the process he learned the girls in the club also wanted to study more about leadership as well as “give back” to the club in different ways.  This is how the Women’s Leadership Initiative “pillars of participation” were developed;  Coaching Education and Development Program, Leaders in Action Guest Speaker Series, If she can See it she can Be it Role Model Program, and The SLSG Juniors Give Back Program.  Scott has developed a passion for learning about the art of leadership and knows this program can have an unlimited positive influence on the girls of SLSG.  “My wish is that this program is inclusive and impactful across all ages and levels within the club and is just another way for girls to learn life lessons through sport and enjoy their experience while members of SLSG.”

LAUREN NUELLE

Lauren, a full time SLSG Staff member, Assistant Juniors Program Director, and ECNL RL coach, is the direct link between the Women’s Leadership Program and the SLSG Juniors Give Back Program.  The SLSG Juniors Give Back Program is the creation of Juniors Director Matt Stichling, who has seen thousands of SLSG players get their first kicks in soccer in his program.  He and Lauren now provide a way for players of SLSG to do service hours required for school or earn some spending money all the while influencing the youngest of SLSG’s members. 

JULIE KING

Former National Women’s Soccer League Professional and now SLSG Staff member, Julie knows a little about leadership.  After captaining the University of Auburn her Senior year in college, Julie went on to become the backbone and captain of the now defunct Boston Breakers of the NWSL.  Julie has been a guest speaker for the Women’s Leadership Initiative twice in the past two years and knew immediately once joining the staff that she would need to play a part in the success of this program.  Julie continues to give monthly advice through guest speaking inside the club for multiple ages and levels and contributes to the Women’s Leadership Video Series.

KELSEY DINGES

Kelsey, a full time staff member and long time ECNL coach with SLSG, has been a participant in the Women’s Leadership Initiative for the past year.  Kelsey has found the guest speakers to be enlightening and feels they are important to the development of the people / players of SLSG.  “Guests such as Erin Tait, shared incredible leadership advice to the young people on the call.  She instilled confidence in our current players/leaders to express their feelings, insights, and passions and I think that is really important.  I hope I can help instill the same confidence in the participants of the Women’s Leadership Initiative through speaking and contributing to the Video Series.”

MAGGIE RICHARD

SLSG’s MO ECNL Regional League Director, Maggie Richard, has been a participant in the Women’s Leadership Initiative for the past two years and is a firm believer in the program.  “The Coaching Education and Development Program was instrumental in my advancement as a coach and director at SLSG.  I believe that all new coaches, regardless of gender, should participate in this course because it can help to establish your identity as a coach which is infinitely beneficial.”

KINDRA LIERZ

Kindra Lierz, former SLSG player and Division 1 standout GK at SEMO, is now ECNL Goalkeeping Coach, is the Women's Leadership's newest member.  Kindra will be contributing to the Video Series and working with Julie King and Kelsey Dinges in promoting and hosting the Guest Speaker Series.

SYDNEY STEPHENS

Sydney Stephens, an original member of the pilot phase of the Women’s Leadership Initiative has been a participant for the past three years.  Sydney has an incredible passion for the club and hopes to one day be a coach and leadership coach.  Also a participant in the Julie Foudy Leadership Program, Sydney, a University of Illinois student/player, will be contributing insights in 2021/22 through the Women’s Leadership Initiative Blog.