Coaches – West Sound Soccer Academy

After playing soccer at the University of San Francisco and earning her Master’s in Teaching, Katie combined her love of playing and teaching into a love of coaching. She is a co-founder of West Sound Soccer Academy and has coached at the camp, select, and high school levels including the past six years as the Head of the Bainbridge High School Girls Soccer Program and Varsity Coach. She has worked as a high school English Teacher, as a Preschool Director, and as the Attendance and Athletics Clerk at Woodward Middle School.

United Soccer Coaches 7v7/9v9 Diploma
United Soccer Coaches 11v11 Diploma
SafeSport Trained Core certified
United States Soccer Federation D license
United Soccer Coaches Director of Coaching Diploma

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“Growing up playing at a girls’ soccer club in Southern California was foundational in teaching me the concepts of leadership, confidence, and hard work– three values that I carry with me today. Female-identifying athletes deserve to play and learn in an environment that is tailored to meet their individual needs, and I am excited for the opportunity to help build a program like West Sound Soccer Academy.” — Katie

Allison Spiceland

Allison grew up playing youth and high school soccer on Bainbridge Island and is now a proud mother of two soccer players. A licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), she has a BA and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Seattle University and works for Seattle-based mental health agency Joon Care, providing therapy to adolescents and young adults. Allison has also received training in MIndful Self-Compassion and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Teens (MBSR-T).

She is a member of TAP (thetrueathleteproject.org) and is currently pursuing a Certificate in Sports Psychology for Athlete Development through Barcelona FC’s educational program, Barca Innovation Hub, as well as a Level 1 Training in Teaching Yoga and Mindfulness to Children and Teens through Little Flower Yoga. Allison is a lifelong athlete, and she believes sports can change lives and communities.

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“I believe that West Sound Soccer Academy provides the type of positive environment that helps female athletes thrive on and off the field. I am excited to be part of an organization that values and tends to the full- mental, emotional, and physical- health of their athletes.” — Allison

Holly Christy

Holly played at two NCAA Division I schools (Santa Clara U. ’90 & ‘91 and U. Of Wisconsin-Madison ’92 &’93) before playing as a professional in Sweden for Umea IK, where a fractured leg ended her soccer career and started her medical career. While playing in college, Holly coached for several different summer camps, and attained her USSF D license. Holly also played for and then later was the assistant coach for the Washington Women’s State team. In her coaching career, she has coached goalkeepers at the professional, college and select levels.

It was her experience with soccer and many injuries that led Holly to pursue a career in medicine. As a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist since 2000, Holly has worked with athletes ranging in age from junior high school up to the college and professional level. She is a lead instructor for the Jones Institute and the Counterstrain Academy and has pursued research in Counterstrain for the non-profit she started in 2017. Holly has a passion for working with athletes to strengthen their body terrain and to understand their bodies well enough to know when to seek help.

United Soccer Coaches Foundations of Coaching Level 1 Diploma
United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeping Level 1

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“I want young female athletes to thrive in an environment meant to uniquely support and celebrate them as they develop. If they learn to play and also cultivate their own wellness in an empowered community, it will carry with them throughout their lives, not just their soccer career. My best coaches were women and they played a critical role in who I am today. In fact, I learned more from my favorite coach than any instructor, professor, or teacher I had in college or medical school. She inspired me to work hard, make mistakes and learn from them, and to laugh at myself. I felt she truly cared. I hope I can provide the same support to the athletes at West Sound Soccer Academy.” — Holly

Lexi Crowell

A co-founder of West Sound Soccer Academy, Lexi played competitive soccer for 10+ years before finishing out her college career at Northwestern College. While at Northwestern, Lexi earned a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education. When Lexi isn’t coaching soccer, you can find her in her classroom as a special needs education teacher. It was teaching and her love of the game that led her to pursue coaching more seriously.

United Soccer Coaches Foundations of Coaching Diploma
United Soccer Coaches 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11 Diplomas
SafeSport Trained Core certified

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“West Sound Soccer Academy puts women coaches and players first. It is with this piece of advocacy, that I am excited to go on this endeavor. Advocacy is at the core of who I am and who I wish everyone to become. An advocate, for those whose voice may carry less, let us carry more. By using soccer as a tool and guide, I hope to raise the next generation of women to have voices that shake rooms and break glass ceilings.” — Lexi

Mark Drovdahl

A co-founder of West Sound Soccer Academy, Mark played soccer at Seattle Pacific University and worked with youth of all ages as a program director at both Northwest Soccer Camp and at America SCORES Seattle, an afterschool program for Title I elementary schools. He has previously coached girls soccer at Bainbridge High School and both boys and girls soccer with Bainbridge Island Football Club (BIFC). Alongside coaching, Mark works at Automattic, Inc as a Director of Operations.

United Soccer Coaches 7v7/9v9 Diploma
United Soccer Coaches National Diploma
SafeSport Trained Core certified

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“The benefits for girls participating in youth sports are well known and yet by age 14, girls drop out of sports at a rate twice that of boys (learn more). I’m excited to coach with an organization that was designed from the ground up to change that equation.” — Mark

Megan Keaty

Megan played soccer for 3 years at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. During the summer months of her college career she coached and directed soccer camps for Skyhawk’s Sports Academy. She is very excited to get back into coaching with West Sound Soccer Academy!

United Soccer Coaches 7v7/9v9 Diploma (in process)

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“I strongly believe that my personal and professional success is in large part due to being involved with soccer from a young age. The lessons I have learned and the experiences I’ve had both on and off the field have shaped the person I am today. I am very passionate about women’s sports, soccer in particular, and I am looking forward to helping our athletes develop their skills in a fun, safe and equitable environment.” — Megan

Kayla Lightfoot

Kayla grew up playing soccer in Northern Minnesota. She went on to play soccer for the University of Minnesota and the University of North Dakota. Kayla has coached every age range possible over the past 20 years from U6s to collegiately. She most recently served as an assistant coach for the University of Puget Sound Women’s Soccer team. Kayla has 3 daughters and a step-daughter who keep her on her toes all day long! Kayla holds a Masters Degree in Public Health and works for Charlie Health, expanding access to mental health services for teens and young adults across the country. She is also a board member for the Bainbridge Island Water Polo Club.

United States Soccer Federation 11v11, 9v9, 7v7, and 4v4 Diplomas
United States Soccer Federation D License
United State Soccer Federation Foundations of Coaching Diploma
Safe Sport Trained & Safe Soccer Certified

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“As a former female athlete, woman and as a mom of daughters, I want to ensure that every girl has the chance to pursue their passions on and off the field. I was so lucky to play for supportive coaches during my time as an athlete to truly not only shape me as a soccer player, but most importantly as a positive teammate, friend and person. Finding a club with a clear mission and vision like WSSA is rare. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the dedicated coaching staff and families of West Sound Soccer Academy. ” — Kayla

Svetlana Maguire

Svetlana played for BIFC from 2010-2015 and then played for Kitsap Alliance in 2016. She finished off her high school career playing for Washington Premier FC, as well as four years of varsity soccer at Bainbridge High School. She was then an assistant coach for BHS from 2020-2023.

United Soccer Coaches Foundations of Coaching Diploma (in process)

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“I came to the United States when I was 9 years old. My siblings and I were adopted from Ukraine and spoke no English. The field was a place where I didn’t need to know the language to play. It was an outlet for my energy and gave me confidence to navigate a new culture. I want to provide a safe space for female-identifying people to grow as players, where it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.” — Sveta

Shane Miramontez

As a lifelong sports enthusiast, Shane has been playing soccer since she was 5 years old. She is thrilled that her two young children also seem to enjoy the sport (so far!). Shane spent the past year volunteering with both high school and elementary aged soccer teams and is excited to join the West Sound coaching staff. She has worked with young children with disabilities for over twenty years and is currently an Inclusion Specialist with the University of Washington as well as a board member at Stephen’s House/Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation.

United Soccer Coaches Foundations of Coaching Diploma (in process)
United Soccer Coaches 7v7/9v9 Diploma (in process)

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“Coaching soccer for West Sound Soccer Academy offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a female-run organization dedicated to empowering young women through sports. As a coach, I look forward to supporting a future generation of female athletes, fostering not only their ball skills, but more importantly their confidence, commitment, and leadership abilities both on and off the field. With a focus on inclusivity and intentionality, West Sound Soccer Academy provides a supportive environment where girls can thrive and develop a lifelong love for the game.” — Shane

Kelly Crane

Kelly grew up playing competitive soccer for premier clubs for 11+ years. She was accepted to play division 1 soccer at Washington State University before career end injury from several knee reconstruction operations. Kelly has coached a wide range of ages from 4-17 for Kitsap Alliance and BIFC. Kelly is a mom to three kids and is a small business owner on Bainbridge Island for the past 10 years.

United Soccer Coaches 7v7, 9v9 diploma
USSF Grassroots 9v9, 11v11
Working towards National Diploma

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“Growing up playing soccer for only male coaches who didn’t always have my best interests but an aggressive and win only approach made me hope to be a coach one day for young athletes and my kids, to give them a nurturing, positive, encouraging, up beat and creative foundation for on an off the pitch. When WSSA was created, I knew I wanted to be apart of what they were doing for the current and future generations as a female led club that builds these girls up for success and for the little girl in all of us woman, who needed a club like this.” — Kelly

Eliza Jurcak

Eliza is currently a high school student at Bainbridge High School, playing for the Varsity team in the fall, and for the 2009 West Sound Soccer Academy team during club season. She has loved playing soccer ever since she was little, and is excited to share that joy with upcoming soccer stars.

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“I coach with West Sound Soccer Academy in hopes to inspire younger players and show them what a fun sport soccer can be. The empowerment of the Academy’s womanly community pushes me to assist young female athletes to find interest in sports in general, and to chase their dreams! I want girls to know that whatever they put their mind to, they can do.”

— Eliza

Daphne Jackson

Daphne is a Bainbridge High School student and a soccer player. She has been playing soccer since she was 5 years old and started playing select soccer at age 8. She is now a player on the West Sound Soccer Academy 2009 team and BHS Varsity team, as well as an assistant coach for the Junior Academy Integrity team. In her spare time, Daphne likes to swim in the Puget Sound, hang out with friends and her sister, and dance.

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“I chose to coach for West Sound Soccer because I wanted to be apart of helping the next generation become the best people and players they can be! I also wanted to be a part of the growing community of West Sound Soccer to support all young women in sports.”

— Daphne

Christa Hinchcliffe

Soccer has been a lifelong passion for me, beginning at age six with my first team—the Teddy Bears—and continuing through competitive youth leagues, high school, and college. I had the opportunity to play one year at collegiate level for Evergreen State College (go Geoducks!) in the NAIA, before a career-ending knee injury brought my time on the field to a close.

Off the field, I work as a naturopathic doctor, and in my free time I enjoy getting stronger in the gym, watching the Reign and the USWNT, and spending quality time with family and friends. I’ve also had the joy of coaching my daughter’s soccer team for two seasons during her rec league years.

I’m excited to be part of West Sound Soccer Academy—and especially thrilled to be co-coaching with my daughter, Eliza.

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“I coach with WSSA because they combine a high level of play with fun. The program challenges these girls to become the best soccer players they can while also encouraging teamwork, and leadership. WSSA puts the girls first, prioritizing not only their physical health but also their mental health. WSSA gives me the opportunity to be help these girls reach their fullest potential on the pitch and in life.”

— Christa

Maggie Dunstan

A high school junior, Maggie has played select soccer for 10 years, for the girls BHS team for 3 years, and as an assistant coach for the past two years.

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

— Maggie

Rachel Samuelian

Rachel is a co-founder of West Sound Soccer Academy, played soccer at Union College in New York and began coaching girls soccer teams in 2020. Sports were a critical part of her identity and confidence as a young girl and she believes strongly in the power of sport to help girls move through the often turbulent teenage years with higher self-esteem and decreased anxiety. She is the Director of Communications & Marketing at IslandWood.

Why coach with West Sound Soccer Academy?

“I believe that sports provide a powerful opportunity for girls to build confidence, mental and physical strength, resilience, and a sense of belonging and identity they can lean on throughout their lives. I’m excited to be part of an organization that recognizes that girl athletes need and deserve experiences that were created not only for them to participate, but for them to thrive.”

— Rachel