Name: Lettie Lundy
Sport: Assistant Soccer Coach
What inspired you to become a coach, and who were your role models along the way?
Soccer has always been a big part of my life. My dad was a college men's soccer coach for 46 years, so I grew up around the game and around coaches who were incredible role models. Despite coaching on the men's side, many of them were strong advocates for women's soccer, emphasizing the importance of supporting the sport and creating opportunities for female players.
My dad is the hardest worker I've ever known, and he always focused on helping his players become not only better soccer players but better people. Growing up, he created an environment where my teammates and I were pushed to compete at a high level. We often trained with boys, but we were always supported and included, which helped build our confidence.
Another person who had a big impact on me is Troy Lesesne, both as a coach when I was a player and as a great role model in the coaching world. Watching Troy take his career to the professional level on the men's side and intentionally include women on his coaching staffs showed me how important it is to value and empower women in coaching. Leaders who create those opportunities can have a profound impact on the next generation of female coaches.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped your coaching philosophy?
One of the biggest reasons I wanted to become a coach was because of the coaches who believed in me growing up. As a teenager, one coach in particular, Hope Walters, completely changed my confidence as a player.
She showed me how important it is to build trust with players and truly believe in them. When players know their coach believes in them, it allows them to take risks, play freely, and grow.
That experience shaped my coaching philosophy. Coaching isn't just about tactics or results, it's about creating an environment where players feel confident, valued, and motivated to reach their potential.
How has coaching changed your perspective of women in sports?
Coaching has reinforced just how driven and capable female athletes are when they are supported and given opportunities to grow and succeed. While women's sports continue to gain visibility, it remains important for young girls to see women in leadership roles in athletics. Being in that position has made me even more passionate about representation and about helping the next generation of athletes believe in what they can achieve.
What advice would you give women aspiring to pursue a career in coaching or athletics?
Don't doubt that you belong in those spaces. If you're passionate about sports and leadership, go after it with confidence!
Keep learning, surround yourself with mentors, and don't be afraid to step into leadership roles. The more women who pursue those opportunities, the stronger the future of athletics will be.
What does Women's History Month mean to you personally?
Women's History Month is a time to recognize the women who have paved the way in sports and leadership and to celebrate the progress that has been made. I've been fortunate to grow up surrounded by fearless and courageous women who have inspired and supported me along the way, and this month is a chance to reflect on the impact they've had on my life.
It's also a reminder of how important representation is. When young girls see women coaching, leading teams, and succeeding in sports, it helps them believe those opportunities are possible for them too. Seeing that representation growing is something that continues to motivate me in the work that I do.
