About the Author
Sarah Karlik
I have lived and played soccer in five different countries and eight different states in the USA.
I have led the young female soccer players on my teams, mentored them on and off the field, and observed how important it is for young girls to have a positive role model.
As my career as an international soccer player is coming to an end, I have realized that I have a lot to offer the next generation of [female] soccer players. Accordingly, I have begun to progressively move into leadership and coaching roles so that I can give back to the next generation of young [female] soccer players.
Most notably, I have completed a research project which identified the challenges and barriers to entry that women face in coaching. The participants of the study were female soccer coaches of NCAA Division I women's soccer teams.
In the last few years of my playing career, I have become keenly interested in the constructs of Culture and Leadership and the intersection of those two constructs. All too often I have observed toxic soccer environments that have negatively impacted individuals, participation rates, and team performance. As an emerging female leader, researcher, and coach, my goal is to make a significant and positive difference in the soccer community, particularly in women’s soccer.
In my blog, I will report on my current professional soccer experiences and share my journey to becoming a good [soccer] coach. My experiences as a professional soccer player go hand in hand with my coaching journey and therefore I will integrate my experiences as a player with my experiences as a coach.
For further information about me, please contact me by clicking on the "contact" button below.