LeadHer exists to amplify women leading the game and to highlight the pathways girls and women can take in the game. This month, we’re highlighting moments that did exactly that.
Educational Resources:
Explore new tools and insights through our resource hub featuring leadership tips, coaching content, and highlights from across the women’s game to support your growth on and off the field.
Community and Networking:
From virtual meetups to in-person events, we’re creating space for women to connect, collaborate, and elevate each other in the game.
Leadership and Growth:
Whether it’s coaching at the pro level or mentoring the next generation, we’re spotlighting the journeys that show what’s possible and helping you take your next step forward.
Empowerment:
LeadHER is all about building confidence, visibility, and opportunity Together, we’re changing the game — one coach, one story, one connection at a time.
UNITED SOCCER COACHES CONVENTION
PHILADELPHIA - JANUARY 2026
WOMEN LEADING THE GAME
The United Soccer Coaches Convention returned to Philadelphia in January, and one thing stood out: women were visible, leading, and shaping conversations across the game
From field sessions to panels on leadership, high-performance environments, and the female athlete, social networking events, the convention reinforced why these spaces matter.
Whether you attended or followed along from afar, let this be a reminder to:
Seek out women-led learning spaces
Build connections beyond your immediate circle
Continue investing in your growth as a coach and leader
ICYMI: LEADHER VIDEO SERIES
LeadHER
We’ve been hosting meaningful conversations with women in the game, check out our latest episodes here: LeadHER Playlist
Stay tuned a brand new video drops later this month!
EPISODES RECAP:
Episode 1: Shelley Kerr
Former Scotland Women’s National Team Head Coach and current Technical Development Manager at Heart of Midlothian F C in the Scottish Men's Premiership
Shelley shares her coaching journey, experiences at the highest levels of the game, and more!
Photo:GinaLewandowski
Episode 2: Gina Lewandowski
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and ODP alum, former professional player with Bayern Munich and Gotham FC, and current assistant coach at Notre Dame University
Gina shares her path from collegiate athlete to international pro, and now to coaching the next generation.
Episode 3: Katelyn Greenawalt
Sports Scientist at FC Dallas and USSF C License holder.
Katelyn shares her journey into the world of sports science, what it’s like working with elite athletes in Major League Soccer, and her advice for those looking to break into the field.
PLAYER PATHWAY SPOTLIGHT |
USYS ODP INTERREGIONAL EVENT
EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA REPRESENTED AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL
In January, 15 players represented Eastern Pennsylvania ODP at the US Youth Soccer ODP Interregional Event in Florida, competing against top players from across the country.
We’re proud of these players and grateful for the coaches and families who continue to support their development on and off the field
GET TO KNOW LANCASTER INFERNO HEAD COACH: STEPHANIE CLEAVES
This month’s LeadHer feature spotlights Steph Cleaves, Head Coach of the Lancaster Inferno, a USL-W pre-professional team committed to player development and opportunity.
Pre-professional environments like USL-W play a critical role in bridging the gap — and women leaders like Steph are helping shape what that pathway looks like.
Current Role: Head Coach at Lancaster Inferno
Coaching Experience: U S Soccer B License, Pro-Am Level (8 years), Collegiate Level (6 years), ODP Level (5 years), High School Level (1 year), Youth Club Level (10+ years)
USL W League Coach of the Year (2024), UWS East Conference Coach of the Year (2023)
What Does Being a Woman Coaching at the Pre-Professional Level Mean to You?: Coaching at the pre-professional level as a woman is both an honor and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly Representation matters — not just for the players, but for the young girls watching from the stands who are imagining what’s possible for themselves. Even now, I’m sometimes mistaken for an assistant when meeting officials or opponents before matches. Moments like that are reminders that there’s still work to be done and exactly why it’s so important for women to be visible, confident leaders in these spaces as we continue to push the game forward.
GET TO KNOW LANCASTER INFERNO OF THE USL-W HEAD COACH: STEPHANIE CLEAVES
What Do You Value Most In Your Players Beyond Talent?: Beyond talent, I value character and who someone is as a person. I look for players who care about their teammates, take pride in being positive role models, and understand the impact they can have on others just by how they show up.
Commitment, empathy, and selflessness matter — choosing the team every day and giving your best for the people around you. Lancaster Inferno is more than a place to play soccer. It’s a community that has been built over time, and every player who comes through becomes part of that story. Over the past decade, we’ve created something special in South Central Pennsylvania, and it’s important that our players honor that by supporting one another, growing together, and representing the club with pride on and off the field.
What Makes the USL-W League a Valuable Environment For Players?: The USL W League is unique because of its direct connection to USL’s Gainbridge Super League (Division I Pro). It’s the only league in the U.S. that offers a clear pathway for women from USL Academy to USL W League to the professional level. Combined with strong competition and increased exposure, it creates a meaningful environment for players with professional aspirations Over the years, we’ve had 21 Lancaster Inferno players going on to sign professional contracts.
What Excites You Most About This Upcoming USL-W Season: This season, I’m especially excited about our second year playing at Penn Medicine Park in downtown Lancaster. The atmosphere is something special from the energy of our fans to seeing kids’ faces light up when they meet players and get autographs after the game. Add in our mascot, Fern, bringing the energy and a community that truly rallies around high-level women’s soccer, and it’s an environment we’re incredibly proud to call home
The Inferno’s 2026 schedule will be released soon!
To learn more and follow along: instagram com/lancinferno/
COACHING PATHWAY | US SOCCER ALL-WOMEN’S GRASSROOTS COURSE
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer & will be hosting an US Soccer All-Women’s Grassroots Course, designed to support education, connection, and confidence within the coaching pathway
Details: Saturday, March 14, 2026 hosted by Lower Merion Soccer Club 9 AM- 1 PM at Holy Child Rosemont
To Register: learning ussoccer com/coach/courses/available/21/details/20011143
Other Courses Hosted by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer: epysa.org/licensescourses/
NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY (NGWSD)
WHY IT MATTERS
National Girls & Women in Sports Day was on February 4. A day that celebrated progress, acknowledged challenges, and commitment to continued growth for girls and women in sport.
This day matters because:
Representation still matters
Access still matters
Leadership still matters
HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE?
Share with us your highlights from your club, school, or team! (Send pictures to catieb@epysa.org)
Promote stories of players or mentors who made an impact! If you know someone or have a story you believe to be featured in a future LeadHer Newsletter sent to akdepaolo@epysa.org
Let’s continue to champion girls and women not just on one day, but every day!
