The Washington Spirit Announces 2025 Spirit Coaches Mentorship Program

The Washington Spirit has announced the induction of ten new participants into its Coaches Mentorship Program for the year 2025.

This initiative is designed to foster the growth of women in coaching at various levels, including youth, high school, and collegiate sports, and was established with the goal of increasing the representation of female soccer coaches within the Washington, D.C. area.

Commenting on the announcement, vice president of Fan Growth and Community for Spirit, RaShauna Hamilton, said: ““Many female athletes go their entire careers without ever playing for a female coach.

“At the most formative stages of development, from grassroots through to high school, the representation of women in coaching remains insufficient, with less than 25% involved in leading sports programmes,” Hamilton mentioned. 

Hamilton also emphasised the importance of initiatives noting, “If she can see it, she can be it,” underscoring the role of representation in encouraging young female athletes to pursue coaching careers.

Adding comments on the program, Youth director for DC Soccer Club and head coach of Virginia Marauders Women’s League, Jane Dawber, said: “Programs like the Washington Spirit’s mentorship are fundamental for aspiring women coaches.”

“They provide essential access to advanced coaching education, networking opportunities, and avenues for professional growth.

“I hope to apply what I know to my teams and help grow the game for female players,” she said.

Dawber noted such initiatives play a pivotal role in bridging the gap in female coaching, supplying mentorship from seasoned professionals while delivering insights into the professional landscape and creating pathways for advancement.

The 2025 Mentee Class includes:

• Karen Billingslea – Director of Girls Coaching at Villareal Virginia, Head Coach for U11-U19, VA Marauders, W-League Assistant Coach
• Mackayla Brodie – Head Coach and Program Director at Loudoun Soccer Club
• Celeste Buss – Head Coach at DC Way Academy, Youth Girls Coordinator, and Club Manager
• Allie Coyle – Head Coach of Boys Varsity at Blair High School
• Jane Dawber – Youth Director at DC Soccer Club, Head Coach of Virginia Marauders W-League
• Allison Diaz – Head Coach of Girls Varsity at St. John’s College High School, Coach at Arlington Soccer Association
• Madison Ferrara – Assistant JV Coach at Notre Dame Preparatory School, Director at Coppermine SC Girls Academy
• Erica Klein – MSI Travel Program Director and Head Coach for Girls Soccer at Flint Hill School
• Bupe Okeowo – League Commissioner and Coach at The Player Progression Academy
• Alyssa Whitehead – Girls Academy Goalkeeper Director at Arlington Soccer Association

As part of the 2025 mentorship experience, participants will be afforded a variety of opportunities, including attendance at Spirit training sessions, participation in a sports performance seminar, engaging in chalk talks, and mentorship interactions with established coaches.

The programme also offers chances to attend matches throughout the season, further enriching the mentees’ exposure to high-level coaching environments.

Through its continued commitment to fostering female leadership in sports, the Washington Spirit’s Coaches Mentorship Program is poised to make significant strides towards an inclusive coaching future in the region.

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