Leading by Example: An Interview with our Girls Academy Representatives
SALEM, Ore. – For CFC Girls Academy (GA) players Maddi Holstege, Lianne Edmiston, Mayela Victoria, and Ashtyn Wentworth, the Advisory Panel offers leadership skills beyond soccer.
The GA Advisory Panel is a player-led board that collaborates with other GA players across the nation. The panel provides girls an opportunity to have a collective voice, engage in strategic initiatives, and develop lifelong leadership skills.
We interviewed four standout leaders from our Girls Academy who serve on the Advisory Panel to learn more about their experience thus far. Here’s what they had to say -
1. What inspired you to join the Girls Academy Panel, and how has your passion for soccer influenced your participation?
Maddi Holstege (05/06G Red) - “I love being a good role model to younger GA players, and was influenced because to me it’s important for the younger girls to be inspired and be able to look up to you as a player and even as a person. I have a younger sister in the GA who I know looks up to me, so I know I can make an impact on other younger GA players.”
Lianne Edmiston (07G Red): “When we first got into the GA, I heard about the advisory panel and knew it was for me. Being able to be in a leadership role at the club has left such an impact on me personally. I have a huge passion for the game, but I have always felt like I could do more within the game to help my community. Having that drive to pursue bigger things for my community has inspired me so much to be a part of something like this!”
Mayela Victoria (09G Red) - “I feel like me being able to have a chance to represent the club and my team was most inspiring to me. My passion for soccer influenced my participation by wanting to be more involved in the soccer community to try to make a positive change.”
Ashtyn Wentworth (11G Red) - “Soccer has always been a part of my life, and I’ve always loved it. I have wanted to be a part of something bigger in this community. When I got selected I knew I wanted to be a part of this and hopefully stay a part of it for years to come.”
Maddi Holstege - 2006G (right)
2. In your opinion, how do the advisory panel initiatives contribute to enhancing the overall experience for youth players within the GA?
Maddi Holstege (05/06G Red) - “One initiative we as a program have created is the ”Big Little” program, where the older teams will practice with younger teams and show them what they could accomplish in their future.”
Lianne Edmiston (07G Red) - “The initiatives we create within the panel have contributed so much to the overall experience for youth players within the GA. We’ve been able to inspire so many players through mental health initiatives, as well as create an environment at tournaments to succeed and have fun while doing it.”
Mayela Victoria (09G Red) - “The Girls Academy Advisory Panel plays a crucial role for the GA, allowing players to voice their opinions and contribute ideas, ultimately shaping the organization in alignment with its values.”
Ashtyn Wentworth (11G Red) - “I think all the goals that are set up will take the GA one step further. For example, when we form connections, we need to keep those connections strong. You need to have connections with your teammates, coaches, and even teams you play against; in result you will have a better playing environment. To achieve this accomplishment we need to set up virtual meetings with the other teams in our age groups and regions. The goals that we have set up now will help the future generations to have even better goals than before.”
Lianne Edmiston - 2007G
3. What aspects of the panel's work do you believe will leave you with a lasting impact?
Maddi Holstege (05/06G Red) - “For me personally, the GA panel will leave me with leadership and mentoring skills that I can use to impact my future. It’s my hope that I leave a great impact on the younger GA players and that they will turn around and do the same as they get older.”
Lianne Edmiston (07G Red) - “The aspects of the panel's work that will leave me with a lasting impact would have to be the mark we’ve left on the Salem community. Our panel has been blessed with the opportunity to help our community in so many ways, which has been so near and dear to my heart.”
Mayela Victoria (09G Red) - “Some aspects of the panel's work that I feel like will leave a lasting impact on me is always helping, doing good deeds, and showing leadership.”
Ashtyn Wentworth (11G Red) - “I believe the strongest impact will be the meetings; the meetings will lead to something bigger in this community, they are where you get to take control over what you want to do. When we have meetings it reminds you of what we are a part of and how amazing the GA is. I know for me the meetings are just incredible, there is so much to look forward to.”
Mayela Victoria - 2009G
4. Looking ahead, what do you hope will be the lasting impact of the Girls Academy Panel on the soccer experience and development of youth players in the GA?
Maddi Holstege (05/06G Red) - “My hope is that the GA will provide a path to college for us and all the players who come after us.”
Lianne Edmiston (07G Red) - “Looking ahead, I hope our mental health initiatives will have the lasting impact of the Girls Academy Panel on the soccer experience and development of youth players in the GA. We’ve been able to inspire so many players in so many cool ways and I really hope that leaves a lasting impact on these players. Mental health is so important especially when it comes to girls in sport, and I really hope that as the GA grows, the mental health awareness grows for these younger players.”
Mayela Victoria (09G Red) - “I hope the Girls Academy Panel leaves a lasting impact in soccer by supporting the youth players and keeping a supportive group.”
Ashtyn Wentworth (11G Red) - “I hope in the future there will be more opportunities for girls around the globe who want to play soccer. I think the advisory panel will make girls stronger and have better knowledge about what soccer should look like. I think the advisory panel is something to look up to at a younger age knowing that it is such a good environment to be in and grow as a player.”
Ashtyn Wentworth - 2011G
The GA team hit the road for their next 2 tournaments and will be back at CFC March 16/17. Click here to learn more about the Girls Academy Advisory Panel.
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