Meet Coach Stephanie!

COACHES CORNER- Stephanie!

What is your soccer story?

My grandfather, Conrado Welch got me into soccer. Some of my early memories from childhood go back to spending my after school time and summers at my grandparent’s, where their AM radio would be playing either tangos, boleros, and of course, fútbol.

His father was Conrado Welch Shepperd, defense for Colo Colo, Chile’s most awarded soccer team, as well as representing Chile in 1935 at the South American tournament of Lima, Peru.

My grandfather would spend long afternoons explaining to my cousin Katherine and I about why soccer was the most important sport in the world, and how it has helped many countries keep their kids away from bad habits.

Where are you from and what brought you here to the Bay Area?

I am from Santiago, Chile. I first came to the Bay Area eight years ago and have lived in the city for five years with my adorable two rescue cats in Oakland, enjoying the beautiful warm sunsets on this side of the bay!

Favorite Soccer Position? 

Right defense!

How did you end up at GLG?

Ask and you shall receive…

I had been praying for a change in my work-life for a while!
Managing restaurants, being a private chef, and catering at different places was wearing me out. I was desperate for a break, for something with meaning, something that really got me excited to get out of my house and work! 

And then one day, Coach Bre contacted me. I remember it clearly! I was working at a restaurant in Berkeley, read her email and knew this was it! This was my window to do something meaningful just like I was wishing for. 

What is your superpower? 

I always see the bright side of things, staying positive is my superpower.

Why is it important to have women coaches?

Because we need to strengthen the importance of having women in leadership roles to help smash the patriarchy, one job at a time. One group of female leaders at a time. 

Why is it important to get more girls into sports and to keep them in the game?

Because girls have as many qualifying skills as boys do in all sports and that needs to be brought to light, so girls can finally be seen AND PAID equally as men do.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

Show up. Things happen when you actually show up.