Welcome Coach Maia, our new Program Manager
Congratulations to coach Maia Courtois for being promoted at GLG to become our new Program Manager! In celebration of the International Day of the Girl, we want to highlight our very own Maia.
Maia graduated from the University of San Francisco this past May of 2023 with a degree in Politics. Growing up, soccer played a vital role in Maia’s life, both personally and as a player, as it allowed her an opportunity for self-growth and mental well-being. Maia started as a coach for GLG in 2020 then served as an intern for GLG and has since been promoted to Program Manager. Maia is excited to share this growth and her passion for soccer with the GLG community.
What has your past experience taught you that applies in your work with Girls Leading Goals?
Components from my past experiences that apply to my work with Girls Leading Goals today include my knowledge of soccer, dedication to leading authentically, and effective communication. Coaching has taught me the importance of proper and thoughtful communication and how to lead with intention and respect. In addition to my work at GLG as both a coach and Intern, I was the President of the Club Women’s Soccer team at USF. In the president position, I was able to work as a liaison between my teammates and the athletic department along with making decisions for the success of the club. These positions have taught me the role of a leader on and off the field, from in-person coaching to administrative work. My passion for youth programming and management has continued to grow. I’m very grateful and excited to step into this new role and continue to grow personally and for GLG.
What are the top 3 things soccer and sports have given you?
Confidence: Soccer allowed me to gain confidence and learn the importance of feeling confident both on and off the field
Belief: Not only has soccer given me confidence, but it has also taught me how and why to believe in myself and my abilities. It has also encouraged me to believe in those around me and to trust in those beliefs.
Community: Growing up, soccer was my community. Playing sports, specifically soccer, gave me a safe space to be myself and connect with those around me. Sport can sometimes feel like an individual endeavor, but the community that soccer has always provided me with has proven the power of connection and collaboration.
What do you want to do in order to make the world better?
I want to continue to empower the people I work with to be their most authentic selves and to find confidence in their own abilities. Through intentional conversations and purposeful collaboration, I’ve found success in connecting with people in the workplace and in life. Showing up for those around me and supporting them in a meaningful and sustainable way is something I strive for.
How will you use your new role at Girls Leading Goals to further our mission and make an impact?
With my new role at GLG, I am looking forward to building relationships with the staff, coaches, players and parents, and the wider GLG community. With my new role, I look forward to using my strengths and experiences learned from coaching to support current programming and future growth.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results” - Albert Einstein
Since learning of this saying and applying it to my life, I’ve felt more comfortable being uncomfortable. Knowing that there is not one way of doing something and that if something isn’t working it is not a bad thing to reconsider the current process. I’ve learned that these concepts allow me to be an impactful leader.
Where are you from and what brought you to the Bay Area?
I was born and raised in Austin, TX. I then moved to the Bay Area in 2019 to attend the University of San Francisco. Now that I’ve graduated from USF and transitioned into my new role as Program Manager I officially get to call San Francisco my new home!
What kind of experience do you have in soccer? In GLG? In leadership?
I started playing soccer when I was 5 years old and then played competitively from 3rd to 12th grade. In college, I played on the USF Women’s Club Soccer team where I was the club’s President my senior year. As an adult, I have continued to play soccer for fun. I started coaching with GLG in the Spring of 2020 and in the 2023 Spring season I became the GLG Intern and have loved every second. Leadership has been a skill that I continue to develop and push to the next level in my personal and professional life. From being the President of the Women’s Club Soccer team at USF to coaching my own team with GLG and now as Program Manager, I’ve found a passion for leading others with integrity and authenticity.