Dear Blues Family,

Upon much reflection and with a heavy heart, I have decided to retire from coaching at the end of this season.  It has been an extremely difficult decision for me, but I am satisfied that the time is right for me to make this change in my life.  Juggling my full-time business, coaching, my other hobbies, and the increased needs of my extended family, has become quite challenging.  Those of you who know me well know I don’t do anything less than %100.  So something had to give.

I began at the Blues 15 years ago this spring.  At that time I was approached on a field while coaching an AYSO All-Star team by two interesting characters (Tad and Larry).  They asked if I would be interested in coaching for the Southern California Blues.  I recall Tad, being the honest person he is, saying at that time, “We don’t know if it will work out. I just want to be honest with you”.  They had no idea at the time who they were dealing with.

So many memories, so many kids, and so many characters in this crazy youth soccer environment.  I will miss it all.  What a wonderful life experience.  The toothless kids I started with are now beautiful, educated, successful, young women.  Watching them grow into these amazing human beings has been, by far, the highlight of this journey.  Championships fade, trophies tarnish, but the kids, teens, and young women who’ve passed through The Ranch.  Wow! That’s what I’ll take with me forever.

Thanks for the great years.  Young ladies, thank you for enriching my life in ways you will never understand until you work with, or have children yourselves. Parents, thank you for entrusting your children to me.  I think it’s the ultimate compliment for someone to put their children in your hands.  Knowing that I had a small piece of their development as human beings is such a wonderful gift.  Blues Coaches, you are all my wacky brothers and I have no idea who will keep you all in line, and feed you now.  Tad and Larry, I just can’t thank you enough about the opportunity you gave me 15 years ago – I had no idea how much it would impact my life.  I absolutely love my Blues family and will miss you all terribly. 

With Sincere Love,