Directors Behind the Scenes – Ali McCready

Coaching Directors play a critical role for the Spokane Shadow, balancing coaching their own teams while also supporting others. We kick off this Behind the Scenes series with Girls U10-12 Coaching Director Ali McCready.

For most directors, the basics include supporting coaches with the regular difficulties such as advice, working through scheduling conflicts – sometimes covering for them – and other off the field issues.

But for McCready one aspect includes encouraging coaches.

“Coaching can be thankless at times, especially when people are hyper-focused on results. Parents are generally happy when teams are winning but when we focus on player development, results are secondary.”

And that focus on development is another primary responsibility.

“Making sure that our coaches are continuing to follow our philosophy of play. Because I have spent the majority of my coaching years in the higher competitive teams, I have a great understanding of what players need to have to be able to play at the next level; as well as what fundamental concepts and skills need to be taught from U10-U12 in order to be prepared for the next level of play.”

To aid with this, Ali oversees director-run sessions with players further her personal contact with them and get to know as many players in the program as possible.

The dual role within the club is a lot of hard work, but it comes with fulfillment.

“What I enjoy the most is supporting coaches and working with the players at my director sessions. It’s a lot of fun to get to work with everyone that comes out. That’s why I coach – building relationships and instilling joy for the game.

As a coach she has a hands-on role within her overall objective as director, preparing the U12s for their U13 year either in the GA or DPL.

New to the role of director this year, Ali has undergone a slight learning curve beyond her usual coaching role.

“I have grasped a basic understanding of what to expect in the leagues our young players play in and get to figure out how we can continually make it better for our players. I look forward to following these young ladies as they grow up and continue playing. Pretty special to have that viewpoint watching them from U10-U18.

The most difficult aspect, especially at this age group, has been “time management – it’s hard to get around to all 12 teams while still having time for my own.”

When we first went in-depth with Ali for her Get to Know a Coach profile she discussed about balancing life as coach and mom, but she is also a teacher.

“I teach health and fitness and MHS. I’m lucky that I get to interact with 300 additional teens throughout the year that I wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to. I thrive on getting to know who they are and how they learn best and providing them with the education they need to be healthy adults in the future. I spend my day with some pretty amazing teens, and it is such a privilege.”

Get to Know a Coach Profile [+]

McCready Named News Girls U10-U12 Director [+]