Author Emma Hayes is the Assistant Coach at Sky Blue FC of Women’s Professional Soccer. Follow Emma on Twitter @EmmaHayes1.

I attended my first NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia in 2002, as a young, fresh-faced coach who had moved to the U.S. only eight months prior. I was blown away by the size and scale of the event; it was something I’d never witnessed before. I shuffled from field session to classroom lecture with excitement and a thirst for knowledge, ideas and opportunities. By the end of the event, I was inspired beyond belief.

Ten years later, at the 2012 Convention in Kansas City, the NSCAA will present the Women’s Committee Award of Excellence to Sue Ryan, Head Coach of Stony Brook University.  I can’t help but reflect on what an amazing impact she has had on my life.

I first met Sue when I was coaching in Long Island at Stony Brook Soccer Club, not long after I’d moved to the country from London.  She crashed my U-14 boys training session, and still today I’m thankful for her infectious smile and friendly face.  Sue, the Head Coach of Region I ODP, invited me to join the Women’s Committee and Region I open meetings at Convention to get involved, which I did. 

I couldn’t believe it. After living in England where opportunities were few and far between for women in the game, I now found myself embraced by a community that I had not contributed to yet. It lit me up. After Convention, all I thought about was how I could impact women’s soccer in the U.S.

My journey began at the 2002 NSCAA Convention.  That moment in time shaped me forever, and since, Convention has become a massive part of my life.  I have attended every Convention bar one since then.  The more I go, the more I want to give back to the countless number of people who have been instrumental in developing the women’s game with their unconditional work to the game we all love.

Sue Ryan’s influence on my life has continued through the years.  She persuaded me to present a session at the Convention in 2004. I remember that period of time prior to doing that first session...I don’t think I slept for months!  I was sick to my stomach and had visions of myself getting stage fright and losing my tongue. 

Sue was there to support, encourage and guide me to a successful session. When my session was over, it felt very rewarding. In fact, it was an unbelievable feeling, and I vowed to do it again and work to get better at presenting.  By the third session I ran, I loved being on stage, something my mother always thought I was born for. 

I think fondly about Convention; each one offers something different and special.  Usually I’m front-and-center in some capacity, but at the 2011 Convention I was able to enjoy everything that the event offers.  I sat through countless sessions picking up tid-bits of wisdom from all, mingled with vendors, presenters and peers and had a lot of time to ponder what I will contribute to the game next.

I will always keep in mind to give as much as I can, whether it’s a conversation with a young coach or offering support to my peers, understanding that charity begins at home. This is what makes the NSCAA so amazing. The more you get, the more you give.  I see it in so many of the coaches who have come before me, just like Sue Ryan. 

Being from London, I can’t help but be thankful for what the U.S. has given me.  It’s become my other home and soccer in the U.S. is the cause that champions my heart. And just to think it all began at Convention, a place that has inspired us all.

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