Meotis Erikson

Creating Better Journeys for Young Female Athletes

Author

Alf Gracombe
May 26, 2025

Out today with another new episode of the CoachCraft Podcast, an excellent conversation with Meotis Erikson on her journey from elite levels of the youth game through the U.S. National Team program, then to playing professionally in the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), and now as a coach and director of the girls’ IFA New England North club program in Boston.

Meotis has lived the game as an elite player, both in her youth as a part of the U.S. Women’s National Team program (competing internationally up through the U21 level) and as a professional in the WUSA league when she played for the Boston Breakers. Sadly, her career was cut short by injury. An early retirement from the game led her to teaching, and ultimately back onto the pitch as a coach. She is currently working on her USSF A License.

Having experienced the game at elite youth and professional levels, she brings a refreshingly sane and thoughtful player-first perspective to a youth game that can become a psychologically unhealthy environment, particularly for young female players.

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“This is your kid's soccer journey. It's not your soccer journey. It's not my soccer journey.”

Meotis Erikson

Whether you coach girls or boys, and regardless of the sport, you’ll find this episode filled with a practical wisdom that you can apply out on the field right away. As Meotis notes in our conversation, one of the best resources for becoming a better coach is learning from other coaches. Reason enough to click that Listen Now button.

Listen to CoachCraft on your favorite podcast player:

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“We've always looked at the women's game through the men's lens... How do we look at the women's game through the women's game?”

Meotis Erikson

Takeaways

  • Creating healthy environments for young players is crucial.

  • Parents should support their children's journey, not impose their own expectations.

  • The evolution of women's soccer has led to more opportunities for female athletes.

  • Injuries can significantly impact an athlete's career trajectory.

  • Coaching requires continuous learning and adaptation.

  • The importance of female coaches in shaping young athletes' experiences.

  • Youth soccer should focus on development over winning.

  • Parents need education on how to support their children in sports.

  • The landscape of youth soccer is changing with more leagues and options.

  • The future of girls' soccer looks promising but requires attention to mental health.

  • Continuous learning, in particular from other coaches, is essential.

The CoachCraft Podcast

CoachCraft explores the art and impact of coaching youth sports through in-depth conversations with renowned coaches from grassroots to professional levels, revealing how exceptional mentors use athletics to shape character, build confidence, and positively impact young lives.

Listen to CoachCraft on your favorite podcast player:

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