To Coach Scott,
From coach on the field to coach off the field, and now business partner, this has been the journey of a lifetime. Although SoccerHead only officially started a year ago, it’s been years in the making. Now here we are, seeing it come to life and getting closer to the goal of a global SoccerHead network.
I think back to when I was 12 years old, training hard every chance I could. Even then I knew I needed to be in a better, more competitive environment if I wanted to play in a Division 1 program. That’s when I set my sights on Team Boca. Getting to the tryout was surreal. The best staff and players in the country would soon be at my disposal every day if I made this team. To this day you like to remind me, “You weren’t even 100 pounds soaking wet and it seemed like it was a ghost on the field putting balls into the back of the net.” Had I not taken a leap of faith, who knows where I would be now? That one decision to change clubs is ultimately what laid the foundation for where we are today.
The confidence that you instilled in me then and continue to instill in me today is the clearest demonstration of why you are one of the most decorated coaches in NCAA soccer. You’re the kind of leader who’s spoken highly of by players on every point of the spectrum. Even those who didn’t see the field under your leadership respect you and speak highly of you.
Through and through, you are a quality leader and mentor. The belief you had in me as an individual plays such a critical role in my story as a player and as a person.
As we both moved on from the youth club environment, you onto your collegiate coaching career and me onto my collegiate playing career, I still leaned on you. No matter the situation, you listened, advised, and supported me. So much so that when I was feeling caged in my 9-5 career, you suggested I try something different.
I remember you told me toward the beginning of October 2022 that I had until November 14, 2022 to present the concept of the company we were going to start. I was confused at first, but dove into creating SoccerHead.
SoccerHead went from just an idea to a real community and product that is growing to inspire so many. The last year has been filled to the brim with WOW moments. Even though there is so much work to do, it’s empowering to see where we started.
No matter what happens with SoccerHead, we'll still have the same phone calls. We’ll still enjoy the simple conversations and stupid humor. I want to be in a position to empower others in their passion for sport, just like you empowered me.
At the end of the day, the goal is always to continue to get after it and give back. Thank you Scott, for coming on this crazy journey with me, seeing my potential, and relentlessly affirming the vision of what we can build together. We’re just getting started.
This is for nervous 12-year-old Gilda walking onto the field for tryouts. This is for you, the coach of a lifetime. This is for all the SoccerHeads out there.
Thank you for everything,
Gilda Doria
