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Meet Jessica McIntyre – TELUS She CAN Coach Program Candidate

Jessica McIntyre in a Calgary Foothills polo, highlighting her involvement in women in sport and the TELUS She CAN Coach initiative.

Meet Jessica McIntyre – TELUS She CAN Coach Program Candidate

Our TELUS She CAN Coach candidates are impressive. Please join us in welcoming Jessica McIntyre to the program. We interviewed Jessica to get to know her a little better.
 

Hi Jessica. Tell us about your soccer background.

I grew up in Saskatchewan and started playing soccer pretty much as soon as I could walk/run. My older brothers also played so it was like having built-in teammates to practice with.
 
I played recreational soccer until I was about eight, then transitioned to competitive soccer for Saskatchewan Soccer. When I was 10, I made the U14 youth ladies’ provincial team. I played in high school as well and didn’t go much past the provincial team for competitive; however, I did play for fun on a women’s team. I balanced my athletics between cheerleading and soccer until I was about 20.

Do you have a favourite memorable moment?

I always loved when my dad would take me to the park down the street from where we grew up, and he would help me work on techniques that were well beyond my skill level to show me what I could aspire to be.  At the time, this 9/10-year-old girl was not doing bicycle kicks! As grueling as I thought it was at the time, it’s one of my favourite soccer memories that I will cherish forever.

Jessica’s Dad… The Ultimate Soccer Dad!

 

What about the TELUS She CAN Coach program piqued your interest? What do you hope to get from it?

My dad was my coach growing up, and I loved that. Now that I have daughters of my own, I want to give them that same experience.  And I want to do it to the best of my ability. I want to obtain more knowledge to be a better coach for my daughters and their teammates. I want to be able to have open conversations about not only soccer techniques but also emotional obstacles and how soccer can help you overcome problems in so many other aspects of your life. 
 
Having strong, athletic female influences and role models around young women is so important!

What are your coaching aspirations?

I’m still in the phase of learning as much as I can to be the best coach that I can be. I will find the balance of using my own personal flare and my professional arsenal and bring them together.

Is there a particular coach that you particularly admire?

I’d be lying if I didn’t absolutely love the intensity that American college basketball coach and former player Kim Mulkey has on the sidelines! 

With the inaugural season of the Northern Super League just around the corner, what does the NSL, and the new Calgary Wild FC franchise mean to you?

Oh, it’s incredible! I have a 16-year-old who is beyond talented and absolutely phenomenal and I hope she watches them and gets that spark and fire in her belly the same way I did when I watched Mia Hamm! Also, exposing professional soccer to my youngest, at 8, makes it more achievable and not so far-fetched as it used to be. Having that exposure now in our city is so amazing for girls’ and women’s soccer.

Thanks, Jessica. Good luck with the program!

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