1. What is your role on the Moorpark AYSO board and how did you end up with this role?
I am the Picture Day Coordinator and a board member for Moorpark AYSO. All three of my kids have played AYSO, our oldest started back in 2018. At one point, our oldest wanted to quit in 2023, but agreed to play one more year. That season she had one of our current board members, Leonard, as her coach. His coaching style and encouragement gave her the confidence she needed and now she’s playing on a D1 team! If it wasn’t for Coach Cindy taking the time to explain to parents how important volunteering is to keep AYSO running, I don’t think I would have gotten as involved. The more I helped, the more I understood, and the more I enjoyed it. What really stood out to me was how kind and supportive all the board members are… always telling jokes and laughing. One day I ran into Sam AYSO regional commissioner and casually offered to help if he ever needed help even if my kids were not playing. He said, “Actually, I could really use help with Picture Day,” and I said ok, I can help out. To be honest… I thought I was just helping out for the day. I had no idea I was joining the board 😄
2. How long have you been a volunteer at Moorpark AYSO?
I first volunteered for AYSO in 2016, when we lived in Orange County, as a team parent for our oldest daughter. I started volunteering with Moorpark AYSO in 2019, when my husband and I coached our younger daughter’s U5 team—and it was so much fun! Herman and Lisa, now fellow board members, supported us as U5 coaches, and I still remember their guidance. We even use some of those tips today—like, “point your hips in the direction you want the ball to go.” Now it feels really special to be able to support them by serving on the board. I also coached my son’s U7 team in 2023 with my husband—and that was the same year I decided to try refereeing. Let’s just say… that was a one-and-done experience 😅 My own husband was on the sideline questioning my calls because I didn’t call a “handball.” In my defense, the kid slightly reached for the ball but didn’t touch it. I still stand by what I saw! Then halftime happened… and I forgot the teams switch sides. So, I kept calling corner kicks that should’ve been goal kicks (and vice versa). That was the day I realized refereeing was not my calling. I’ll stick to field monitoring and setup/breakdown! Huge respect to all the refs out there, you have the hardest job out there!
3. What is your favorite part of volunteering with Moorpark AYSO?
My favorite part is the sense of community. Everyone shows up to support the kids, not just their own, but everyone’s. There’s something really special about watching kids grow not just as players, but in confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. And behind the scenes, the volunteers and board members truly care. It’s a team effort, and you can feel that.
4. Aside from AYSO duties, what do you like to do for fun?
Fun? I have three kids 😄 Most of my time is spent driving to practices and cheering at games. If I’m not at a soccer field or basketball court, I’m at home cuddling with my cat, playing games with the kids, relaxing in the backyard, or sneaking in a date night with my hubby.
5. How has Moorpark AYSO impacted your life and family?
My husband and I grew up in Orange County, and when we moved to Moorpark, we didn’t know many people. Looking back now, many of our closest friends are people we met through AYSO. What started as our kids playing soccer turned into real friendships, some we now consider family. AYSO helped us feel connected to the community in a way we didn’t expect.
6. What would you like the community to know about you?
I’m actually really shy, I just try not to show it for my kids. I’m definitely a nervous nelly behind the scenes! Professionally, I’m a nurse for Ventura County Ambulatory Care clinics. I love serving our community and helping underserved populations—it’s something I’m very passionate about.
7. Do you have an AYSO story to share?
Aside from my short-lived refereeing career 😄 I have so many memories watching my kids play over the years. My youngest is moving up to 10U, and he’s my last one still playing AYSO—my girls have already graduated. To all the parents: record everything you can. It goes by so fast. It feels like just yesterday they were in U5… picking grass, chasing butterflies, and running in one big cluster after the ball. And now here we are—it all went by in the blink of an eye. Enjoy every moment.