Building the Next Generation of Female Athletes - and Leaders

Female Leadership Driving Growth

Since launching in 2021, New Frontier Soccer Club has grown with intention. In the past outdoor season alone, our female program expanded by 68%, and we continue to add teams and athletes across age groups.

But growth alone isn’t the story.

What sets New Frontier apart is the depth of female leadership embedded throughout the club. Guided by one of the only female Technical Directors in the province, and among few beyond, New Frontier is supported by female leaders across key performance roles, including our Director of Goalkeeping and Mental Skills Lead. Female leadership is present across every layer of the program, influencing standards, development pathways, and daily training environments.

Female coaches at New Frontier are not simply part of the structure. They are helping shape it.

Technical Direction and National Standards

New Frontier’s technical programming is guided by Technical Director Cat Fox, a CONCACAF A Licensed Coach and recognized Coach Educator.

After completing FIFA Coach Educator training, Cat recently delivered on one of the first CONCACAF B Diplomas in Canada contributing to the advancement of coach education standards nationally.

Her work also extends into the national performance pathway. In December, Cat was on staff with the Canada U16 Women’s National Team during camp in Ontario supporting the country’s top young female players in a high-performance environment.

This level of involvement ensures that the standards, expectations, and development practices implemented at New Frontier reflect current national best practices.

Competitive Standards, Real Results

That leadership is translating directly into performance.

This season alone, seven female athletes were selected for the Calgary Whitecaps Prospects Program, reinforcing the club’s growing reputation for developing players prepared to compete at the next level. In March, these athletes will travel to Surrey to compete against top players from across the Whitecaps network as they continue to pursue opportunities within the full-time Vancouver Rise Academy.

At the team level, that same standard is visible week after week.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Victoria, the 2010 Girls (Baker) continue to raise the competitive bar within the program. After winning the Surrey International Cup last fall, they went on to secure the Calgary League title, reinforcing their ability to dominate locally and compete beyond the province. They now prepare for back-to-back Provincial appearances.

Victoria’s ability to unite teenage athletes around belief, accountability, and collective ambition has become a defining strength of her team, translating directly into consistent performances and competitive resilience.

For her, however, the impact of female leadership extends beyond trophies and standings…

“When girls see strong women leading sessions, setting standards, and making decisions, it expands their belief in what is possible”

The standard of play is climbing across our female program. Female leadership is helping define what performance, accountability, and belief look like on the pitch.

A Network — Not an Exception

For Coach Jane Bolk, who coaches both male and female teams, the environment at New Frontier stands out in a meaningful way.

“I have worked in numerous environments where I was the only female working on the field instead of in administration or logistics. There is something immediately comforting about coming to a field and hearing voices that sound like your own.”

She describes the collaboration among female coaches as both professionally empowering and personally meaningful.

“My colleagues have become my friends and confidants, not just in soccer but in life.”

That sense of connection is echoed across the female coaching staff. Our Director of Goalkeeping, Natasha, notes that the impact of working within a strong female network extends beyond camaraderie.

“The collaboration and support among the female coaches on staff has been incredibly impactful. It fosters a strong sense of community, reduces isolation, and creates an environment where we can challenge and support one another to grow.”

But the greatest impact, Jane says, is on the athletes.

“Playing at a club where females are represented throughout all levels of coaching, from the Technical Director to the Lead Goalkeeper Coach to our youngest Junior coaches, is an assurance that their story in sport does not have to end when their playing career does.”

As a mother of five, Jane also represents something equally important, that women can lead at a performance level while balancing family and professional growth when the environment is structured to support them.

Developing the Complete Athlete

“The coaching culture at New Frontier supports, respects, and values female leadership. I feel encouraged and empowered to advance my coach education.”

Kaylie serves as New Frontier’s Mental Skills Lead, working closely with our high-performance teams while also supporting coaches and athletes across the club. Her role integrates mental performance into daily training environments reinforcing confidence, focus, resilience, and competitive composure.

Currently pursuing her CONCACAF B Diploma through the Canada Soccer AccelerateHER Program, Kaylie continues to advance her coaching pathway while contributing at a senior level within the club. Her progression reflects a culture where coaches are expected to grow alongside the athletes they lead.

Her work ensures that preparation at New Frontier extends beyond tactics and technique, building athletes who are mentally equipped to compete at higher levels.

Emerging Leaders, Active Role Models

Female leadership at New Frontier is not only experienced, it is current.

Shae Valstar, a C Licensed coach and standout player, continues to compete while coaching within the program. Her presence bridges the gap between athlete and coach, demonstrating in real time the commitment, talent, and competitive mindset required to perform. For young players, seeing a coach who is actively competing reinforces that the pathway is tangible and within reach.

Sofia Mondaco, a recent University of Calgary graduate and C Licensed coach, brings firsthand experience of the collegiate environment into the club. Having recently navigated university soccer herself, she offers valuable insight into the preparation and standards required to advance beyond youth competition. Her perspective helps aspiring athletes better understand what the next stage demands.

The program is further strengthened by Shaden Al-Asad, a former Canadian Youth National Team player, and Sienna De- Guzman, both of whom continue to compete while giving back within the club. Their experience at high levels of the game provides current, relatable examples of progression and sustained performance.

Together, these young coaches represent another layer of female leadership within New Frontier, not only guiding athletes, but embodying the pathway in real time.

A Home for Ambitious Female Athletes

New Frontier Soccer Club is continuing to grow, adding female players, expanding performance pathways, and investing in female leaders across every level of the game.

For aspiring female athletes who want to compete at a high level, be coached by people who lead from experience, and train in an environment built on accountability and belief, New Frontier is home.

The standard is rising. And we are just getting started.