Every month on the Surf Nation coaches newsletter, we aim to recognize one of our coaches who embodies our values, exceeds our standards, and leads by example on the sidelines and in the community.
This month’s coach is Erin Vaughan from Western Washington Surf. Erin took some time to share her influences, views, and sources of inspiration with us recently:
Why do you coach?
I coach because I love to see the development of young players. Not only the technical development of the player, but their progression in understanding the game as well as their growth in loving the game. The female side of the game is growing and growing, so it is very exciting for our young players to have role models and players to look up to.
Who were some of your first real influences when you started your coaching journey?
My dad (Nigel Vaughan) was my first real influence when beginning my coaching journey. I started coaching when I was 16 years old. My dad and brother are both coaches, so it runs in the family! Football is a part of the culture back in the United Kingdom, and I lived and breathed it every day. I started coaching after-school sessions in a disability school, and the excitement those kids had learning and playing the game was worth every moment on the field. I continued to coach at Wolverhampton Wanderers Girls Centre of Excellence for 9 years, where my commitment to my development started.
Is there a team (past or present) on which you model your playing style?
There isn’t a specific team I base my playing style on; I know how I liked to play as a former player. I like the high energy and good tempo of the game to take control, possession with a purpose, and players having the freedom to be creative. I don’t want my players to be robots.
Is there a player (past or present) that inspires you when you watch them play?
My favorite player is Lucy Bronze. I played as a right fullback, and I have played against her and seen her play many times in person. Her movement and drive to create the attack are very exciting to watch, but her 1v1 defensive patience is one of the best.
What’s your favorite book related to coaching?
Alex Ferguson, what a legend. How his mind works is next to none. I am a Manchester United fan and experienced the Fergie era, which was the good old days compared to now. He was and always will be the best manager in the world.
Which professional coach do you admire and why?
I admire Laura Harvey, who is the Seattle Reign head coach. I have known Laura for many years from her coaching back in England and her being from the West Midlands. I had the opportunity to be coached by Laura many years ago when I first came out to the US. During that time, I trained with the Seattle Reign with players such as Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe. I loved how welcoming she was when we came in, no matter the level or status. She has high standards that are set within her training environment but also has an outstanding balance of fun added to it. I hope to see her coaching a national team at some point.
How would you describe the training environment that you look to create?
I like my sessions to be a place where players can express themselves, feel comfortable trying new things, and always have the support of myself and my teammates positively. Hard work, attitude, and effort are three areas of the game we do not control as coaches, so teaching the players that having these important three areas will help them get to where they want to be.
What do you feel that Western Washington Surf does better than anyone else as a club?
