With a rich history rooted in the Hillsboro soccer community, Michele Barber’s journey in soccer is both extensive and inspiring. From playing alongside notable athletes like Tiffeny Milbrett, to steering the club’s growth today, her story encapsulates a deep connection with the sport.
Professional Journey: After a decade away, she returned to her roots as her children joined the club. Her administrative journey began in 2009, evolving to a board president role in 2014, and finally taking on the mantle of Executive Director in 2022. Recognizing her strength in the business aspects of soccer, she emphasized a community-centered model that supports players from grassroots to the elite level. She was recently honored in the “The People Behind the Game” story by the City of Hillsboro, acknowledging her impactful contributions to the community and the sport.
Interview:
How has your career in soccer prepared you for your current role? “Building a team and uplifting others are vital to winning together. Many of the values utilized in playing and coaching soccer are the same in leadership.”
What unique perspectives or strengths do women bring to leadership positions in soccer? “As a woman in a leadership role, especially as the Executive Director, I bring a distinct voice and perspective to meetings, often being the sole female. It’s crucial to model for other girls that they, too, can achieve these roles—it’s important for them and for future generations.”
Can you describe a challenge you faced as a director and how you tackled it? “With the club undergoing growth, prioritizing tasks to achieve the best outcomes has been challenging. My approach involves a proactive pursuit of solutions and seeking help when needed, leveraging my age and experience to navigate through the complexities.”
What strategies do you use to mentor and develop female coaches and administrators within your club? “Having learned from past mistakes, I now conduct weekly sessions focusing on project management and planning. We set clear goals and maintain accountability, providing challenges with adequate support to ensure success.”
What advice would you offer to women looking to advance into leadership roles in soccer? “Seek out collaborators and fellow women leaders or others with shared goals. This network can provide a roadmap, reducing the time and effort needed to learn new aspects of leadership.”
How can soccer as an industry better support the growth of women in leadership roles? “Soccer should implement structured training opportunities to advance women in leadership, expand development programs, and foster mentorship networks to create a more inclusive industry.”
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work with Rush Soccer? “My goal is to reinforce a business model that ensures soccer is accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, or ability. I strive to leave a legacy that makes our collective soccer dream attainable for all.”
