Last night’s MUM meeting was different.

We shared the usual updates and critical information — the logistics, the plans, the details that keep everything moving forward. But I also spoke about something I’ve never shared publicly before: my own journey in football, and how it led me to this exact moment.

For someone who prides themselves on public speaking, I was genuinely surprised by how hard it was. Some memories carry more weight than you expect. Some experiences shape you quietly, long before you ever realize it.

Those places I’ve been, the people I’ve learned from, the highs, the lows — they all influence how I feel today, how I show up, and how I coach. And ultimately, our players benefit from those experiences.
I’m grateful that my journey gets to inform theirs — and even more grateful that I get to be part of where they’re going.

Always player first.