Jaylin Woodward is getting her first taste of coaching experience in the Panorama Girls Soccer program, as she shares the development of transitioning from being a former player.

Woodward says that she grew up in Glenwood, Iowa and quickly fell in love with the game of soccer. Following high school, she attended Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa where she played soccer all four years. 

Once done in college, Woodward received an opportunity to teach Special Education at Panorama High School and was asked about her interest in becoming an assistant soccer coach, which she accepted. Woodward elaborates that it’s been cool to learn more about coaching strategies, but forming relationships with the girls is her favorite.

“I’m trying to find that middle ground of pushing them to that higher level, so understanding that dynamic. And also too, I know most of the lingo that they’re talking about and can relate to them, and my brother’s in high school. It’s also nice because I can run around with them too and stay in shape, but understanding where they’re at, and understanding their talent, and putting that into game play.”

The Panthers are 3-1 through their first four games, and will take on East Sac County on Monday in Panora around 5:30pm.