Get To Know Your Coach - Katie Parker Lak
Katie Parker Lak’s love for soccer began early and knows no borders. She first kicked a ball at age six while living in England, but it wasn’t until she moved to India at age seven that she officially joined a team. At the time, there were no girls’ teams available, so Katie joined Bechtel FC, a boys’ team. Being the only girl on the squad for two years was intimidating at times, but her coaches fostered a space where she was valued. “I credit them for creating an inclusive environment that made me feel like I belonged,” she recalls.
The encouragement Katie received during those early years fueled her desire to continue playing and became the foundation for her coaching journey. Inspired by the positive and competitive environments her coaches had created, she knew she wanted to give back in the same way. “The best coaches not only support what you bring to the team, but also help foster a space where great memories are made and a true passion for the game can grow,” she explains. Today, Katie strives to be that kind of coach, to support, inspire, and help players thrive on and off the pitch.
Her playing background spans both club and school teams in Canada. After returning from abroad, she joined the Toronto Eagles and later played for West Rouge and Pickering Spikes rep teams. She also represented her middle and high school teams, earning achievements such as MVP for the 2007–2008 season. These experiences instilled in her a strong work ethic and a commitment to team culture, values she now brings to coaching.
Katie had long dreamed of staying involved in soccer through coaching, but the turning point came with the She’s Got Game: She Can Coach program. It offered her a clear path back into the sport and reminded her of the importance of representation. Inspired by trailblazers like Hope Powell, Jill Ellis, and Dawn Staley, Katie works to show young girls what’s possible when women are visible in leadership.
This season, Katie is shifting gears and is thrilled to be coaching the Girls U11 team. “What excites me most is that at this age, there’s so much energy, curiosity, and potential,” she says. Her coaching style is player-centered and positive, focusing on building a strong team culture where every player feels valued, supported, and empowered. She encourages her athletes to compete, learn, and have fun all while developing a lifelong love for the game.
Some of Katie’s favourite memories come from watching her players grow and overcome challenges. In 2022 when she first met the Girls U16 Black team, they asked at their very first session if they could attend the “Kicking it in the Capital” tournament in Ottawa. Katie promised to try, even though she didn’t know much about it. Despite struggling with low numbers early in the season, the team pulled together, went undefeated, and won the tournament. More recently, the same team capped off their season by winning the U17/U18 Division league title. For Katie, those moments are powerful reminders of resilience, growth, and the bonds built along the way.
Outside of soccer, Katie’s life revolves around family and the outdoors. She enjoys adventures with her two daughters and loves hiking with their dog, Maggie. A lifelong sports fan, Katie also enjoys watching, playing, and talking about everything from hockey and rugby to baseball and football.
With her passion, experience, and commitment to team culture, Katie continues to create an environment where players feel confident, valued, and inspired to grow both on and off the pitch.