Get To Know Your Coach – Michelle Wall

Michelle Wall’s soccer journey began not on the field but on the sidelines, cheering for her children. With three kids involved in the sport, she was inspired to learn more about the game and eventually step into coaching herself. “I was encouraged to join the She Can Coach program after my friend graduated Cohort 1,” she recalls. Joining Cohort 2 not only gave her the confidence to coach but also introduced her to a community of incredible women, some of whom she still plays soccer with today.

Her path into coaching has been deeply personal. While her oldest children sparked her initial interest, it was her youngest who inspired her to get on the bench. “He felt like we could learn together,” Michelle says. From there, she discovered the joy of guiding young players as they grow their skills and fall in love with the game.

Over the past few years, Michelle has coached across both streams at Guelph Soccer. This fall, she’s leading her youngest son’s house league team, assisting with her daughter’s competitive team, and managing her middle son’s rep team. “I love seeing kids progress over the season,” she says. “They have so much fun, build friendships, and learn new skills.”

Some of Michelle’s favourite soccer memories come from watching that growth firsthand. From tournament wins with her older kids to beginners discovering a love for the game, she cherishes every milestone. One summer, she watched twins return from a cottage trip with brand-new moves they had practiced all week. Another time, players who had never touched a ball before told her at the end of the season that they loved soccer and wanted to keep playing. “These things truly warm my heart because I want children to know how fun soccer is when you’re out there with friends… and show them it can last right through adulthood!”

Michelle continues to coach because of the joy it brings and the connections she builds with her players. She values being present as a parent on the sidelines, helping create a positive, inclusive team culture, and seeing kids’ passion for soccer flourish. One of her proudest moments came when a player requested her as a coach after a difficult start with another team. “Knowing that I am making a positive impact in a young life—that’s it right there,” she reflects.

Off the field, Michelle enjoys camping, reading, and trying to keep her plants alive. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue her grassroots diploma and continue growing as a coach, fueled by her passion for the game and the incredible community at Guelph Soccer.