The success they both achieve with their respective clubs also offers their own rewards. Norton describes his joy when former Republic FC midfielder Jaime Villarreal scored his first goal of the 2019 season. The moment, which has become central to his rehabilitation after his 2018 season was interrupted by a broken leg, is among the successes she helped the player achieve during his time at the club. Stand out.
Norton’s work on the side also provides a visible example for those who have a desire to work in professional sports. What is her advice for those who want to follow in her footsteps? It is important to create and nurture
“Everyone you meet has something to do with the sport or soccer that you try to get into, maintain that relationship, and reach out to,” Norton said. Because all of these relationships are going to help guide you at some point in your career, it really makes the connection and makes you realize that this is where I am and this is what I’m interested in. It’s about letting people know.
“It may feel like a hell of a thing, but it’s not. You just keep putting yourself out there.
With so much progress made, there is a realization that more needs to happen to open the door wider for women’s careers in men’s professional sports.
But for Bonta Sumii, once that tipping point is reached, the chances of the USL Championship or League One welcoming its first female head coach may not be too far off.
“I think we are taking different steps and working towards it every day, every month, every year,” says Bonta Sumii. She “doesn’t take for granted where women are in their current position, emphasizes them, recognizes the different challenges women can have, normalizes them, and pays attention to them. but also [getting to] As they say, “Open the gate.” Let us all come where we want to go and prove that we are just as effective when given the chance.
“You know, we live in a society, a country where men are the priority and that’s the deal. To challenge that, we have to keep pushing forward.”
