Coaching with Joy and Purpose – Tracey Leone’s Approach

In Part Two of our Chat By The Pitch conversation with Tracey Leone—assistant coach for the University of North Carolina Women’s Soccer program, former U.S. Women’s National Team player, and 1991 World Cup champion—we dig deeper into her coaching philosophy, her experiences at the highest levels of the game, and the lessons she’s passing on to the next generation. Tracey shares stories from her time with the national team, the evolution of the women’s game, and why character and joy are just as important as skill. This episode is filled with insight for coaches, parents, and players chasing both success and fulfillment.

🧠 Key Talking Points

• Transition from player to coach and the challenges that came with it

• Coaching at the collegiate, national, and professional levels

• Lessons learned from the U.S. Women’s National Team experience

• The growth of women’s soccer over the last three decades

• Building a competitive yet joyful environment for players

• How UNC maintains its winning culture year after year

• The role of character and leadership in building successful teams

• Advice for young players and their parents in today’s soccer landscape

🎧 Tune In to Learn

How Tracey Leone blends competitive drive with a deep love for the game—and why that balance is the key to long-term success on and off the field.

💬 Quotes from Tracey Leone

• "Coaching is about developing people, not just players."

• "The best environments challenge you while making you feel valued."

• "You can’t fake passion—players know if you love what you’re doing."

• "Character is the foundation for everything we do."

• "The game has grown in incredible ways since my playing days."

• "We keep the UNC culture alive by focusing on relationships."

• "Every generation of players brings new energy and ideas."

• "Joy in the game is not a luxury—it’s essential."

• "Pressure is part of sports, but so is the love that keeps you playing."

• "Winning matters, but so does who you become in the process."

Connect with Tracey Leone

• Website: UNC Bio

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Mentioned in this episode:

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