Amelia Valverde, current coach of Rayadas de Monterrey, has reached the pinnacle of women’s football in Mexico by winning the 2024 Clausura Tournament and receiving the Golden Ball as the best technical coach in the Women’s Football League. However, her journey goes far beyond this recent achievement, with a story that begins on the fields of Costa Rica and has led her to become one of the most influential figures in Latin American women’s football.

Amelia Valverde: Her original connection with football

Amelia’s relationship with football dates back to her childhood, when she played with her father and brother at home, in the neighborhood, or even on the beach with her cousins. Although her passion was always present, it wasn’t until she was 15 that she began to play more formally, thanks to the invitation of a Physical Education teacher who encouraged her to join a local team in her hometown, San Ramón. “That was the first time I had an official connection with football,” she recalls. From there, her career as a player spanned eight years, competing in Costa Rica’s First Division.

Her first steps as a coach

Fate had it that Amelia began her coaching career at a young age. At 22, while still playing in the First Division, her team found itself without a coach, and the management didn’t have the resources to hire a new one. It was then that, almost by chance, a teammate suggested, “Why don’t you coach us?” With that proposal, Amelia made the leap into coaching, first at the amateur level, coaching her own team for two years. “It was a tough decision; I was only 22,” she says, but she took on the challenge, and her passion for coaching grew.

Differences between coaching a club and a national team

With a career that has seen her coach both national teams and clubs, Amelia has a broad perspective on the different challenges each environment presents. For nine years, she worked with the Costa Rican women’s national team, which allowed her to develop planning and adaptation skills, as she had to assemble the team month by month before international competitions. However, in her current role as coach of Rayadas de Monterrey, Amelia has discovered the benefits of continuous work. “The daily competition allows you to consolidate your game plan more easily,” she explains, highlighting the key differences between the two experiences.

How she was inspired to study at MBP and how it has made a difference in her coaching

Education has been a constant in Amelia’s career, and her experience at MBP School of Coaches marked a turning point in her understanding of football. Years before deciding to pursue a master’s degree at the prestigious school, Amelia had first encountered it through a colleague who spoke to her about their video analysis and scouting programs. After further research, she decided to enroll in the master’s program, an experience that not only complemented her knowledge but also provided her with the tools necessary to face challenges on the field.

Interestingly, Amelia completed her master’s while competing in the final with Rayadas de Monterrey, a period she describes as “challenging” due to the demands of both the tournament and her studies. However, she managed to juggle both. “It helped me have more clarity when planning,” she states. The structure of the master’s program, which covers everything from individual fundamentals to large-scale planning, enabled her to lead her team to success and solidify her style of play just when it was needed most.

Leadership in women’s football

Amelia Valverde’s success is not only measured by titles like the 2024 Clausura or the Golden Ball as best coach in the Mexican Women’s League. Her true impact lies in the leadership and example she has set in both Costa Rica and Mexico. In a sport historically dominated by men, Amelia has carved out her path with determination, proving that women have a prominent place in football. Her dedication and passion for the game have made her a role model for future generations of players and coaches, who see in her story a source of inspiration.

As she continues to grow in her career with Rayadas, Amelia Valverde is leaving a lasting mark on Latin American women’s football, transforming not only her teams but also an entire movement fighting for greater recognition and opportunities.