Dakota Carroll
Dakota Carroll is the Regional Teams Director at Steel United Pennsylvania, a leading youth soccer organization under the Steel Partners and Steel Sports umbrella. In this role, she oversees the organization’s largest region, managing 32 club soccer teams, coordinating tournaments, and leading camps and clinics that serve over 600 players. Dakota combines her extensive athletic administration experience with a lifelong passion for soccer to develop sustainable youth programs that emphasize leadership, mentorship, and inclusion. She is the only woman serving as a Teams Director within her company, and she is committed to paving the way for future female leaders in sports.
A lifelong soccer player, Dakota grew up in the Philadelphia area, progressing through the EPYSA ODP system and club soccer. She played Division I soccer at St. Bonaventure University, where she also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Spanish minor and later a Master’s in Strategic Leadership. Following college, Dakota began coaching at her alma mater, the Shipley School, before transitioning into athletic administration. She served as Associate Athletic Director at Germantown Academy, where she helped launch initiatives to elevate girls’ sports programs and strengthen community engagement.
Dakota’s professional philosophy centers on using sport as a vehicle for personal growth and community impact. She is skilled in coaching, strategic planning, scheduling and logistics, and youth athlete development. Beyond her work in soccer, Dakota has completed yoga teacher training and international coaching certifications, and she actively supports social impact initiatives that connect athletes with local nonprofits. Through her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to inclusive athletic programs, Dakota continues to make a meaningful impact on youth sports in Pennsylvania and beyond.
• FAWC Coaching License
• Villanova Athletics Leadership Summit
• Yoga Instructor Certification - Level II
• Yoga Specialty Certification
• NIAAA Leadership Training Course
• US Soccer
• CPR & AED
• St. Bonaventure University - M.A.
• Dean List
• Soccer Scholarship
• Starfinder Foundation
• Safe Hub
• Eldernet
• Grand Stepping Up
• Social Impact and Athlete Leadership Council at Steel
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my mentor, Steve Pilch, Head of School at the Shipley School. He has witnessed my growth from a student to a young professional, and now into the prime of my career. Throughout this journey, he has been a constant source of support, offering guidance and the honest feedback I needed to grow. His mentorship, including his work leading the leadership program at the University of Pennsylvania, has been invaluable in shaping both my professional development and my approach to leadership.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: you belong here, and there is room for you at the table. Having more women in leadership roles is incredibly impactful, and your perspective is needed. There will undoubtedly be challenging moments when you might second-guess yourself, but it’s important to remember that this is a space you are meant to occupy. You are not alone—there is a strong, supportive community of women in this field who lift each other up, and you can rely on that network as you grow and advance in your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field is the underrepresentation of women in leadership. As the only female teams director in my company, I see firsthand the importance of paving the way for future leaders and creating space for diverse voices. On the operational side, managing a large regional program with 32 teams, along with camps, clinics, and tournaments, presents its own set of complexities. Balancing these responsibilities effectively requires strategic planning, collaboration, and a focus on both growth and sustainability.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Mentoring and developing the next generation is central to my values. I guide new staff and coach our oldest girls, focusing not just on soccer but on life skills they can carry beyond the field. As the only female teams director in my company, I am committed to showing young women that there is a place for them in sports and leadership, and to paving the way for future generations.
Locations
Steel Sports
Conshohocken, PA 19428