Her Story
About Karen
Karen Roman serves as CEO and Chair of the Board of Directors of Montgomery Soccer Inc., one of the oldest and largest youth soccer clubs in the country. A graduate of Amherst College in 1995, where she played soccer as an All-American, Roman began her professional career working for DC United, the professional men's team in Washington, and has coached soccer at various schools on the East Coast as well as her own children. She has dedicated her career to leading the non-profit club, which she has shaped to provide a way to play instead of pay, offering affordable and inclusive youth soccer for all kids in contrast to for-profit pay-to-play models. Roman cares deeply about people, her country, and the world, believing youth soccer can help solve global problems, and she strongly advocates for girl power, noting that girls who play sports gain confidence, strength, and power. She values passion for one's career, generosity in helping others, authenticity, and honesty, and advises young women to take risks, be confident, and always be themselves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I care deeply about people and our country and our world. I feel that youth soccer can be a part of the solution to a lot of global problems. I believe in girl power. And that's when girls play sports they gain confidence and strength and power.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To always be yourself because authenticity is so important.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You go girl is one of my catchphrases. Take risks. Be confident. You go, girl.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Our soccer club is a non-profit but there are many for-profit organizations called pay to play which are private equity companies trying to take over youth sports. It's a major problem because they charge 3 to 4 times as much. I invented a new type of club. My club provides a way to play instead of pay. So we provide affordable and inclusive youth soccer for all kids.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Passion for your career is really important. I try to help people as much as possible so generosity is really important. Authenticity and honesty.
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