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ISSAQUAH FC STAFF
KELLY GALLOWAY
Executive Director
My involvement with the Issaquah youth soccer community began more than two decades ago as we were drawn by an excellent reputation for fielding competitive Club Select teams. Both my daughters were academically motivated, multi-sport athletes who wanted to play competitive soccer without sacrificing other activities, and Club Select was the right fit for our family. The team environment was competitive but also encouraged players to explore other interests, all while keeping fees manageable for most families by being entirely volunteer driven.
Having volunteered at the team level for many years, after my daughters aged out of the program I officially assumed the role of Select Program Coordinator in 2011 followed by the Director of Finance in 2013. With growing club level experience, a pulse on the local youth soccer community and a strong dedication to providing an inclusive space for youth players at every level, I was approached in 2014 by the Executive Director of Washington Youth Soccer (WYS) and asked to spearhead the formation of a new EYSA member club in the Issaquah and Sammamish communities. Issaquah FC was born of this passion, to provide Recreational and competitive Club Select soccer options for local multi-activity youth with the league resources of WYS and EYSA while partnering with Eastside FC for those inclined toward a year-round premier level.
Now in our 11th year, I remain passionate about Issaquah FC, dedicated to ongoing club integrity and continued improvement. The Club’s role within the WYS/EYSA structure continues a four-decades-long tradition of supporting youth soccer and player development in the greater Issaquah area. Together, we can support a proven successful model for youth soccer, one that provides kids with a character-building opportunity to grow, play and have fun, and adult volunteers a place to share their expertise to benefit the community as a whole. I hope you’ll join your friends and neighbors in this journey. It worked for my family, and I’m confident it will work for yours as well.
TARIQ WALCOTT
Technical Director
I’m so excited to join the club as your new Technical Director! For over the past year, I’ve been connected to Issaquah FC as a liaison and coaching support, so stepping into this role feels like a natural next step, and I couldn’t be happier to expand on the work we’ve been doing!
My role will focus on supporting our on-field vision, both for today and for the future, from Recreational to Select. That means helping our coaches grow, supporting player development, guiding game-day performance, and creating training sessions and curriculum that help everyone succeed while enjoying the game.
Here’s a little bit about my background:
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USSF B Coaching License
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B.S. in Athletic Coaching Education (Sport & Exercise Psychology emphasis)
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Current ECNL/A Team Coach at Eastside FC
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Head and Assistant Coach with WA Youth Soccer EPD
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Volunteer Assistant Coach & Talent Scout at Seattle Sounders Academy (past)
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Coaching experience across the U.S. and internationally (Portugal, England, Netherlands)
I love being a part of this community and can’t wait to continue building on what makes this club so special! See you all on the field!
JENNY HEPPERLE
Recreational Registrar
I have been involved in youth sports in the Issaquah community since my kids were young. Having loved my own childhood experience playing multiple sports, I wanted my children to have similar opportunities.
I started out coaching micro soccer and micro lacrosse for the ISD Girls Lacrosse Club. As my kids grew and coaching moved beyond my skill set, I shifted into volunteer roles—first as a micro coordinator, then as a board member—and was part of the inception of the ISD Girls Lacrosse Club. Over the years, I wore many volunteer hats, got to know countless families, and worked closely with facilities throughout the Issaquah area.
I’ve been fortunate to know Kelly Galloway for many years. We’ve supported each other as sounding boards while navigating the world of youth sports. Now that both of my kids are in college and my husband and I are official empty nesters, the timing felt right to join Issaquah FC as a scheduler.
I’m excited to be part of a club that gives kids in our community the chance to experience fitness, fun, friendship, and the lifelong benefits of team sports.
KAYLEE GALLOWAY
Select Registrar
I have enjoyed watching Issaquah FC grow since its beginning and am thrilled to join the team to give back to youth soccer. I played the sport for a decade, from elementary school through high school—including five years in the Issaquah area—and also had the privilege of coaching. Soccer gave me lasting friendships, cherished memories, and invaluable life lessons in leadership, teamwork, hard work, and perseverance.
I fell in love with Bellingham while attending Western Washington University and returned there after working in Washington, D.C. Following many years in both federal and Washington state government, I traded running on the soccer field for running for office—and now proudly serve as the youngest-ever elected member of the Whatcom County Council.
I’m excited to bring my passion for the game to Issaquah FC’s admin team and to build meaningful relationships with our players, families, and coaches.
DEMAREE KIEBURTZ
Coach Coordinator
My family and I have lived in the Issaquah area since 1995, and all three of my children have played soccer for local clubs. I began coaching youth soccer in 1996 and have enjoyed working with players at every level—from recreational teams with ISC to Issaquah High School and Issaquah Middle School girls’ programs.
I believe in the importance of strong, local neighborhood clubs that offer opportunities for all players, regardless of level, because every player matters. I joined the Issaquah FC administration team after coaching in the Select program during the club’s inaugural year, and I’m excited to be part of this growing, community-based organization.
Coaching & Leadership Experience
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Ballard High School – Assistant Varsity Coach (1996–1997)
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Nathan Hale High School – Varsity Coach (1997–2005)
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Issaquah High School – Freshman Coach (2006–Present)
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Issaquah Middle School – Varsity Coach (2010–Present)
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ISC – Fall Recreational Coach (2006–2009)
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Eastside FC – Assistant Coach, GU97W (2009–2014)
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Eastside FC – Assistant Coach, GU02W (2014–2015)
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Eastside Youth Soccer Association – VP of Competition (2016–Present)
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NPSL – Board Member (2016–Present)
JENNIFER NAKAMURA
Field Coordinator
My family has lived in the Sammamish area for over 16 years. We love to travel, explore, hike, bike, and capture moments through photography. I’ve always had a deep love for sports and fitness, and was a high-level athlete growing up.
My kids have always loved soccer, so when we were looking for a competitive club to join, Issaquah FC kept coming highly recommended. We absolutely love this community, and I’m excited to be part of the Issaquah FC admin team—building new relationships and helping our program continue to grow.
I’m also proud to be a breast cancer survivor. Going through treatment and radiation was a humbling experience that taught me to appreciate life’s little moments and live each day to the fullest. As Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
ASHLEY JOHNSON
Micro Coordinator, Positive Coaching Alliance, IT
Our family are huge soccer fans—we love playing, watching, coaching, and even reffing on occasion. I’m a strong advocate for making sure every child has a place to play, no matter their skill level.
Both of my daughters played for Issaquah FC, and my husband and I coached during their U8 years. Eventually, one daughter moved on to play premier with our sister club, Eastside FC, while the other graduated from Issaquah FC’s recreational program. Today, both girls return to give back—helping coach our micro soccer players and volunteering with the club.
I’ve served on the Issaquah FC board for the past six years while working at Microsoft, but I always said that post-tech, I wanted to work more directly with kids and our community. I currently work as a Career & Technology teacher at Cougar Mountain Middle School and I’m excited to also be a part of the admin team to continue serving Issaquah!