The Game Changer Award

Party On The Pitch2026

May 27

Who is that one coach?

They turned a bunch of players into a team.
They changed the way you play the game.
They made a lasting impact on your life.

We’re looking for the coaches who go the extra mile. The ones who show up, stand out, and never give up on their team. The ones who turn effort into belief, and potential into something real.

That’s who The Game Changer Award is for.

And The Award Goes To Coach Allie Galoob

Nominated by her friend, Kathleen, she shared what makes Allie stand out among her coaching peers:

“Allie is a coach that inspires girls to be brave and bold, and to challenge them to step out of their comfort zone.

“The sport needs more women coaches that girls can look up to. Allie herself has accomplished so much, including winning two gold medals in the Olympics representing the USWNT Deaf Team. She coaches the team, but also meets 1:1 with each player every 2 months to review film and has each girl work on 3 specific goals that they want to accomplish.

“I often see her smiling from the bench and giving a thumbs up to the player that achieved their specific goals. We could be losing 10 to zero, but Allie is still smiling because she celebrates each player doing something good. Losing means a growing opportunity and never punitive.”

Allie shared more of her story with us:

“I proudly represented the U.S. Deaf Women’s National Team for 11 years, competing in two Deaflympic Games (2009 and 2013), where we won gold medals on both occasions. I also competed in two Deaf World Football Championships (Deaf World Cups) in 2012 and 2016, helping lead the team to championship titles in both tournaments.

“Since May 2022, I have been coaching with Seattle Reign Academy, and I have loved every minute of the experience. The Academy’s positive and supportive environment has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally as a coach. The emphasis on family, player development, and a deep respect for the game aligns perfectly with my coaching philosophy, making the experience incredibly rewarding.”

“I understand the powerful role sports can play in a young athlete’s life, as well as the importance of strong female role models.”

— Coach Allie Galoob

“My passion for soccer is what inspired me to become a coach,” Allie continues. “I understand the powerful role sports can play in a young athlete’s life, as well as the importance of strong female role models. Throughout my playing career, I had only two female coaches to look up to—one of whom was Seattle Reign Academy Executive Director Amy Griffin. Their influence reinforced for me how meaningful representation can be, and I strive to provide that same inspiration and guidance to every player I have the privilege of coaching.

“Helping players develop character, confidence, and life skills is a responsibility I take seriously. The lessons learned on the field—teamwork, respect, accountability, and resilience—extend far beyond the game. My goal is to create an environment where players not only grow as athletes but also develop qualities that will serve them throughout their lives.”

At Dick’s Drive-In, we celebrated the Soccer Mom MVPs who keep teams running strong. Now, as the PARTY ON THE PITCH 2026 continues, we’re turning the spotlight to other leaders who shape the game from the sidelines—the coaches whose impact goes far beyond wins and losses.

These are the coaches who set the pace in practice and in competition. The ones who balance discipline with encouragement, who know when to push and when to lift a player up. They build confidence, shape character, and create an environment where every player has the chance to grow.

From youth leagues to community clubs, these coaches are the foundation of the game. They bring energy, structure, and belief to every team they lead, often without recognition. And yet, their influence lasts far longer than any single season.

That’s why we’re inviting players and parents across the community to help us recognize them.