Mark Gibson, Head Coach

TEAM: 2012-2013 Girls

I started playing soccer when I was 5, because my mom said I needed a way to get my energy out! Oh, how was she right! I kept getting my energy out playing soccer long after high school. For me, soccer opened the door to lasting friendships and many other sports as I became a versatile athlete due to my high level of fitness. I developed confidence as a player, I learned how to compete, and I learned how to believe in myself. I’ve learned that attitude is everything in sports, both for players and coaches.

Talking about myself isn’t something I share with many people. Honestly, I’d rather learn more about others, but it’s led to where I am today. I’m retired from the United States Air Force and performed deployments and combat operations in locations such as Haiti, Iraq, Qatar, and Kuwait. I can share that at each of these counties; I always saw soccer being played and sometimes on uneven dirt fields littered with rocks and children playing barefoot. When I first arrived in Iraq, I witnessed a friendly soccer match between military members from the US playing against a team of our allies: Australia, England, and Canada. While it was fun to watch, it also served a purpose. It was meant to unify us and foster better relationships between the countries as a team building activity. Football (soccer) is truly the world sport.

Outside of soccer, my daughter and I started doing Taekwondo when she was in elementary school. We gained confidence together as we developed our abilities and finished not only as Black Belts in Taekwondo, but also as AAU Taekwondo National Champions. I ran track and field in college and now help as a volunteer coach for the CPRD boys and girls middle school track and field team here in Newberg. I currently work as a program manager for a local municipality.

I started coaching soccer a few years ago. At first, it was just a way to spend more time with my children and their friends instead of standing on the sidelines watching their practices. I thought that because I played soccer so long ago that I didn’t have much left to offer. After a few touches, I quickly realized how much I missed playing. I greatly enjoy coaching and found that it’s a way for me to connect with the next generation. I always try to lead by example and demonstrate the qualities that I want to see from our players. I believe that sportsmanship matters now more than ever and that our players are ambassadors of our community.

I’m fortunate to raise a family here in our amazing Newberg community with my wife, our three children, and two pugs. We moved to Newberg about 14 years ago and now consider it our home. We’ve met so many generous and kind neighbors that deeply care about our community, it’s incredible. I’m passionate about helping the kids in our community succeed in sports. Our children are the heart and soul of our community, and they are what makes it special. Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to be their coach.