Building Legacies and Communities Beyond the Game

This week on The Struggle Bubble, we had the incredible opportunity to chat with two powerhouse figures in sports and the Bay Area — Leslie Osborne Lewis , Co-Founder of Bay FC and former US Women’s National Team player, and Ricky Lewis , former MLS soccer player, former US National Youth Team member, and now Regional Sales Manager at Stryker. They’re not just shaping the future of women’s sports, they’re creating inspiration from the ground up for the kids in our area, and the insights they shared were incredible.

As we spoke, one thing was crystal clear: their passion for soccer isn’t just about what happens on the field. It’s about shaping the futures of their families, their communities, and the next generation of athletes. From the vision of creating a Bay Area female sports franchise, to their view on creating inspiring and safe spaces for youth athletes, Leslie and Ricky are all about creating something that lasts.

A Lasting Legacy in Women’s Sports

Leslie shared something that really stuck with me. For her, co-founding Bay FC wasn’t just about launching a team. It was about creating a franchise that would inspire future generations. "When we take our girls to the games, their eyes light up," she said. "They’re not just seeing athletes; they’re seeing possibilities."

That hit home for me as a dad with soccer-loving daughters. The chance for them to see female role models right here in our backyard? It’s huge. Leslie and the team at Bay FC are doing so much more than leading on the field—they’re creating opportunities, showing young girls they can set big goals and go after them.

A New Era of Athlete Branding

One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was when Leslie talked about how much things have changed since her playing days. "If I had Instagram back then, it would have been a game-changer," she laughed. Now, athletes have this incredible opportunity to connect directly with fans and build their own brands.?

"It’s about telling your story, connecting with fans, and thinking ahead to what comes next," she explained. And she’s right. Athletes today aren’t just players—they’re brand builders, entrepreneurs, and leaders. It made me think about how everyone, not just athletes, can take advantage of platforms to build a legacy and reach beyond their current role.

Balance and Perspective in Youth Sports

As a parent, this next part of our conversation really hit home. Ricky talked about balancing structured practice with just letting kids be kids. He told this great story about his daughter skipping an extra soccer session to go to a jumpy house instead. "Sometimes they just need to be kids and have fun," he said, and it made me think about how easy it is to get caught up in the pressure to perform.

That led us into a bigger discussion about the importance of playing multiple sports. Both Ricky and Leslie shared how they grew up playing everything—from soccer to basketball—and how it shaped them as athletes and people.

"We played everything, and that variety helped us grow in ways that focusing on just one sport wouldn’t have.”

It’s a good reminder for parents to let kids explore their passions and not push them too hard into specializing too early.

Creating a Fun and Empowering Environment

And of course, I had to ask for some coaching advice for my daughter’s soccer team. Leslie shared some amazing insights about creating a positive environment for young athletes.

"The most important thing we can do is make practice something they look forward to," she told me. "It’s not just about winning; it’s about fostering a space where girls feel confident, respected, and safe."

That really stuck with me. It’s not just about drills or skill-building—it’s about making sure our kids love being part of the team and creating an outlet. Leslie’s approach of keeping things fun while building confidence is something I’ll definitely take with me to our next practice.

It Takes a Village

We also talked about how essential it is to have a support system. "We don’t have immediate family close by," Ricky said, "but we’ve found a village of support." Whether it’s teammates, coaches, or fellow parents, they’ve built a community that keeps them grounded and supported. It’s a good reminder that no matter how busy things get, having a strong network makes all the difference.

Listen to the full episode for more insights and stories from Leslie and Ricky on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website.