HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Maj. Erin Issler is a remarkable figure in the world of women's soccer, currently making her mark and gaining recognition as the coach for the Armed Forces women's soccer team. Her journey from goalkeeping at the United States Air Force Academy to a leadership role in a challenging soccer environment is truly inspiring.
Issler works at Hill Air Force Base as an intelligence analyst for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. She is also in the Reserve, working as a senior intelligence officer for the 419th Operations Support Squadron. When she’s not a work, she can usually be found on the pitch, whether it’s coaching youth soccer or on a bigger stage coaching the top soccer players from the United States military’s six branches.
“I have played soccer all my life and it was a natural transition to go from being a player to being a coach,” she said.
Issler played for the Academy in 2005-2009 and for the Armed Forces team in 2010-2011. She took a few years off to start a family, but couldn’t stay away from the sport she loves. She began coaching for the Armed Forces team in 2018, working primarily with the goalkeepers. In 2023, she was selected for the head coaching position.
Under her guidance, the Armed Forces women's soccer team has flourished, earning victories and recognition on the international stage. Over the summer, the team traveled to the Netherlands to compete against 10 other teams in the 2023 International Military Sports Council’s (CISM) 14th annual women’s soccer tournament. They notched their best record at the event, finishing in fifth place overall with a 4-1 record.
“We had great success,” she said. “We’re only going to continue to get better. We have momentum, and with our talent we will continue on an upward trajectory.”
Her leadership has not only helped the team excel in competition but has also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and discipline among the players.
“Winning is always the objective, but my main goal is to create a culture where the players are representing the United States Armed Forces in a positive manner,” she said.
The CISM committee is currently planning the dates and location of the 2024 tournament, but interested athletes can learn more about Armed Forces Sports at https://armedforcessports.defense.gov as well as the team Facebook page: U.S. Women’s Armed Forces Soccer.