About the authors.
Rachel Gunther & Judy Holstein
For authors Rachel Gunther and Judy D. Holstein, the expression "just go with the flow" was their favorite shared motto - it helped them overcome the too-many-to-remember zany, over-the-top, and purely wacky adventures they both experienced on their wild rides as soccer moms. In collaborating on the book SOCCER MOM Secrets, they drew from their memories, conversations, and experiences with and around the many other soccer moms and dads, coaches, players, and soccer junkies.
To other soccer moms who are just venturing into youth club soccer, they say with a hearty smile, "Your 'normal' life will never be the same again!!"
RACHEL GUNTHER has been a rabid soccer mom and passionate fan of the sport for well over a decade. She is also the proud mother of a daughter and son who both have excelled at the highest levels of youth soccer in southern California, playing for notable clubs like Surf, Wolfpack, Arsenal and Real So Cal. These clubs are top performers in the Coast Premier League, which is considered the most competitive gaming league in the nation.
Rachel’s daughter has traveled across the country, winning tournaments such as the Snickers National Cup, USA Cup, Surf Cup, and the Kellogg's Cup, which garnered her the front cover on a Frosted Flakes cereal box. She has since gone on to compete at the Division II collegiate level as a 4-year starter and captain of her team that has consistently won its Conference Section title several years in a row.
As a youth, Rachel’s son traveled extensively for soccer as well. His international playing experience consisted of matches and tournaments in Europe and Asia, including one year spent abroad playing for a premier youth club team in Belgium. He was also a regular selection for the state and regional ODP (Olympic Development Program) teams since age 11. He just began his college career at one of the nation's top Division I programs in California.
In the last two Women's World Cups held in Los Angeles, Rachel lent her time and services as a volunteer coordinator, and as an accreditation & protocol manager. She is still involved as a volunteer for US Soccer at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.
Rachel graduated from UC Irvine with a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, and has worked as a microbiologist and consultant for a real estate investment company.
JUDY D. HOLSTEIN is the mother of two sons. Her eldest, an accomplished cross country athlete and her youngest, a soccer player since the age of 5, have kept Judy in the world of sports for 19 years. The level of soccer her son has played has advanced incrementally with his experience as he enjoyed a long youth career, including varsity- level soccer in high school as well as competing at the premier levels in southern California with clubs like the Mission Viejo Pateadores and Irvine Strikers, that are ranked among the best in the nation.
Judy is such a fan of the sport that she joined her son, who spent a year studying and playing soccer in Spain, and was grateful for the opportunity to experience the Catalan professional soccer season. Her experience was highlighted by an exciting and memorable celebration of Barcelona winning of the 2006 UEFA Champions League – the most prestigious European club trophy in the sport.
Soccer continues to be a part of Judy’s life, as her son is fortunate to be able to continue his soccer career at the university level, currently as a member of an NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) men’s soccer team. She also volunteers her time for U.S. Soccer events held in the Los Angeles area.
Judy holds a bachelors of Science degree in business administration from the University of La Verne in La Verne, California, and has 25 years experience as an administrative healthcare professional.
She enjoys traveling and cooking for family and friends.
