Ryan Griffith, the varsity girls soccer coach and Lindbergh staff member, has led the team for two years, bringing both victories, and lasting memories.

Griffith has been involved in soccer since childhood. The sport runs in his family, with his father and all but one of his siblings playing. He attended Pacific Lutheran University, where he played Division III soccer for five years. 

Griffith describes his coaching style as open and free, focused on helping his athletes make the best decisions by providing multiple tools for different situations. “One way isn’t always the right way,” he said. Coaching has also helped him understand which methods work best for both himself and his players.

“I try to be very approachable and understanding with all players,” Griffith said, “I want to be there for them if they are struggling and be a resource both in and out of soccer.” He adds that when his player loses confidence, he encourages focusing on small successes, saying those moments can help them realize they’re “good enough.”

Griffith believes that a player’s attitude reflects on their potential both on and off the field. He values those who remain open to feedback and can handle criticism even after making mistakes or being substituted.

For players hoping to play in college, his advice is to work on the basics before tackling more complex aspects of the game. “If you can repeatedly do the little things successfully, then you’ll be able to focus on the bigger ideas of the game,” Griffith said. “You have to have the basics mastered before you can move on to the next level.”

The team’s theme song, Griffith says, is the one players sing out on bus rides. One of his most unforgettable moments came when a player scored in her first ever high school game, a special moment he will remember for a while.