Yael Averbuch West grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, with parents who were both high-level long distance runners. She joined her first soccer team at age seven and by the time she was nine, she knew she wanted to be a professional soccer player. Her goal was to play for the University of North Carolina and the U.S. Women’s National Team.

During her college years, Yael played soccer for the University of North Carolina, where she won two National Championships and set an NCAA record with 105 consecutive starts. After her sophomore season in 2007, she got her first cap with the U.S. Women’s National Team against England. Yael finished her college eligibility at the perfect time to begin the inaugural season of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS).

Soccer then took her on the road, as she played for professional teams in both Russia and Sweden. She then joined the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and played for the Washington Spirit, Apollon Ladies FC in Cyprus, FC Kansas City, and Seattle Reign. Yael is now the General Manager and Head of Soccer Operations for NJ/NY Gotham FC.

In addition to her successful soccer career, Yael started her own business called Techne Futbol, which is a training app designed to help players form an individual relationship with the ball. She also helped to start the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Players Association, for which she was the first Executive Director.