Erika Newhouse
Monroe
Summary
I am a passionate, values-driven coach committed to developing well-rounded student-athletes. I believe in fostering academic excellence, strong character, and active community involvement. I emphasize the importance of giving back, embracing mentorship, and recognizing the deeper life lessons that sports provide—such as sportsmanship, perseverance, accountability, and personal growth. I am focused on creating a supportive environment where student-athletes thrive, not just in competition, but as responsible, reflective individuals, prepared for life beyond the field.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Sports and Portrait Photographer
Striped Hat Photography
Monroe
01.2011 - Current
- Operated a successful self-employed photography business, specializing in high school seniors, engagements, families, and sports portraits.
- Managed all aspects of client relations, from initial consultation, and creative concept development, to final delivery of photo orders.
- Cultivated client relationships through personalized service, ensuring a positive experience, and repeat business.
- Scouted and secured diverse locations, developing creative concepts for photoshoots to meet clients' visions.
- Oversaw comprehensive business operations, including billing, invoicing, and order fulfillment.
- Developed and implemented targeted marketing strategies to attract and retain clients for portrait and sports photography services.
- Managed and optimized multiple Instagram accounts to showcase portfolio work and engage with target audiences.
- Volunteer photographer for the annual Kaci 5K.
- I support local athletic programs by providing pro bono sports photography services for Monroe High School, Sultan High School, Bellevue College, and various other youth sports.
Head JV Girls Soccer Coach/Assistant Girls Varsity Coach
Monroe School District
Monroe
08.2019 - 11.2024
- Adapted coaching techniques to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of players.
- Organized team-building activities to enhance team spirit.
- Implemented new drills or exercises into practice plans based upon current trends in soccer training methods .
- Reviewed video footage of previous games or opponents' games for tactical analysis purposes.
- Fostered a positive, competitive, and team-oriented environment, promoting sportsmanship and respect among players.
- Developed and executed practice plans that focused on improving technical skills, team tactics, and strength and conditioning.
- Supported girls Head Varsity Coach during games and practices, providing insights as necessary.
- Guided the JV girls' soccer team to a first-place finish in Wesco and the best goal differential average in the league last season (2024).
- Trained and shaped core group of players from youth leagues through high school, leading to Varsity team's first State appearance since 2009 (2022 season)
- Consistently guided JV teams to top-four finishes in the league, maintaining a strong record in goals allowed average.
Volunteer Soccer Coach
Sky River Soccer Club
Monroe
08.2006 - 11.2022
- Delivered age-appropriate coaching to participants aged 3 through 18 over the 16 years.
- Facilitated youth soccer clinics for U4 participants, integrating leadership opportunities for U12 girls' team volunteers.
- Organized participation of my girls' team as ball girls for Monroe High School for two consecutive seasons.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and leadership skills by managing and coaching four teams at once over several seasons, and maintained involvement with at least two teams during the bulk of my coaching career.
- Coordinated team activities, including meetings, social events, summer practice sessions, team hikes, volunteer opportunities, and tournament participation.
- Built strong relationships with parents through clear and consistent communication.
- I served as head coach for several years of the only select boys' and girls' teams at Sky River Soccer Club, managing a range of age groups, and guiding teams to multiple successful seasons.
Volunteer Art Docent
Salem Woods Elementary School
Monroe
09.2008 - 06.2016
- Managed procurement and structured organization of art supplies.
- Planned and delivered monthly art lessons tailored to various age groups.
- Conducted research on artists and their techniques to create engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction.
- Promoted creativity and confidence by encouraging students to explore self-expression and embrace mistakes as part of learning.
- Implemented interactive art projects that enhanced student engagement, resulting in noticeable improvements in classroom participation.
Volunteer Yearbook Editor and Photographer
Salem Woods Elementary School
Monroe
09.2008 - 02.2016
- Documented key school memories as the primary photographer for the yearbook, covering daily activities and special events.
- Utilized industry-standard online software (Dorian Studios, Lifetouch Studios) to create compelling yearbook page layouts.
- Managed the entire yearbook procurement process, including vendor relations, inventory, sales, and student delivery.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies that increased yearbook engagement and sales among the school community.
- Coordinated with faculty and students to gather content, ensuring a comprehensive yearbook that reflected school spirit and engagement.
Education
High School Diploma -
Sultan High School
Sultan, WA06.1993
Some College (No Degree) -
Shoreline Community College
Seattle, WASome College (No Degree) -
The Evergreen State College
Olympia, WASkills
- Player development
- Practice planning
- Strength conditioning
- Sportsmanship promotion
- Team building
- Tactical vision
- Youth development
- Communication skills
- Community engagement
Timeline
Head JV Girls Soccer Coach/Assistant Girls Varsity Coach
Monroe School District
08.2019 - 11.2024
Sports and Portrait Photographer
Striped Hat Photography
01.2011 - Current
Volunteer Art Docent
Salem Woods Elementary School
09.2008 - 06.2016
Volunteer Yearbook Editor and Photographer
Salem Woods Elementary School
09.2008 - 02.2016
Volunteer Soccer Coach
Sky River Soccer Club
08.2006 - 11.2022
High School Diploma -
Sultan High School
Some College (No Degree) -
Shoreline Community College
Some College (No Degree) -
The Evergreen State College