It’s great that the club provides development for coaching staff as well as the players. In his own words:

Dear Ballard,

After 3 seasons together, the time has come for me to say goodbye. Suffice to say, I will miss driving to Interbay on a match day and seeing the stadium all dressed up. Thank you so much to all the fans for your incredible support, rain or shine. I will miss the roar of the crowd and the eager outstretched hands when burgers are thrown into the stands after a Ballard goal. I will miss the drumming, chanting, and unrivalled passion of the Bush Keepers before, during, and after matches. I will miss looking across from the bench and seeing the international flags that the Bridge Keepers set up on the fencing. To all the people who made these elements a consistent part of our matchday, thank you.

Frankly, I am in awe of, and deeply indebted to, everyone who was part of game-day operations for Ballard FC. From Nat Maymudes in the press box, the commentary of Adam Race and Cole Weaver, Sophie Broesamle’s smiling face by merchandise, Myles Nafe’s camera work, Cookie Yitbarek’s voice, and Oscar Warnersmith’s warm greeting by the stadium entrance, so many people have made this experience an incredible one. I will miss seeing Jan Ahlgren closing the gate after a morning training session and chatting with her about the painting she and my son, Matteo, did that day. There are certainly precious individuals whom I haven’t mentioned by name, please forgive the omission. Just know that you all have made Ballard FC the exceptional environment that those of us on the field try hard to live up to.

As head coach this past season, I am especially grateful for the individuals who worked closely with me to serve our wonderful roster. Thank you to goalkeeper coach Ben Dragavon, whose wisdom and composure are priceless. Thank you to coaches Nick Radosavljevic, Tsigab Tesfamariam, and Iovani Rodriguez Perez for joining the staff and making such a positive impact on our culture; you were all an absolute joy to work with and each of you stepped up when called upon. Special thanks to coach Elliott Miller, who always made time to support the staff when he wasn’t too busy winning trophies with Salmon Bay FC. Thank you, Jack Nelson and Preston Haynesworth, for your selfless work at training and on matchdays, I appreciate you both. Thank you to our amazing trainer, Tiffany Mallick, for your incredible work with the players. You are, in many ways, the backbone of the club. To all of you coaches and support staff, thank you for an incredible 2026 season, your work helped us set club records.

Finally, a word for the players: To all of you who’ve played a part in any of the last three seasons, thank you so much for all that you’ve given to the club and to me personally throughout my time here. Your talents are the reason people show up to the stadium and watching you perform from up close has been an honor. I will miss the intense games of bucketball on the recovery days, the playful banter before and after sessions, and of course the victory celebrations in the locker room. I hope you all realize that whatever you do in your careers, on or off the pitch, there are few things better in life than truly being in community with others and sharing in collective joy. This is what you, the players, have given me, and why this time has been so special for my family. My son worships all of you, and his love of the sport has been forever enhanced because of you. Take care of yourselves, I’m just a phone call away, and I will always root for your success. Thank you for allowing me to coach you.

Sincerely, Mutanda Kwesele