Julie Savage and Kelsey Pope are dedicated educators who work tirelessly to make an impact in the lives of their students. When not teaching or coaching Savage and Pope regularly attend Houston Dash matches together.
Savage is in her 14th year in education and currently serves as a school counselor and spent 11 years as an English teacher. Savage says she “enjoys helping the younger generation really figure out who they are and what their passions are in life” and says “there is nothing greater than that “ah-ha” moment with students.” Savage says soccer helps her connect with students who might not be as receptive to normal teaching methods and says it gives her a way to connect with students in a way she didn’t think was possible.
Pope is a health and science teacher and also serves as a coach for the girls’ soccer team and boys and girls’ cross country teams. For Pope, being an educator – on and off the field – is to create a safe space for kids to be themselves and grow and strives to be the teacher and coach she wishes she had growing up. Pope says that having a front row seat to some of the best athletes in the sport allow her to take back some ideas and apply them to her team.
“We brought 25 of our soccer girls out to the Mexico vs Dash friendly and they had a blast!” Pope said. “They love to watch the Dash games and game film.”
Being a Dash365 season ticket member had given them both several memorable moments. For Savage, who has been following the team closely since 2020, her favorite moment happened this season when the Dash beat the Portland Thorns at Shell Energy Stadium earlier this regular season. Pope says there were many moments to choose from. Her favorite however was when former Dash forward Rachel Daly made time before her departure to say goodbye to fans last summer.
Pope and Savage will be honored as the SeetGeek Members of the Match during Saturday’s match against Racing Louisville. Additionally, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Night and the school year quickly approaching, Dynamo and Dash charities have fulfilled their "Back To School Supplies" list.
