Bellevue’s Boettcher kicks grass and takes names

It may be difficult for many Eastsiders to think of a time when soccer wasn’t a prevalent sport in the region, which is why two sisters aim to celebrate the women who brought soccer into the limelight, making it accessible for all young girls today.

“Kicking Grass and Taking Games,” is a compilation of biographies, detailing the history and growth of women’s soccer across the country. The book, written by sisters Mary Ann and Diane Davidson under the pen name Maddi Davidson, begins with Title IX and how it opened the door for women to play sports, and specifically soccer, in 1972.

“Women born too early to receive the full benefits of Title IX refused to stay on the sidelines,” Maddi wrote in the book description. “They took to the field to play soccer and discovered a new passion that has endured into their fifties, sixties, and beyond.”

Mary and Diane began writing in 2010 and primarily published mystery/thriller short-stories. Diane has played soccer for much of her life which lead to the passion behind this project.

“This book is a departure from [our typical work.]” Diane said. “It’s more of a labor of love.”

Diane added that her goal was to memorialize the early women in soccer and give them credit for pioneering the sport.

“Women never offered many opportunities to play sports but then Title IX made soccer an option and as they found these opportunities to play. We have such a strong women’s league in the area.” said Sue Boettcher, a Bellevue native who’s prominently featured in the book.

Diane conducted many of the interviews for the book while Mary oversaw much of the editing. Diane made contact with prominent players across the country, including Boettcher who coached the Bellevue High School girls varsity soccer team from 1993 to 2000.

“This book is really about the women in it, people like Sue,” Diane said. “I want the women to receive the accolades they deserve for what they’ve done and what they’re doing.”

Boettcher is a Washington State Soccer Association board director and partly credits the region’s strong soccer culture to Boeing.

“One of the reasons Seattle area is a hot-bed for soccer is because Boeing hired engineers from Europe who coached their kids and wives,” Boettcher said. “[This] lead to the development of the women’s and youth soccer leagues.”

Currently, Boettcher is pioneering the local soccer community once again as she pushes walking soccer into prominence. Walking soccer, or ultimate soccer, is played the same as standard soccer, but at a slower pace with a heavier ball.

“It’s really starting to take off and grow,” she said. “[It’s great] because of the health benefits, the fun and the friendships.”

The sport is an alternative to for older adults or those who can no longer play soccer due to an injury, like Boettcher.

“A lot of people I’ve played with have stopped playing because of one physical issue or another, or health issue,” Boettcher said. “This is my latest soccer love … I call it ultimate soccer because if you call it walking soccer it sounds like it is a non-dynamic game.”

Boettcher has more than 40 local women playing ultimate soccer and plans to bring it to this year’s U.S. Adult Soccer Association’s Soccer Fest, an annual event that brings teams from across the country to compete. The tournament will be held in Bellingham this year and Boettcher aims to solidify ultimate soccer as a division.

“These women were really devoted to making this happen for other people,” Diane said. “It’s incredible that [these women] are still playing.”

Diane and her sister plan to return to short stories for the near future.

“Giving birth is a lot easier [than writing],” Diane said with a laugh. “[This book] gives me a great amount of respect for people who write two books a year.”