Katie LaForge has always been an interactive coach.

After serving as an assistant coach for three years between Johnson County Community College and Kansas City Kansas Community College, LaForge has stepped up.

Formerly Katie Kelly, the recently married LaForge is now the coach of the KC Courage, part of the Heartland Conference in the WPSL’s Central Region.

The change at head coach is a new sight for KC Courage fans. Since 2014, Wendy Louque was the KC Courage coach. However, she moved into an assistant coach role this season to let LaForge step into the spotlight.

The current and former head coach have a good relationship from working together previously.

“I think it’s the right kind of mentality that we should have in creating teams and giving back to the community,” LaForge said. “It’s a completely volunteer thing. I love what she set up and wanted to be a part of it. She agreed and let me do my thing for the summer.”

LaForge said she’s grateful to Louque for the opportunity.

“She’s awesome and has just done so much for this team and the WPSL in general,” LaForge said. “For female players, overall, she’s done so much. I look forward to working closely with her this summer.”

LaForge has experience not only in the coaching world but also on the pitch. A four-year member of Marquette University’s soccer program, LaForge continued her playing career well after college. In her six professional seasons, she played five overseas in Europe in Germany, Sweden and Finland.

In the United States, she featured for FC Kansas City in the NWSL for its inaugural 2013 season.

“That was cool to play at home,” LaForge said. “I got to meet a ton of different people and see a bunch of different coaching styles. Now I have friends all over the world, so that’s really cool. My playing experience was extremely blessed, and I’m grateful for it.”

Now, as a coach, LaForge has learned a completely different side to the game. However, she was never just a low-key assistant coach; her former head coaches involved her quickly throughout the coaching process.

“Luckily I was around coaches who did a lot,” LaForge said. “I got to get into the recruiting side of things. Everything that I learned was helpful as I stepped into the head coach position for the KC Courage. I didn’t feel overwhelmed, so I don’t feel like I’m not prepared. They let me take charge.”

LaForge’s first test is building a roster. KC Courage recently held its open tryouts where 29 players attended. On Twitter, the club announced that 16 players from the past season have returned, including veteran defenders Ann Murphy and Caroline Hayes.

Overall, LaForge was impressed with the turnout and high intensity of the tryout. However, it wasn’t just strictly business, for LaForge said there was quite a bit of laughing and bonding among the players.

“It was a good day,” LaForge said. “It was nice to see some of the veterans who have been with the Courage for several seasons talking to the younger players. There’s a nice dynamic when you have some kids who got out of college or who are in college. It’s a nice way to start building the team culture.”

Team culture will come in handy with a tough conference. In the Heartland Conference, KC Courage is stacked against Fire & Ice SC, Kansas City Athletics, St. Louis Lions and Des Moines Menace.

LaForge said she’s particularly looking forward to having a Kansas City rivalry with the Athletics and a rivalry against St. Louis.

“Having an in-town rivalry is always fun,” LaForge said. “You know a lot of players and know the coaches. I’m looking forward to that. I’m interested in the St. Louis Lions as well. Kansas City and St. Louis have always had a rivalry, so this is another one.

“For me, being from Kansas City, it will be fun to play a St. Louis team. They are a notoriously good soccer town. So since they are brand new, it will be a fun 70’s rivalry.”