From Mom to Board Member: Jessica Johnson Is Passionate About Monroe’s Youth Football Program

Jessica Johnson’s commitment to the Monroe Youth Football Association is rooted in her passion for youth sports and her belief in the power of community. As a board member of the nonprofit organization based in Monroe, Washington, Johnson plays a vital role in supporting local children through football and cheerleading programs designed to build character, leadership, and life skills.

“I mean, we do this for the kids,” Johnson said. “We do this so that they have a safe, fun place to be. We do this to keep them motivated and to teach them life skills that will help them through the rest of their lives.”

The Monroe Youth Football Association, part of the North Sound League, serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. As a feeder program for Monroe High School, its mission is to develop young athletes in a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes teamwork, responsibility, and sportsmanship.

Johnson, a Washington State University graduate with a degree in business, began volunteering with the organization when her eldest son showed interest in football at age 5. A former athlete herself, she quickly recognized the value of the sport—not just for her children, but for the broader community.

“I’ve been with Monroe Youth Football for the last four years and on the board for the last three,” Johnson said. “I’ve held multiple positions on the board. I started out as treasurer and then took on the concessions manager position.”

She has also handled fundraising and sponsorships, worked as a website administrator, and briefly served as president. Johnson often helps onboard new board members and steps in where needed, earning her a reputation as a “jack of all trades.”

“But I’ve also helped transition people in and out of positions. I’ve done fundraising and sponsorships. I’ve done web admin role, and I was the president very, very briefly,” she added.

Her dedication is matched by her family’s enthusiasm for football. Johnson is a lifelong Seahawks and Washington State Cougars fan, while her husband roots for the rival Washington Huskies—a friendly rivalry that reflects the competitive spirit in their household.

“I’ve been a lifelong Seahawks fan, and I went to Washington State University, so I’m a Cougar fan,” Johnson said. “And we’re a very split household because my husband is a diehard Husky fan.”

Both of Johnson’s sons are now active in the Monroe program. Her older son, currently in sixth grade, introduced the family to the sport. Her younger son, just starting kindergarten, is beginning his own football journey.

“Yep, so I have two sons, my older son who got us into this, he is in sixth grade this year, so we have this year and two more years after this with him,” Johnson said. “But I also have my younger son who is in kindergarten this year, and we’re starting over with him, so we plan to be in this program for the next eight years plus probably.”

The league itself is evolving. Monroe recently merged into a new, more competitive regional structure, bringing in fresh programs and opportunities. Despite the changes, Johnson remains optimistic about the organization’s ability to compete and thrive.

“I want to say we’re about mid-level. We are in a very, very competitive league. We have a lot of very established, very big programs that we are in the same region as, such as Lake Stevens and Snohomish,” Johnson said. “We’ve actually brought in a lot of new leagues or new programs into our league this year, so this year is kind of a fresh start for everybody.”

“And now, Monroe will be competitive. They always are. Our 8- and 9-year-old team last year made it to the championship game. So, we have a ton of potential to be very competitive with these larger teams and these larger programs,” she continued.

Beyond competition, Johnson emphasizes the social and developmental benefits of organized sports—especially in smaller communities like Monroe, Sultan and Gold Bar, where after-school options are limited.

“I grew up playing softball. I spent a lot of years on the softball field, and in smaller communities like Monroe, Sultan and Gold Bar, there’s not a lot to do after school in the evenings. And I think it’s very important to keep these kids engaged in something, to keep them responsible,” she said. “It allows them to explore different passions and for me, and my son in particular, who was in kindergarten during COVID, football has helped him be social, come out of a shell, remain active and be healthier.”

“It’s helped him, and all of the children learn the value of teamwork and how to be coachable,” Johnson continued. “Which I think it’s very beneficial for kids as they grow up to learn to take that constructive criticism and to learn to be part of something that’s bigger than just them. I think team sports are very crucial for that development of these youth as they grow.”

Through her leadership and volunteerism, Johnson continues to shape the future of Monroe Youth Football while giving back to the community she deeply values.