Christen Edwards Leads Mariner Football’s Comeback After Near Collapse

When Christen Edwards took over as treasurer of the Mariner Junior Football program three years ago, the organization was in crisis. With no board in place and no funds in the bank, the future of the program was uncertain. However, Edwards’ leadership during that time has played a critical role in the program’s growth, recovery, and stabilization.

According to Terry Lott, president of Mariner Junior Football, the organization didn’t have a board prior to 2024, and it was the efforts of Edwards that literally saved the program.

“When we started, there were no funds. There was nothing to keep the program going,” said Lott. “We were down to our last dollars with all expired helmets [before she joined], and with her leadership and her drive, it is the only way that Mariner Junior Football exists today.”

“She was able to develop a funding strategy and connect it with sponsors and donors to ensure that Mariner Football stayed alive in the city of Everett,” added Lott.

Lott wasn’t exaggerating. Edwards stepped into a situation where the program was under-resourced and struggling to stay afloat.

“At first, it was a husband and wife who ran the program. They didn’t have a board, they didn’t have many coaches, and they only had four teams at the time,” said Edwards. “It has definitely grown over the years. We now have five teams and more of a community feel because at first each team would do their own thing, but now we kind of bring it together.”

As treasurer, one of Edwards’ most impactful changes was establishing a scholarship fund—something the program didn’t have before. She said it’s been essential for families who struggle with the cost of youth sports.

“We never had a scholarship program before, and now we do. We have over 38 kids who have benefited from the program this year. Actually, more, if you include the fact that we reduce the prices for Seniors and Peewees because those are the hardest teams to fill,” Edwards said. “Being so young, and seniors being able to play in middle school for free, definitely makes it a challenge to continue to have those teams.”

Another significant change Edwards noticed is the strong sense of family that now exists within the organization.

“It has finally become more of a family. Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles come out to watch their kids at games and practices, and getting them involved with the teams and fundraisers has definitely been beneficial,” said Edwards. “We have people who will bring snacks or different things to sell like sweatshirts or earrings. There is just a lot of different things that people do that help us out so we can afford all the things we need to afford.”

Looking ahead, Edwards hopes to continue building on the progress the organization has made, taking it step by step each year.

“I just want it all to continue and get better. We have already started replacing all of our helmets, which the kids are so excited about, so it is nice to be able to have the finances to do that. Even things like branded mouth guards I would love to get for them just so they can have more opportunity for that,” Edwards said. “Being able to have those definitely gets our kids to stay in the program and to continue moving on from our juniors to our phantoms into our seniors.”

Lott said that he admires how Edwards’ main priority is making youth football a fun experience for the kids.

“She is 100% confident, positive, and a complete go-getter,” said Lott. “It is all about a good experience for the children with her. She puts the players first, always in every decision.”

While Edwards has no plans to step down any time soon, she hopes the work she’s done will lay a solid foundation for those who come after her. She’s particularly passionate about keeping the community close and the program unified.

“I would really like to see our community continue to stay together and keep that family mentality there. Show up for our boys and girls, continue to think of ways outside of the box to earn money to be able to give our kids all the things that they need and want, because those things really stand out in an organization,” said Edwards. “Continue doing what’s right to stay involved, because I would hate to see the program disperse.”

Lott echoed that sentiment, adding that Edwards’ work has created a lasting blueprint for success.

“Christen has kept our eyes focused on the future. She has helped develop a successful vision for Mariner Football, something that is going to be long-lasting,” said Lott. “After she is gone, she has set the roadmap for us to be successful for many years.”