From Sidelines To Leadership: Sarah Clemans Helps Build Community Through Lake Stevens Youth Football

When Sarah Clemans arrived at her son’s first football practice, she was an outsider—unsure of the people, the process, and her place on the sidelines. But what began as a moment of uncertainty quickly turned into the start of a lasting commitment. Eight years later, Clemans now serves as treasurer of Lake Stevens Youth Football, helping lead the organization with a steady hand, and a passion for building community through the game.

“We showed up on the first day of practice for my son, and I was super intimidated by the coaches, the team moms, and just the whole environment,” said Clemans.

“It was kind of a lot, but it reminded me of playing sports when I was growing up. But I was now a parent and not a player, and at first I questioned who all these women were,” Clemans continued. “Are these the kind of clicking women I have been warned about? But I quickly realized they were not. They were the team moms, and very sweet and super welcoming women. And I knew that is what I wanted to do, so that was my introduction to team mom.”

Over the past eight years, Clemans has taken on an increasing number of responsibilities. She moved from team mom to assistant equipment manager, then equipment manager, before joining the board and taking on the treasurer role. Today, she also manages a team and serves on the board of the North Sound Junior Football League.

“I was the equipment manager assistant for a year, then I became the actual equipment manager, and I got a board position on the Lake Stevens youth football board,” said Clemans. “I used to do finance, so then I moved to treasurer and my current position, along with being a team manager for one of the teams, and I am also on the North Sound Junior Football League board, so I have a very full plate.”

Henry Woods, president of the Lake Stevens Youth Football organization, praised Clemans’ long-standing commitment and dedication.

“She has always looked at things from a very rational and objective point of view to continue to make the best decisions for the organization,” says Woods. “Her level of commitment is notable.”

“I first knew her as the equipment manager, and now she has gotten to the point where she just has many hats,” Woods. “It has just been pretty admirable to see, and her willingness to continue to perform her best is something I have grown to really respect.”

Throughout her many years with the Lake Stevens, Clemans says what she values most is the family mentality that defines every team, from the players and coaches to the parents on the sidelines.

“Because of my son, we have been on a few different teams with a few different coaches, and I would say the one thing about Lake Stevens that I admire is that they all have this family mentality,” said Clemans. “Each team has a sense of family, from the sideline to the end zone, and it is that same family mentality that people continue to like showing up for.”

“Parents come to every single practice. The sidelines are full. Parents are watching practice. People want to be there, and it is not one of those things where you just drop your kid off and leave,” added Clemans.

Reflecting on her own youth sports experience, Clemans says that she didn’t realize how much effort goes into making youth sports possible, and that’s exactly why she continues to stay involved year after year.

“Growing up, as a player, you don’t really realize all of the stuff that goes on behind the scenes,” says Clemans. “So, getting involved, and seeing how much work really needs to be done, is my drive. It is just taking that extra work off of the coaches and making it fun for the players. Helping out just makes it easier for everybody.”

Clemans said her financial background brought needed improvements to Lake Stevens Youth Football, as the role had lacked that expertise for some time.

“I wouldn’t say that they were in a bad place from a treasure position, but they didn’t have someone with a finance background. I have that finance background, so I have done a lot of cleanups with the books, just making them cleaner and easier for everybody,” said Clemans. “There is a lot of money that flows through youth sports, but there is also so much transparency.”

Above all, the relationships Clemans has been able to build with the players is something that she holds close to her heart.

“When I was the equipment manager, I got to meet every single player. When I moved to the treasure role, I kind of missed being able to build those relationships with the players,” said Clemans. “I see them outside of football, and they ask how I am doing, and that brings me the most joy, seeing them and connecting with them out in the community.”