Karol Bird-Gomez

Karol’s life journey began in Colombia, grew roots in New Jersey, and continues to thrive in Colorado— where her passion for fútbol, community, and leadership intersect every day. Her love for the game ignited at age 11, kicking the ball with local Brazilian boys at an outdoor roller hockey rink—an invitation that sparked a lifelong connection to sport and belonging. By age 12, she was breaking barriers as a member of the first-ever boys traveling soccer team in Fairview, NJ, setting the tone for a life shaped by connection.

Karol attended and played DII soccer at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ, and later moved to Colorado in 2010 to pursue a career in business administration with an emphasis in real estate management. In 2018, she was inspired to return to the game she loved, immersing herself in Denver’s vibrant fútbol community. Since then, she has helped pioneer teams and community- based projects under her guiding motto: For the love of Community. For the love of The Game.

Karol has coached hundreds of athletes across roles as club director, technical director, program leader, and camp coach—working with players ages 2 to 40. Today, she continues to coach with the same spirit of acceptance and joy that shaped her as a young player. She creates environments where vulnerability is respected, self-talk is empowering, and grit is nurtured.

Karol is also a nationally recognized advocate for positive coaching practices. In 2022, she was named a Double-Goal Coach National Winner by the Positive Coaching Alliance and now serves as a Certified Workshop Trainer with the organization—helping to equip coaches and leaders across the country with the tools to build character-driven, athlete-focused environments.

As a mentor, speaker, and coach, Karol brings deep compassion and cultural awareness to every team she serves, recognizing sport as a powerful classroom for life.