Jody Toth – A Trailblazer for Women’s Soccer in Indiana

Jody was determined to keep playing when she moved to Indianapolis in the early 1980s. She learned about a women’s soccer league but struggled to secure a spot on a team. After several attempts, she finally found a team in 1984 or 1985 and hasn’t looked back since.

Balancing Soccer, Family, and Career

But, the juggling of life made it hard to keep soccer in the mix. With four daughters, a business to run, and coaching responsibilities, finding time to play was a constant challenge. Jody often had to step away for a season, and each time she returned, she faced the familiar struggle of finding a team willing to take her back.

“Being a reliable team member is almost impossible when family and work come first,” Jody explained.

As soccer was growing in Indiana, there was a great need for youth coaches who knew the game. Despite lacking the foot skills refined through youth practices, Jody was determined to learn the game so she could help fill the gap. She credits very late-night study of videos and midday training sessions with Pete Kapsalis in Fishers with sharpening her skills. Whenever she could steal away from work, she’d be there, learning all she could about the game.

“I’ve played on the same outdoor team for years through the Central Indiana Women’s Soccer League (CIWSL),” she said. “I’ve also loved watching my daughters play at different levels. While their highlights belong to them, I found joy in being part of their journey—whether it was organizing hotel stays, bringing snacks, or simply cheering from the sidelines. Soccer is a beautiful game, but the camaraderie it creates is just as special.”

Challenges Facing Adult Women’s Soccer

Jody is acutely aware of the obstacles that prevent more women from playing soccer as adults. Some of the most significant barriers include:

• Field Availability: Consistent access to affordable, safe, well-maintained fields is the greatest challenge.
• Finding Players: It is a struggle to connect with other women who want to play, especially when their life schedules constantly change.
• Time Constraints: Balancing careers, childcare, and personal commitments makes scheduling difficult, especially when field availability is limited.
• Career and Family Demands: Many players work in fields with unpredictable hours, and pregnancy often sidelines women for extended periods. After a forced break from playing, a decline in fitness can force a woman away from the game.

To help combat these issues, the CIWSL introduced a flexible Wednesday night open play/fitness, making it easier for women to safely get back into the game without the stress of hunting for a team.

Growing the Game for Adult Women

Jody envisions an ecosystem where women can seamlessly transition into and continue playing soccer in a safe, affordable, and welcoming environment.

“Parents will spend almost anything on their children’s sports, but women hesitate to invest in themselves,” she noted. “We need to change that mindset. Our greatest asset is our health.”

CIWSL currently offers Tuesday and Wednesday night outdoor games indoor, and winter indoor play. They’ve created an indoor Friday Lunch League. However, field availability remains the greatest hurdle. “We need access to more fields with lights,” Jody emphasized. “Even turf fields require maintenance, and accessibility is critical—our players travel from all over the state, so reliability is essential.”

Her motivation comes from seeing firsthand the impact soccer has on women’s lives. “Every time I wonder if this is the best use of my time, the answer is always ‘yes.’ I’m not doing this alone—there’s a whole community of women working to keep this going. Soccer is a wonderful way to stay fit. An hour of Friday Lunch League play feels like a delightful lunch with friends. The hour flies by. But if I were running sprints by myself, 10 minutes in and I would be done!”

Jody firmly believes that women should keep playing long after their youth, college, or professional years. “Sports aren’t just for kids—they’re just as important for adults. We have 50- and 60-year-old players in our league, including women with new knees and hips. As long as they keep playing, they don’t need to ‘age out.’”

Beyond fitness, Jody sees soccer as a vital tool for mental health. “Depression and social isolation are real issues. Soccer provides an outlet to relieve stress, build friendships, and stay active. Our community goes beyond the field—we bike, lift weights, do yoga, and play pickleball together. It’s a support system as much as it is a sport.”

Recognition and Future Aspirations

In recognition of her dedication to the game, Jody was honored as the first recipient of the 2025 John P. Mitchell Adult Commissioner Award.

“John has always been a friend to our league, and it was humbling to receive this award in his name,” she said.

Jody is also passionate about making the sport more inclusive. “Not everyone grew up playing soccer. Many women, like Becca Gillespie, discover the game later in life and fall in love with it. Unfortunately, competitive leagues often exclude less experienced players. That’s why we’ve created spaces where effort is valued over skill level. As long as players give their best, they’re welcome—and they improve!”

A Message to Potential Players and Indiana Soccer

To women hesitant about joining, Jody offers encouragement: “If you want to play, we’ll find a spot for you. Life gets busy, but if you ease back in, you’ll get into soccer shape again.”

For Indiana Soccer, she stresses the need for improved field access and better player connections. “We need fields. We can’t offer more places to play when we don’t have fields to play on. We need to build partnerships with schools and clubs to allow adults to play on their fields. A stronger network and expanded play sites would help players find opportunities that fit their schedules. The more adults we keep in the game, the stronger our soccer community becomes and the more fit and healthy our greater community becomes!”

A Lifelong Love for the Game

Jody’s passion for soccer spans generations. “When my daughters were little, they played on the sidelines at my games. Now, their children do the same while my daughters play. It’s important for kids to see their parents stay active.”

As Jody continues her mission to expand adult women’s soccer, her dedication ensures that women of all ages and skill levels have a place to play. “Soccer isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifelong community and commitment to fitness, and we’re here to make sure women stay part of it.” of it.”