On behalf of NPFC and Blaze, we thought it most fitting to choose retired player, Amanda Anderson, to be our very first “Player of the Month” honoree. We would like to recognize Amanda for her integral role in keeping women’s soccer alive on the peninsula prior to the birth of NPFC and Blaze. A natural leader, Amanda helped shape Blaze and was co-captain for our inaugural women’s season in 2024.

A renowned center-back, her soccer playing career consisted of Division 3 collegiate play with Worcester Polytechnic Institute including captaining the team her senior year. She started her coaching career at Elms College in Massachusetts before moving to Port Angeles in 2007 where she was Assistant Coach for the Peninsula College Women’s team during the historic back-to-back double championships in 2012 and 2013. In addition, she has been coaching young girls for years with both Port Angeles Youth Soccer Association and Stormking FC, helping to raise another generation of super stars. She was Assistant Athletic Director for PC starting in fall 2023 and moved over to the Director of Student Life in 2026.

Veteran player and Blaze teammate, Ambur Taft, shares, “Amanda is an absolute gem. A phenomenal player and an attitude to match. She has the ability to be serious and get the job done, while also making her teammates laugh and feel welcome on the field.”

Long-time player and Blaze teammate, Kate Hall shares, “Having the pleasure to play both with and against Amanda over the years has proven that WITH Amanda is a LOT more fun! Her consistent, calm, high level of play is a great example of the player I want to be.”

Blaze teammate and Peninsula College Assistant Coach, Vianey Cadenas shares, “Playing alongside Amanda brings a sense of confidence and calmness to the team. She inspires everyone around her to be a better player and better human.”

Amanda- we are grateful for your contributions to our team, our lives and the greater soccer community.