Long-Time Stakeholder Amy Windley Retires As Ty Highsmith Steps Into New Role
The Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) is continuing a strong tradition with its Vice President of Competitive position, as Amy Windley announces her retirement after seven years with accomplished soccer coach and administrator Ty Highsmith officially stepping into the role. Windley was the first-ever woman to serve as the TSSA VP of Competitive, and she now hands that torch over to Highsmith so she can carry on the evolution of the position.
“It has been my privilege to serve on the TSSA Board of Directors for the past seven years and on the Executive BOD for the past four years,” said Windley. “As the first female VP of Competitive, it was important to me to not only represent the membership that elected me to office but to also help to grow the women’s game in Tennessee.”
Windley stated that she will forever cherish her time as the TSSA VP of Competitive and Eastern District Director, but she is excited to spend more time with loved ones and make a return to the sidelines as a coach.
“Serving for the past seven years has given me the opportunity to give back to the game that has given me so much, and it was a privilege,” said Windley. “I look forward to returning to coaching, spending time with my family before my first-born graduates from college in May and continuing to work with the state to increase our female coaching numbers. Thank you to the membership for your faith in me, my family for allowing me the time to serve and to greatest staff and BOD in youth soccer. Ty, you will be amazing!”
Hans Hobson, TSSA Chief Operating Officer, also expressed his gratitude to Windley for her dedication and contributions to the state association over the past seven years.
“Amy has done a tremendous job in helping to build relationships among our clubs,” said Hobson. “Her passion and commitment towards the players is second to none, and her presence will be greatly missed.”
A US Soccer Federation (USSF) National C License Holder and USSF Certified Referee, Ty Highsmith has received numerous USSF Coaches Diplomas and also coached with the Tennessee Olympic Development Program (ODP). In addition to coaching multiple teams and sitting on the BOD at Nashville United Soccer Academy (NUSA), Highsmith serves as a Williamson Parks & Recreation Soccer Summer Camp Counselor and previously worked as an assistant boys varsity coach at Ravenwood High School in Brentwood from 2020-21. Further, she performed the roles of Assistant Executive Director and Director of Coaching & Communications for the Williamson County Soccer Association from 2016-18. Today, she can still be found playing in adult soccer leagues throughout the Nashville area.
“As the new VP of Competitive, I look to uphold TSSA’s mission and vision,” said Highsmith. “I am completely dedicated to TSSA, our membership and our community, and I will utilize my experience, expertise and resources to cultivate a fair and ethical governance.”
Highsmith grew up playing soccer in Columbia, Maryland. After competing for her high school, various club teams and Maryland ODP, she received a scholarship to play for Brevard College in North Carolina. She focused her studies on art while in school and began a career in graphic design after graduation. After many years in the corporate world, she eventually decided to follow her passion for soccer and concentrate on a coaching career.
“We are excited to add Ty to the BOD, and she is aware that she has some big shoes to fill,” said Hobson. “Following Amy, we are proud to add another accomplished woman who grew up playing the game. The lens that Ty will bring to our BOD will help us to continue looking at the female perspective, but she also will bring her own new and fresh perspectives to the position. It is always exciting to have new voices on the BOD.”
