Behind the Black & Blue: Kelsey Atherley
Posted on: March 11, 2026
Behind the Black & Blue
Coach Spotlight: Meet Kelsey Atherley
Get to know one of the familiar faces around CMFSC — Coach Kelso! In this edition of Behind the Black & Blue, we catch up with longtime player, coach, and staff member Kelsey “Skittles” Atherley.
Coach! You’ll see me around coaching the little 5-year-olds on the weekend, practicing with the U12s as AGHC, and sometimes running around at the Women’s Academy.
I started playing with CMFSC when I was 15… many moons ago.
I can’t say I have a favourite, but I do have some ties now to Newcastle (have to support my brother-in-law!).
Centre back
Mountains
Ahh, too many to think of! One memory that comes to mind is when our Premier team went to Newfoundland for Nationals and won bronze! We all celebrated after by being screeched in! 🥉🐟
Turf
Justina “Juice” Di Stasio — wrestling icon, Olympian, former CMFSC soccer alum, and a great friend.
“The game is only 90 minutes. Whatever you leave on the field, that’s it.” Simple, but a great reminder that even through the tiredness, it’s only for a limited time—so give it your all.
I’ve met some lifelong friends because of soccer.
🕺
Cultus Lake! I’ve had a place up there since I was 10 and would pretty much live there in the summer. Lots of bike rides and walkie-talkie check-ins.
My dad. That man would be at every game (Starbucks in hand) and drove me everywhere. He had a huge influence on my soccer career and the athlete I am today.
Harry Potter will always have my heart ⚡️
Mexican