Glena Goranson isn’t the type to chase cameras or step into the spotlight. Still, anyone who knows the legacy of Pete Carroll, the former Seattle Seahawks head coach, understands that Glena’s role in his life has been anything but small. She’s more than just a coach’s wife. Her journey, rooted in athletics, family, and service, tells a story of strength, loyalty, and quiet leadership.
Growing Up in San Francisco
Glena was born in 1955 in San Francisco, California. She was raised in a loving household by her parents, Dolores and Dean Goranson. Life in the Goranson family was full of energy, thanks to her two sisters, Greta and Carla. The three girls shared a bond that was competitive and full of camaraderie.
From a young age, Glena stood out. Not just for her athletic talents but for her determination and strong presence. It was clear early on that she was someone who liked to push herself. That fire would take her places.
Her College Years and First Love
She attended the University of the Pacific, where she played indoor volleyball. Her performance on the court reflected her discipline and natural drive. But college wasn’t just about sports or academics. It was also where she met Pete Carroll.
Their paths crossed on campus. What started as friendship blossomed into something more meaningful. In 1976, they got married. The bond they built in their college days would only grow stronger over the decades.
The Woman Behind the Coach
As Pete Carroll moved up the coaching ladder, from college football to becoming one of the most respected figures in the NFL, Glena stayed grounded. She didn’t seek fame or attention. She stayed focused on the family and her values.
Behind every major game, coaching decision, and press conference, Glena was there. Her role might have been off-camera, but it mattered. Pete once called her “the angel of my life” during a press appearance. That wasn’t a line for applause. It was an honest glimpse into how vital she is to his success.
Life as a Mother
Glena and Pete raised three kids together. Each of them has carved their own path, but the influence of their upbringing is easy to see.
Brennan Carroll
Born in 1979 in Columbus, Ohio, Brennan followed his dad into football. He played, studied, and coached the game with the same intensity. After stints at the University of Miami and other college programs, Brennan became the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Wildcats. Football is clearly in his DNA.
Jaime Carroll
Born in 1982 in Raleigh, North Carolina, Jaime took a slightly different route. She was a standout volleyball player at USC, but her life after college moved into creative and business spaces. She co-founded Compete to Create, a platform focused on mindset and performance training. Her work helps leaders perform at their best, a reflection of her upbringing in a high-achievement household.
Nate Carroll
The youngest of the three, Nate was born in 1987 in Edina, Minnesota. He’s also taken up coaching and has served in various roles with the Seattle Seahawks. He worked closely with the team, rising to the role of senior offensive assistant. Like Brennan, Nate is carrying forward the Carroll family tradition.
Working for a Better Tomorrow
Glena never limited her focus to family alone. She and Pete have both invested time and energy into community service. Together, they founded A Better Seattle, a foundation aimed at reducing youth violence and offering safer opportunities for at-risk kids.
Glena has always believed that real change begins at the community level. Through this foundation, she’s worked behind the scenes to build partnerships, provide support, and spread awareness about issues that matter.
A Life of Movement and Wellness
Even as time passed, Glena kept her active lifestyle. Hiking, walking, spending time in nature—these weren’t just hobbies for her. They became rituals that kept her balanced. Her commitment to fitness mirrors her overall approach to life: consistent, intentional, and filled with heart.
She believes in living well, not just for the sake of health, but because it sets an example for others. Friends, family, and even fans of the Carroll legacy have seen how Glena lives and often come away inspired.
The Carroll Era in Football
While Pete Carroll made headlines for his Super Bowl win in 2014 and his long coaching run, Glena remained his steady supporter. She was there for the wins, the losses, the cross-country moves, and the late-night strategy sessions.
When Pete became the oldest head coach in NFL history, reaching that milestone at 73, Glena was right beside him. Proud, supportive, and still rooted in the values they built their life on.
Still Building, Still Believing
Today, Glena continues to support both her family and her community. She doesn’t need to be on magazine covers or speaking at events to make a difference. Her presence speaks through her actions, her children, and the causes she champions.
She and Pete have built a life that balances personal achievement with public service. They’ve weathered decades of football seasons, raised three driven kids, and left a lasting impact on everyone who’s crossed their path.
Glena Goranson’s story isn’t about fame or fortune. It’s about grit, quiet strength, and staying true to what matters most. Her life proves that even the strongest people don’t always need a spotlight. Sometimes, they just need purpose.