Introduction: Who Is Glena Goranson?
Behind every great coach is often a strong partner who helps keep things grounded. For Pete Carroll, the legendary football coach best known for leading the Seattle Seahawks to their first Super Bowl title, that person has been his wife, Glena Goranson. While Pete is a household name in the world of football, Glena has chosen a quieter life away from the spotlight. Yet, her influence and support have been central to Pete’s career and family life. This article takes a closer look at Glena Goranson—her background, marriage, children, and life today.
Quick Bio Information
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Full Name: Glena Goranson
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Year Of Birth: 1955
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Age: 70 Years Old (As Of 2025)
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Place Of Birth: San Francisco, California, United States
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Nationality: American
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Ethnicity: White
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Parents: Dean Goranson And Dolores Goranson
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Siblings: Greta Goranson And Carla Becskehazy Goranson
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Marital Status: Married
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Husband: Pete Carroll
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Children: Brennan, Jaime, And Nathan Carroll
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Education: University Of The Pacific
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Height: 5 Feet 9 Inches (180 Cm)
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Religion: Christianity
Early Life And Background
Glena Goranson was born in 1955 in San Francisco, California. She grew up in a close-knit family with her parents, Dean and Dolores, and her sisters Greta and Carla. Life in California during her childhood gave her a foundation of stability and family values, which later played a big role in her ability to support her husband through the highs and lows of professional football. Unlike her husband, Glena never pursued a public career. Instead, she has always preferred a private lifestyle, focused on family, education, and personal growth.
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Education And College Years
Glena attended the University of the Pacific, where she not only pursued her education but also became active in athletics. She played volleyball for the school, showing early signs of her competitive spirit and commitment to teamwork. College turned out to be one of the most significant chapters of her life, not just because of her studies and sports, but also because it was here that she met Pete Carroll. This meeting would set the stage for a lifelong partnership that has lasted nearly five decades.
How Glena Goranson Met Pete Carroll
Pete Carroll and Glena Goranson first crossed paths during their college years at the University of the Pacific. Both were student-athletes, and their shared love of sports created an immediate connection. They began dating and soon realized they were right for each other. Their bond grew stronger with time, leading them to marry in 1976. While Pete was building the foundation of his coaching career, Glena became his anchor, providing stability and support.
Marriage To Pete Carroll
Glena and Pete Carroll have been married for nearly fifty years, a rare achievement in the fast-paced world of sports. Pete was briefly married before, but it was his relationship with Glena that endured. Their marriage has been marked by partnership, loyalty, and unwavering support. During his emotional farewell as Seahawks head coach in 2024, Pete Carroll credited Glena as the guiding light of his life, calling her “the angel of my life.” Such words speak volumes about the strength of their relationship and how deeply Pete values her presence.
Glena Goranson’s Role In Pete Carroll’s Career
While Pete’s career brought him fame, success, and countless challenges, Glena’s role was to keep the family together and offer emotional balance. She was there through every move—from college coaching jobs to the NFL sidelines. Glena’s quiet strength allowed Pete to focus on football while knowing the family was in safe hands. Though she never sought public recognition, her influence is undeniable. Pete himself has often admitted that much of his career success would not have been possible without her support and understanding.
Glena Goranson’s Children
Family has always been at the heart of Glena’s life. She and Pete raised three children—Brennan, Jaime, and Nathan—each of whom has followed a unique path, though all share the values of discipline and commitment learned from their parents.
Brennan Carroll
Brennan, the oldest child, was born in 1979 in Ohio. Like his father, he pursued a career in football coaching. After early roles at the University of Pittsburgh and USC, he built an impressive résumé, later working with the Seattle Seahawks. Today, Brennan is the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Wildcats. He is married to Amber, and they are raising three children together, including Dillon Brennan Carroll.
Jaime Carroll
Jaime, the couple’s only daughter, was born in 1982 in North Carolina. She also inherited her mother’s love for volleyball and played at the University of Southern California. Unlike her brothers, she did not pursue sports as a career but instead became a content developer for Amplify Voice. In 2013, she co-founded Compete to Create, a program designed to help leaders build mental strength and resilience.
Nathan “Nate” Carroll
Nate, the youngest of the Carroll children, was born in 1987 in Minnesota. Like his brother and father, Nate entered the coaching world. He began with the Seahawks as a scouting assistant in 2010 and eventually became a senior offensive assistant coach. Nate’s career has allowed him to continue the Carroll coaching legacy within the NFL.
Glena Goranson As A Grandmother
Glena is not only a wife and mother but also a grandmother. In 2016, Pete Carroll mentioned having six grandchildren, but by 2024 reports indicated that the family had grown to seven. Among them is Dillon Brennan Carroll, Brennan’s son. Being a grandmother is another role where Glena shines, continuing the family-first values she has always lived by.
Life Today: Where Is Glena Goranson Now?
As of 2025, Glena continues to live a private life, supporting Pete in his role as a team advisor after stepping down as Seahawks head coach. The couple remains devoted to each other, spending more time with their children and grandchildren. While Pete remains a public figure, Glena stays out of the limelight, content to enjoy family life and the rewards of decades of commitment.
Interesting Facts About Glena Goranson
Glena stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall and once played volleyball competitively. She has been married to Pete for nearly five decades, showing that long-lasting marriages in the sports world are possible. Despite her husband’s fame, she has maintained a private lifestyle, choosing to focus on her family rather than public attention. Her story is a reminder that true influence does not always come from the spotlight but from consistent support and dedication behind the scenes.
Conclusion
Glena Goranson may not be as famous as her husband, Pete Carroll, but her impact on his life and career has been immeasurable. From their college years to raising three successful children and enjoying their growing family of grandchildren, Glena has been the steady presence behind the scenes. Her story is one of loyalty, love, and quiet strength. In a world where public figures often dominate the spotlight, Glena reminds us that sometimes the most influential roles are the ones played offstage, where dedication and family come first.
FAQs About Glena Goranson
How Old Is Glena Goranson?
She was born in 1955 and is 70 years old as of 2025.
Where Was Glena Goranson Born?
She was born in San Francisco, California, United States.
When Did Glena Goranson Marry Pete Carroll?
She married Pete Carroll in 1976, and they have been together ever since.
Who Are Glena Goranson’s Children?
She has three children: Brennan Carroll, Jaime Carroll, and Nathan “Nate” Carroll.
What Is Glena Goranson Known For?
She is best known as the wife of Pete Carroll, the former Seattle Seahawks head coach, and for being a supportive figure in his career.
Does Glena Goranson Have Grandchildren?
Yes, she has seven grandchildren as of 2024, including Dillon Brennan Carroll.
What Does Glena Goranson Do Now?
She maintains a private life, focusing on family, while her husband serves as an advisor after his coaching career.
