Since arriving in Pahrump in 1998, Rosalee Clasen has dedicated herself to improving her community. From coaching youth sports to volunteering at local events, Rosalee’s influence has been profound. Her unwavering commitment has touched countless lives, making her an integral part of the town’s story. As a branch manager and vice president at American First National Bank, Rosalee has balanced a successful career in banking with her deep-rooted passion for service.
Rosalee’s professional journey began in Bakersfield, California, where she grew up and graduated from high school in 1978. Her high school offered a career program, and she chose banking, a field that became her lifelong vocation. After graduation, she joined Security Pacific Bank and quickly found her footing. “I’ve always enjoyed banking. It’s about more than numbers; it’s about building relationships,” she said. Over the years, she worked for various institutions, including Bank of America, before joining American First National Bank, where she has served for a decade. Beyond her role at the bank, she’s known for involving her workplace in community efforts, such as the Remote Area Medical (RAM) program and the Salvation Army’s bell-ringing campaigns.
Rosalee’s move to Pahrump coincided with her family’s decision to make the town their home. Her husband, Dave, had taken a role helping to open the Lucky Store in Pahrump, and the couple settled in with their two sons, Adam and Daniel, who were then just toddlers. From the beginning, Rosalee became involved in her children’s activities, especially sports. “When we moved here, Adam was 3 and a half, and Daniel was 10 months old. As soon as they were old enough, they were on the soccer and baseball fields, and so were we,” she recalled.
Rosalee’s passion for youth sports began with coaching her own sons. Dave coached Adam in soccer and baseball, while Rosalee coached Daniel. “When Daniel turned six, I started coaching him. And even as he aged out of youth sports and moved onto high school, I never stopped coaching. That was 21 years ago,” she said proudly. While her involvement started as a way to support her boys, it quickly evolved into something much larger. “It’s about more than just coaching. It’s about shaping young lives and providing them with a positive foundation,” she explained.
Rosalee’s coaching philosophy is rooted in positivity, discipline, and encouragement. She is known for being an enthusiastic and supportive presence on the field. “I’m definitely the loud one,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s always positive. Kids need someone to cheer them on and believe in them.” This approach has helped her build lasting relationships with players and their families. “Some of the kids I coached as toddlers are now graduating high school, and they still come back to say hello. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Beyond coaching, Rosalee has taken on leadership roles in youth sports. She served as president of Pahrump’s AYSO soccer league, helping to organize and grow the program. Her efforts weren’t without challenges. One persistent issue has been the need for more sports facilities in the town. “Pahrump has grown, and so have the sports programs, but we don’t have enough fields to accommodate everyone,” she said. Despite these challenges, she remains hopeful for the future of youth sports in the area.
Rosalee’s dedication extends far beyond the soccer field. She has been an active volunteer with organizations such as the NyE Communities Coalition and RAM. One memory stands out in particular: a 10-year-old girl who received her first pair of glasses during a RAM event. “She walked outside and saw the clouds and her grandparents clearly for the first time. It was such an emotional moment,” Rosalee recalled. “It’s experiences like that that keep me coming back.”
In addition to her volunteer work, Rosalee has been a long-time member of Calvary Chapel of Pahrump Valley, where she teaches Sunday school and participates in the church’s community outreach efforts. Whether organizing classes for young children or encouraging her congregation to support local causes, Rosalee’s faith has always been a guiding force in her service to others.
Looking ahead, Rosalee hopes to continue her work with older children in youth sports. “I took a step back this year, only coaching the littles, but I plan to coach the older kids again next year. Older kids sometimes need a strong role model, and I hope I can be that for them,” she said. She also encourages others in the community to get involved, whether as coaches, referees, or supporters. “If you’ve coached before or even if you’re new, we always need volunteers. It’s such a rewarding way to give back.”
Reflecting on her years of service, Rosalee is most proud of “the strong, young men Dave and I have raised and knowing our dedication to them through their youth played a large part in that.” She is also proud of the connections she has built and the lives she has influenced. “I’ve seen kids grow into amazing young adults, and I’d like to think I played a small role in that,” she said. “Whether it’s on the soccer field or through my work in the community, I’m just grateful to be part of their journey.”
Rosalee’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, kindness, and community spirit. Through her work, both professional and personal, she has enriched Pahrump and left an indelible mark on generations of families. “I love this community,” she said. “And I’ll keep giving back as long as I can.”
