Soccer has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up in New York and began playing soccer at the age of 4. Fast forward to today and I'm more active in the game than ever, playing, reffing, coaching, mentoring and training.
Now, I have daughters who caught the soccer bug. I began coaching both of their teams in 2015 in SCCYSA and have continued to do so to this day. Almost by accident I've put together a small organization for girls who want to play soccer with their friends, learn the game at a high level and compete. With that being said, I now have over 50 girls requesting to play on my teams each season.
That lead my daughters and myself to join the Tony Glavin Soccer Club in 2018. I focus my training on fun technical development and helping the girls find a love and passion for a game that I've grown up with.
Is there a tag line or certain phrase you use with your team?
1. "I'll only take you out of the game for 2 reasons. 1. If you are tired and walking and 2. If you aren't smiling and having fun!".
Who inspires you or who do you emulate when coaching? I had great coaches throughout my career and all of them focused on different things like development, winning, getting to the next level, etc.. so I don't necessarily emulate any 1 in particular. I look at it this way, I never coach to lose, but don't focus on winning and I feel that if we can develop smart, confident and highly skilled players at the younger ages, both winning and moving on to the next level comes naturally.
What do you say to a player or team who is struggling to get them back on track? I like to talk to them about the "why" and if they are having a rough practice or game, it's ok. Everyone does, so I like to just find out what has them in their "funk" and then encourage them to put that aside and try to enjoy some soccer time with their friends and teammates. Many times its something off the field that has the younger players off of their game, so I've found that just listening and offering a little encouragement gets them back on track!
AWARDS-
2019 Missouri Youth Soccer Association Competitive Coach of the Year
2020 US Youth Soccer Competitive Girls Coach of the Year for the Midwest Region.