Recent Posts
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Indiana University of Pennsylvania Women’s Soccer – Coach Kernell Borneo
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Borneo from the IUP Women’s Program in Pennsylvania. We talk about his transition to IUP and how he hit the ground running with recruiting, including what he looks for academically and athletically when finding the right fit for the program. He describes the strong academics, college atmosphere, and resources available to help student-athletes balance the demands of the classroom and competing in the PSAC. Lastly, we discuss his possession-based style of play, his approach to developing players during the offseason, and the program’s emphasis on confidence and mental toughness.
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Mercer University Men’s Soccer – Coach Brad Ruzzo
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Brad Ruzzo from the Mercer University Men’s Soccer Program in Macon, Georgia. We talk about the changing landscape of men’s college soccer recruiting, including the transfer portal, roster limits, and why Coach Ruzzo continues to put a premium on mentality, work rate, grit, and finding players who fit the culture of the program. He describes Mercer’s beautiful, walkable campus, strong academic opportunities, and the support systems in place to help student-athletes adjust to the demands of Division I soccer and college life. Lastly, we discuss his experienced perspective after nearly two decades at Mercer, his young staff of former players, and a style of play built around defending and attacking as a team, pressing high up the field, and winning important transitional moments.
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Dominican University of California Women’s Soccer – Coach Kellis Johnson
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Johnson from the Dominican Women’s Program in San Rafael, California. We talk about how they recruit a mix of freshmen and transfers and what they look for in players both on and off the field. She describes Dominican’s beautiful campus, small class sizes, and supportive community. Lastly, we discuss their growing staff and a style of play that adapts to best fit their personnel.
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Florida Gulf Coast University Women’s Soccer – Coach Jim Blankenship
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Jim Blankenship from the Florida Gulf Coast University Women’s Soccer program in Fort Myers, Florida. We talk about how the Eagles are adapting to NCAA roster changes, the transfer portal, and evolving recruiting timelines while continuing to build one of the ASUN’s top programs. Coach shares why Florida Gulf Coast’s ID camps play such a significant role in recruiting, what qualities he looks for in prospective student-athletes, and why the university’s academics, campus, and support systems make it such an attractive destination. Lastly, we discuss the program’s high-energy style of play, the resources available to student-athletes, and Coach Blankenship’s advice for recruits on taking ownership of their recruiting process.
