Recent Posts
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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.
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Utah Valley University Women’s Soccer – Coach Chris Lemay
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Chris Lemay from the Utah Valley University Women’s Soccer program in Orem, Utah. We discuss how Coach Lemay and his staff are navigating the ever-changing recruiting landscape, including new NCAA rules, transfer portal strategy, and the importance of ID camps in their evaluation process. Coach also shares what makes Utah Valley stand out, from its new soccer-specific stadium and recent success on the field to the incredible resources and support available for student-athletes. Lastly, we talk about the program’s possession-based playing style, intentional team culture, and Coach Lemay’s advice for recruits on finding the right college fit rather than simply chasing a name or logo.
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University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Men’s Soccer – Coach John O’Reilly
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach John O’Reilly from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Men’s Soccer program in Green Bay, Wisconsin. We discuss how the recent eligibility changes and transfer portal are impacting recruiting, why Green Bay focuses heavily on regional recruiting through MLS NEXT and Canada, and what the staff looks for in players who fit their possession-based style of play. Coach also shares what makes UW-Green Bay an ideal environment for player development, highlighting its smaller campus, strong academic support, and resources that allow student-athletes to focus on improving every day. Finally, we talk about his player-centered coaching philosophy, the importance of finding the right program fit during the recruiting process, and why recruits should spend time watching training sessions and interacting with current players before making their college decision.
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Northern Essex Community College Men’s Soccer – Coach Eusebio Marote
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Eusebio Marote from the Northern Essex Community College Men’s Soccer program in Haverhill, Massachusetts. We discuss how Coach Marote is building a successful NJCAA Division III program by recruiting local talent, expanding through ID camps and social media, and preparing for the addition of student housing. He shares what he looks for in recruits, emphasizing leadership, character, and a team-first mentality before technical ability. Lastly, we talk about the academic support, affordable opportunities, and player development at Northern Essex, along with how the program helps student-athletes move on to four-year colleges after their time with the Knights.
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Indiana University – Columbus Men’s and Women’s Soccer – Coach Kevin Nolan
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Kevin Nolan from the Indiana University Columbus Men’s and Women’s Soccer programs in Columbus, Indiana. We talk about building a young NAIA program, how recruiting has evolved with transfers and eligibility changes, and why character and culture are at the center of every recruiting decision. Coach also shares what makes IU Columbus unique, from the opportunity to earn an Indiana University degree on a smaller campus to the chance for players to make an immediate impact as the program continues to grow. Lastly, we discuss his blue-collar coaching philosophy, the experience of leading both the men’s and women’s programs, and his advice for recruits to choose a school where they’ll be happy, develop, and have the opportunity to play.
