PennWest Clarion Women’s Soccer – Coach Jason Edwards

On today’s episode, I speak with Edwards from the Clarion Women’s Programs in Pennsylvania. We talk about how they recruit for pace, power and personality. He describes the team of girls that support each other on and off the field. Lastly, we discuss how he focuses on letting the players make the right decisions on the field. Learn more about PennWest Clarion Women’s Soccer.

Matt: [00:00:00] Hi everybody. Welcome to discover college soccer today. I’m lucky enough to be joined by coach Jason from Clarion. Welcome coach. 

Coach: Hey, Matt. Thanks for having me. 

Matt: Yeah. Thanks for being here. I mean, we were just talking like, uh, Clarion is under the, the Pennsylvania Western University umbrella now, but, uh, for old folks like me who grew up in Ohio and knowing the PSAC, I just know it as Clarion.

So I think we’ll, we’ll stick to that for now. Right. 

Coach: Yeah. It makes a lot easier. I think. Yeah. 

Matt: I bet. I bet. Well, uh, Uh, you know, we’re talking here, August 12th, getting ready to, to kick off the season. Uh, you, you’ve had a full year now under your belt. Um, what was it like? I know you came in kind of late, uh, right before the season last year.

So what was recruiting like for your class of 24 is what’s 25 is looking at. Have you started talking to 26 is kind of what’s, what’s your timeline looking? 

Coach: Yeah, it’s been, um, that transition point was crazy. Uh, I think I got hired. Pause in the office, I think for the first time in July, um, obviously being so close, as you mentioned, to the season, we were just getting ready for, for the year, the competitive, um, calendar.

So coming out in November, um, well, not just only that, but I didn’t know who I had, you know, what kind of situation my roster was in and so on and so forth. Um, very lucky, I think the work that, um, the previous coach, coach, um, Aleksa Ream did. Um, I could not complain, to be honest, with the girls that [00:01:30] I work with.

So, coming out in November. Um, we started the process, right? And I think one of the hardest things to work out when you first take over a program is knowing what kind of players, students, people fit within your school to go and get. So that was a quick learning curve we got onto. Trying to get the right bodies, the right people to fit the program.

Uh, we got a couple of girls in and out in the competitive season. Um, a huge whirlwind, we ended up bringing in 10 girls for 2024. Um, we’re excited for them to get fit in and understand, uh, the world that we’re in, some of them, um, were learning about the program as I was learning about the program. Um, letting the, uh, someone knew where we were going.

So it made it a little easier for them. So, um, we’re excited to come in and be a part of the journey we’re on. 25, we’ve got, uh, five. Yeah, we’ve already got five committed. Uh, we’re looking to add probably, I’m thinking four or five more tops. Um, the goal for the 25s. It’s a bit bigger class, um, to really elevate the competition inside the program.

Um, but we’ve been really lucky so far that the quality brought in for the 25s is really, really good. I’m really happy. And hopefully with that in mind, we can, uh, really focus on being, um, quite specific and really [00:03:00] picky on the 26th class. So, um, we’re almost done on the 25s. Um, we’ve got a couple of people we’re talking to that we could finish off.

Hopefully, um, a couple of weeks, uh, maybe a month or so. Um, but yeah, we already started a 26, um, process already. Our goal is to get, um, 15, 20 players in the conversation for 2026. Um, evaluate this season with a crop coming in, the crop we have. You know, at the end of the season, uh, meetings in November dictates a lot of what happens going forward.

So, um, yeah, we’re in the process of identifying the 26 now, some of them have come on campus already, work out what we want in terms of our growth, finalizing the 25s and then, um, getting us 26 squared away, um, come December, January, February. 

Matt: Okay. Well, in terms of all of the recruiting and, and looking at it, is there, Places that you like to go, um, to, to look at players.

I mean, obviously it’s hard to get anywhere in the fall because you’re in the middle of the season, but you know, when it comes to winter, spring, what are some of the tournaments, locations that you’re going to go look at to, to check players out? 

Coach: I think that, uh, you know, one being the piece of OC is key is coastal Pennsylvania helps a lot.

Um, this population density is, is a good thing between Philly, Delaware, uh, New York, New Jersey and all that. So. Um, that is kind of a hub will go and attract a lot from, um, we pop over [00:04:30] to Ohio all the time and get some players over there. It’s really interesting what I’ve learned actually, in the last year, um, I think on the outside, looking in into the piece, especially the Western side, um, and the safe school.

Um, conversation, you know, everybody wants to go to sleep, everybody wants to go to, you know, if you’re brave enough to go the private school route, Mercer’s thankfully gone. Do you want now? So we don’t worry about them too much. But again, it’s on the conversation scene. Hill, I know you talked to Riley that day.

You know, these are, these are more attractive schools, especially when the conversation of women’s soccer, um, in the area. And so we’ve struggled. To compete honestly locally. Um, and I think it’s just in terms of people just have comfort in those names and that’s okay. Um, we found a lot of success finding the same side of the player.

Um, but, um, Out of state. So we got a lot of few kids coming out of the Canton area and the Cleveland area. Um, you know, we got reading Sophia Barbarian from Syracuse, New York. We bring Tessa Heffron from, um, Virginia, Maryland area. Um, we just got, uh, Spatha Gold from New Jersey area. So we’re really just branching out there.

Um, and the thing I’ve found is that the conversation. Is about the program, what it’s going, who I am as a coach, um, and being a part of the journey with us, instead of just being a [00:06:00] conversation of who we’ve been and, you know, what names we know already. So I’m hoping that the quality of play we get in terms of devotion to the program, um, increases significantly from that.

Matt: So when, when you are looking at those players, what is it that kind of makes up an ideal, you know, recruit for you in terms of whether that’s on the field attributes or off the field stuff? 

Coach: I think not to do the same. Of course, I think people goes a long way. You know what I mean? Um, I think where we are right now, um, in terms of recruiting and, um, I think the competitive edge of the program, um, we have three P’s, which I think we have pace, power, personality.

Um, I think with that in mind right now, um, just allows us to have the, uh, the athletes compete with better programs. and set the tone of, of being competitive in these games and hopefully, um, get a better return in our records on what we do. Um, but those three P’s I think is a good fundamental to go. I think a lot of people tend to overemphasize upon, um, the technical ability or the worry of that because The reality is, if you were in conversation, we already know you can play ball.

Uh, this is why the conversation is happening. So, what else can you bring? What other, um, slither of your skill or your athleticism can come and do different to our program? Um, and those are the kind of things we try to [00:07:30] find. And, athleticism is a good one. Um, especially PSAC. Um, I’ve played different teams out of the conference and, uh, You know, you got to be strong to play the piece.

I guess she’s not, she’s not nice to you. 

Matt: Yeah, for sure. Well, besides going to tournaments, looking at all things around, do you guys do, uh, ID camps? Are they an important part of your recruiting process? 

Coach: Yeah, I think it’s, um, The ID clinics are very much, you know, getting the, um, people out of the weeds who, who really want to be in the conversations and be there with us.

Um, I don’t believe in signing people who have not been on campus or seeing who we are, spend time with the girls. Um, so that’s a very important part. We just had one, um, last few weeks before, um, an ID clinic on campus where, again, I think it’s important to see what we have on there. And we know if you’re willing to travel to campus and see what’s going on, um, the interest level is, uh, is genuine and you want to take it to the next level.

So, um, yeah, a huge part of it. We’ve got another one coming up in September 14th and we’ll finish off with one, um, November. I think it’s 24th. Um, to get me rolling forward for the next year, then we’ll come back in spring for some more ID clinics. 

Matt: Well, and the one, one thing that’s kind of taken over, uh, and looks to gonna take over even more with the new NCAA stuff coming down is the transfer portal.

Is that something that you guys look at at [00:09:00] all or see yourselves looking in that direction as the trickle down from whatever happens with the NCAA comes down, comes down the pike? Yeah, 

Coach: I think, um, I think it’s difficult because it’s been division two, you know, you don’t want to go into the portal and find the same play that you have already.

You don’t want to go there and find someone who wasn’t of standard. So a lot of the conversation happens from people who maybe have always shot into division one. Or, um, you know, I feel like Division wants a job. So like, people who don’t wanna work, then um, maybe they can have more enjoyment. Division two.

So the disparity from division, division, division one, division two in terms of, um, I know social assumption maybe, I don’t know. Um, makes it very difficult to get a place come down and play for you in. My experience is, yeah, we’ll, we’ll dabble in there, we’ll find the players we want to see and that can be part of the conversation.

Um, but as of right now, we’ve not had much luck with that. Um, not something that we want to entertain, but usually. Um, usually for us, I think getting the right recruit takes time and building relationships and, and seeing who we are. Um, a lot of the times the minds are pretty much set and then in the council puddle, so 

Matt: that makes sense.

What is it? Is there a roster size that you find as ideal that you’re trying to hit for the year? 

Coach: So last year we had 32, um, [00:10:30] players on the roster. I think it was great for practice sizes. Um, we travel everybody. Um, we’re very fortunate that, um, being in the PSAC, travel demand isn’t too, um, isn’t too great for us, doesn’t hurt the budget, so we’re happy that we can take everybody, and everybody on the roster is a part of the process.

Um, I had Venture, would end up being down to 29 this year. Um, people got injured in the summer or whatever it might be. Um, I think the ideal roster number would be 27. I don’t know if the reality of being, again, in the PSEC allows that to happen. Um, again, it’s a very physical conference. Um, people get banged up working, uh, working hard in the field.

So, um, I think 27 and 32 is where we’ll always stay at. I’m really, really, really, Thankful that we don’t have a roster limit to entertain. Um, if I went out and got 16 players and stayed at 16 for the next 10 years, I don’t think the AD would be mad at me. But, you know, we’re going to win. So, um, the reality is, I think between 27 and 30 is pretty good.

It’s a sweet spot. 

Matt: Well, let’s talk a little bit more about the school. I’m sure there’s folks out there, maybe not familiar with Clarion. You’ve been there a year now. So, well, what was it that attracted you to the university? What is some of the things you found in your first year that they kind of make it stand out?

Coach: I think, um, for myself, and a lot of people told me this is that when you’re on campus, when you’re in town, um, it just [00:12:00] fits right. And I think that, um, well, I grew up in the UK, but I think very much my entire life has been like very much blue collar, just. grinding and get what you need. And, uh, Claire and Daphne represent that kind of notion in being somewhere, um, that is a community.

It’s more than just yourself. Um, so it’s really good to embed yourself in that space, I think, if that fits you. Um, in turn, I think, And like what I mentioned earlier in terms of being, um, you know, known in the, in the PSAC and the Association of Women’s Soccer, um, they’re definitely more competitive programs.

There’s no, no doubt about that. But the thing inside, it’s very different. Um, we have some phenomenal programs inside Clarion from, you know, the Volleyball we’re in, I think, Um, the final eight last year in terms of with the national tournament, um, swim and dive, bring national championships back year in, year out wrestling is the same thing.

Um, there’s a high standard within the program that I don’t think people appreciate. Um, if you don’t know the school, you don’t know, we’ve achieved, um, some big names from out of the school. Um, in terms of, um, being professional athletes afterwards. So it is a place where you can really harbor yourself as an athlete to be competitive.

You have all the amenities you need to push yourself to the next level. And, um, yeah, it’s a bit of a gem, I think, unless, you know, you know, and when you do know it’s, it’s, it’s a good place to be. [00:13:30] 

Matt: Well, one of the Hard things, especially for new incoming high school athletes into college is really maintaining that balance between being an athlete and being a student.

Um, so specifically how do your players really manage that balance to make sure they’re successful on the field and off the field and kind of what support systems does a school offer to help them on both sides? 

Coach: Yeah, I’m really, really, uh, We’re lucky really that the, the, you know, coaching women for one, um, academia is never something to worry about.

Um, the girls held, I think we end of the season with like a 3. 3, 3. 4 GPA on average last year. Um, which is phenomenal in terms of not having a pressing worry about it. Um, each team has their own mentor to lead the girls through, um, everything to do. We have our practices designed. late in the evening, allowing school to be focused throughout the day and ensure there’s enough time for the girls to achieve their goals academically.

And then, um, we have different, um, groupings of support from, um, we have an office for, um, tuition for every single, um, subject we have. Somebody’s in there, they can tutor you, help you get back on track, what needs to be done. Um, I think the biggest, um, attribute I have to my academic success here is. As a coach and leading this women, um, is each other like I have a lot of girls who are part of the, um, during project, but also, um, client is [00:15:00] very good for, for nursing and education.

I have a lot of those on my roster, um, the support they give each other to, uh, to succeed through the courses is actually, um, really, really good. And I can’t take credit for it. Um, but it is the. The standard of how it is right now where that, um, by goals, we look after each other to make sure they’re on track, make sure they’re hitting all their, their goals academically.

And, um, yeah, it’s pretty cool thing to see, to be honest with you. 

Matt: Oh, that’s awesome. Let’s fast forward, uh, to October. Well, I mean, in the PSAC, it really starts, I guess, in mid September, but kind of the heart of that conference season. Uh, walk me through, you mentioned practice at nights, but walk me through what a typical week would look like in terms of when our classes, meals, practices, game cadence, all that kind of stuff.

Coach: Yeah. So, um, Monday’s the full practice. Um, we also lift at 11 AM. We have a common hour every day at the school, uh, 11 to 12. So Monday, Thursdays, we’ll lift at those common hours, um, 11 AM. And then practice late in the evening. Um, on Monday, Tuesday is a pregame walkthrough. Um, like everybody else on PSF, we play every Wednesday and Saturday.

So Wednesday, pretty much a, um, Wednesday’s game day, sorry, but Tuesday is a pregame. Thursday is a recovery, uh, recovery session. Um, we also have a lift on Thursday morning where we go through a lot of biomechanics and resetting the body with, um, the strength [00:16:30] and conditioning coach. Friday then to the, uh, pre game prep we have, and then Saturday, um, a lot this year.

We’re on the road. So, um, it’s jam packed, never ending. 

Matt: That seems to always be the case in the fall soccer season for sure. Well, in terms of, of the team and the. And everything, obviously you’ve got your roster, uh, but what about the rest of the roster? You, what does the coaching staff look like? What other support staff maybe help out with the team on a regular basis?

And, and what’s everybody’s roles there? 

Coach: Yeah. So, um, we have, so one of the biggest times we have in some of this merger with the three schools is as far as in budget. So right now it’s just myself with a graduate assistant. Um, we had, um, some of the, some of the students become a GA this year, who was Um, a player last year, so she has a great connection between, um, the players on the roster and seeing the expectations that we have, um, as a coach and start to move forward.

Um, Andrew Renata is our strength and conditioning coach that works with us in terms of growing the team. the athlete and the biomechanics there for us. Um, he does a fantastic job in doing that for us. Um, our very own, uh, AT is Lisa Roberts. She’s phenomenal. Um, she’s really the person in charge of the program.

Don’t let anybody fool you. Um, what she says goes and, uh, yeah, if you’re playing, it’s all up to her, not me. Um, so she’s fantastic. And then [00:18:00] we have people that come in and out in terms of helping the nutrition balance and stuff, um, and supporting the players in different aspects, whether it be, um, psychology and stuff like that.

So, um, we have a pretty good group, um, of staff that really run things through, um, not just with my program, but everybody throughout the athletic department. So. 

Matt: Okay. Well, what about you specifically? Talk to me about your coaching style, style of play you’re looking to play there. 

Coach: So, um, yeah, so I grew up in the UK.

So I think, um, a lot of, a lot of the habits I had as a player, not the most desirable transferred into the collegiate game here in the U S. So, um, we try to look play with passion. Um, I think one of the. goals we have is that we don’t mind losing games as long as the team earns it. So attitude, our implementation of what we’re doing is very, very important to us.

And then in terms of our actual soccer ability, once we set the tone and the tempo we want, is to dominate the football, is to keep control of it. But we know that Um, we know that we have smart and beautiful players that can make the right decisions, um, that can really control the game for advantage. So we really work on making, um, the players make the right decisions.

Very important for us to have the players have the knowledge and information. A lot of the times if we see, um, any [00:19:30] weaknesses on other teams or might be in our own, in our own game, we want to identify options that the girls can take into the game, um, analyze it for themselves and then create the right problem solving moment, um, for us to be successful.

And I think that goes in hand with, you know, trying to find the right soccer players that have The new ones I’d be able to problem solve. Um, not just a Scott for the goals. I see that’s fantastic. But what can you bring us in terms of problem solving? Um, I’m making right decisions. And if you do something out of pocket, we can have full faith that you did it with good intention, not, uh, you know, just wild carded.

Matt: For sure. Well, coach, I really appreciate your time. I’m going to leave you with one last question, and that is if you had one piece of advice or something you think every prospective student athlete going through this recruiting process should know, what would that be?

Coach: I would say, um, just, just take your time. Everybody has their own journey. It’s not a. Um, it’s not a race. Um, for whatever reason, those people are committing. Um, don’t rush to it. Make sure the school is good for you. Make sure that, uh, the coaching staff is good to you. The program is good fit for you in terms of where they go and what they want to achieve.

Um, I think too many people will, um, you know, try to get things done just because, you know, as soon as you’re down the road, you’re committed. So I got to get on my bike now [00:21:00] just. Relax. What’s right for you will come through. Um, and I think that the biggest part of that is that, you know, soccer is a small part of your academic journey.

And that’s the reality of it where. You know, do you ask the other one about the transfer portal? Um, there’s too many names in the transfer portal. And that’s because I think people are not making the right decision. I would always, you know, urge that, um, if you ever commit to clarion or any school in matter of fact, that if you’re going there and soccer goes horrible wrong, the coach don’t like you, you know, heaven forbid you get a horrible injury.

The school still fits for you in terms of your journey where you want to go. Um, because I think once again, that’s not great. Resetting yourself again. Um, and even becoming somebody that you’re not who you’re not. I think it’s very, very dangerous to. So, yes, take your time. Make sure it’s right. Um, for your own journey, don’t get caught up in it.

Matt: Absolutely. Good advice. Well, coach, wish you the best of luck in this season. We’ll keep an eye on that PSAC and hopefully you’re, uh, you’re hanging a banner here around Thanksgiving time. All right. 

Coach: I’ll take it. Thank you so much. 

Matt: Take care.