Bethany Lutheran College Women’s Soccer – Coach Emma Morris

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Emma Morris from the Bethany Lutheran College Women’s Program. We talk about what characteristics she looks for in players outside of soccer. She tells me about the small school feel in a mid-size city. Lastly, we discuss some of the cool features of their school. Learn more about BLC.

[00:00:00] Matt: Hi, everybody. Welcome to discover college soccer. I’m excited to be joined by coach Emma Morris of Bethany Lutheran college in Minnesota. Welcome coach.

[00:00:09] Coach: Thanks for having me.

[00:00:09] Matt: Thanks for being here. So we’ll just jump right in and let’s start talking a little bit about how you do your recruiting. So when do you start looking at players when you start hearing from players?

[00:00:20] Like what year in high school are they usually.

[00:00:24] Coach: Any year in high school reaching out, uh, at times. Uh, but in terms of myself trying to actually go and recruit and find them, um, I’m really only looking, uh, uh, upperclassmen. So juniors, seniors, um, you know, obviously we’ll start getting freshmen, sophomores into our database and kind of just trying to.

[00:00:44] You know, keep up with them as they go through high school, but yeah, w we’re more so looking at the juniors and seniors, um, we don’t work too far out just because obviously been being division three with no athletics scholarships, you know, we kind of wait for the D1s, D2s and NAIAs to kind of offer the scholarship money first.

[00:01:04] And then obviously at that point, we, we come in with, uh, with who we’ve, you know, who we’re still interested in and who’s not taken off one of those offers yet. Sure,

[00:01:15] Matt: sure. Well, I mean, how many inbound contacts do you think you get in like a week, a normal week? Not, you know, racing up to a

[00:01:22] Coach: tournament. I was going to say, I mean, cause right now we’ve got Vegas coming up, so it’s a bit more, but, um, you know, That’s a tough question.

[00:01:31] I just feel like for us, it just, again comes in waves. It’s like, you know, sometimes we were pretty quiet and then other times it’s like, you know, there’s a lot, um, even without showcases, you know, it just comes in waves. Um, I would say common in maybe. Between 30 and 50. I don’t know. So, um, yeah, it’s really not too bad, especially for us being division three as well, but obviously we’re in a really good area in Minnesota as well.

[00:02:05] So that helps. But, uh, yeah. And then outgoing. I mean, I’m, I’m probably, I mean, obviously it’s difficult again to say per month, but, um, Per month. I may be reaching out to again, maybe about 50, um, each month. Um, you know, and I’d say that fifties, the ones that, uh, you know, we’ve physically seen and, uh, you know, the, that we were actively recruiting from the area, but.

[00:02:35] You add, you know, international agencies, videos, NCSA, you know, all kinds of recruiting platforms on top of that, obviously then, then the number shoot. So,

[00:02:46] Matt: right, right. Well, what do you like to see in that first communication from a recruit?

[00:02:52] Coach: Um, for me, I would say, I like to learn a little bit about them. Um, so major would be a big one.

[00:02:58] Cause obviously if we don’t have that major, then you know that that’s not going to be probably the best bet. Um, particularly what they’re looking for, especially if their recruit, if they’re reaching out to us, then I like to see that they’ve done a little bit of research. So just something that shows me that they’re not just shooting this out to every single coach and it’s, you know, Very personable.

[00:03:19] Uh, it’s, it’s very, very positive for me. Um, I would say, you know, obviously want to know position, want to know age. Um, and then if they have a link to video, I would put that in the first email personally, um, you know, pretty much any time I get a video through the first thing I’ll do is click on the video, you know, after obviously reading and seeing, yes, this, this is someone that might be a good fit for us, then I’ll check out the video.

[00:03:45] And that gives me a really good at.

[00:03:49] Matt: Great. Now you mentioned Vegas. So what, what are some of the tournaments that are, you know, kind of always on your list and where do you do a lot of your you’re looking at players? Uh,

[00:04:00] Coach: you know, is, it’s kind of a funny question right now, just because. I am going to all have gone to more biggest showcases this year than I ever have before.

[00:04:12] Um, and the reason for that is because I had, you know, I was meant to go to Vegas, uh, you know, right. As COVID hit, it got canceled. And then I got some credit from my ally. So obviously I’ve, I’ve been able to kind of get out there a little bit more than I would in a typical year, but. That’s that that’s the kind of beauty of this year is I’m testing out different, uh, showcases.

[00:04:33] I’ve heard of the good. Um, and then I’ll obviously start to figure out which ones I want to go to regularly area. Um, but so far the bigger ones, you know, that aren’t in the Minnesota area. I went up to castle and, uh, North Carolina, excuse me, and then went to Disney, uh, at the beginning of January, January, uh, obviously in Florida.

[00:04:57] And then, uh, I’ll be going to, to play as in Vegas. So they’re the kind of. Big ones outside of, you know, this, this Midwestern area, um, that I’ve kind of put on my radar this year. And my plan is to pick one of the three every year moving forward. Um, so I had been to castle previously with just as an assistant coach, a different college.

[00:05:23] Um, but the other two, a new for me that I haven’t been to before. So.

[00:05:32] Matt: So coach, we talked about tournaments, but how do camps fit into your recruiting process? Do you do ID camps at your school? Do you go out to other schools, camps to help ID players? How does

[00:05:42] Coach: that work? This year actually is the first ID camp we’re ever gonna host. Um, I at school and, um, the previous coach, I don’t believe did, did one.

[00:05:53] Um, and so, you know, again, as an assistant coach at the three in Ohio, um, I did a few, um, that, so I, I, you know, obviously I have done them before and actually coaching them before, but yeah, this is going to be really, really fun because, you know, obviously we get to actually post on campus. Um, kinda have recruits, see what we have to offer a Bethany, um, that maybe wouldn’t normally come in and take a look as well, which is, which is awesome.

[00:06:22] Um, and then, yeah, of course I, I do go to other camps. Um, you know, obviously we have a monkey. Um, just like literally five minutes. So I meant, so a statement keto and, um, they put on quite a few every year and, uh, kind enough to invite us. Um, and then, yeah, just so the ones in the cities, um, we’ve been to Augsburg for example, and, uh, obviously as, as we get closer to this summer, I’m sure that, uh, Les will expand as well.

[00:06:48] Matt: Yeah, no, that makes sense. So, you know, you mentioned, obviously you guys are , there’s no athletic money. Um, but what’s, what’s the academic scholarship situation at your school, or are most kids coming in, uh, to play getting some decent academic money? How does that work?

[00:07:06] Coach: Yeah, you know, it’s, it’s kind of a mix, um, majority obviously really high academics.

[00:07:12] Um, You know, we, we really tried to push the academics as much as the soccer, you know, we, we, by no means, uh, you know, forget the fact that, that these skills are here to get an education, a good education, and to really be put in a position where they can succeed in the workforce, you know, once. I graduate and that’s kind of the big goal for us is to make sure that they, you know, they’re, they’re learning even through our program, they’re learning lessons and life skills that they’re going to be able to apply once they go into the workplace.

[00:07:43] And, um, and yeah. And then in terms of the school itself, I mean, we have really, really good academics and, um, yeah, I mean, obviously we, we do have good academic scholarships. Um, you know, we do have kind of that. That, that group that’ll come in, um, for kind of the scholarship day, just to kind of, um, try and end some of the big ones and, uh, get a little bit more towards the education.

[00:08:06] But, um, no majority get a really good, um, academic scholarship and then also, uh, you know, have the opportunity for foster if, uh, if they, you know, if they, uh, can

[00:08:20] Matt: right. If you’re, you know, let’s say you’re, you’re, you’re at the, you say you’re going to Phoenix or Vegas. I can’t remember what you said, Vegas.

[00:08:30] Sorry. Um, those west Western cities, you know, they all run together, but, um, what, w w what are you looking at when you’re recruiting? What’s your kind of hierarchy, both on the field and off the field characteristics that you’re, that you’re looking for.

[00:08:46] Coach: Yeah. You know, when, when you’re looking outside of Saka, Shinola, can, it’s still not looking at let’s assist system, any of that kind of stuff.

[00:08:55] We’re looking for four things in particular, I’m looking for players, uh, hardworking and everything they do. Right? So that includes in the classroom committed again, includes in the classroom. Um, and in the friendships relationships, you know, those kinds of things, um, The competitive, obviously again, applies to soccer, but also applies to in the classroom, um, and all the things as well.

[00:09:20] And then the good teammates, you know, outside of the actual, you know, kind of tactics, strategy, technical stuff, we just want them to, to really kind of, uh, build on their relationships and, um, make sure that they’re obviously, you know, dealing with conflict in a good way, and also, you know, building the, the positives up.

[00:09:40] And I’m a big believer in team chemistry and the teams that typically will do better. Our teams that also have the better chemistry. Um, cause then you fight a lot harder for one another. So for sure, there’s things obviously, you know, academics and all the other that you associate college

[00:10:03] Matt: with. Sure, sure.

[00:10:06] Um, in terms of. Just locations, you know, I’m, I’m looking at your roster. You’ve got, seems like you get a pretty good mix of domestic international players. Um, something tells me that accent of yours is not from Minnesota. Um, so you know, how do. International recruits kinda kind of fit in how much international recruiting.

[00:10:30] Coach: Yeah. Quite a lot. Um, you know, again, you know, I’m, I’m from England originally myself, so I kind of knew a bit about the international recruitment, uh, just from my own experience. Um, and you know, for us. Um, being that we are a small school in Minnesota, we do an awesome job bringing in out of state international.

[00:10:50] Um, you know, just as a school, I mean, we were a school of about 800 right now, you know, we just hit, uh, you know, best ever enrollment and, uh, over a hundred of those are international. Um, so, you know, it’s, it’s, it’s a really, really good centage and, and that means that when they come here, you know, they, they have a lot of other people that are in the same situation, the same boat.

[00:11:12] Going through the same things, you know, the difficulties of being 4,000 miles away from home or whatever it may be. Um, but also I think that they have a real good understanding as well, um, for each other and, uh, also in the local community too. Um, yeah, I mean, if you look on our guys’ side, you know, they’ve got a ton on, on, on their roster as well.

[00:11:34] And we’re now seeing that filter through all the other sports and programs as well. Um, and I think a big part is, you know, building those relationships with the agencies because obviously. Um, you know, when they send students here and then they have a good experience, then obviously now them all likely to, to feel confident, sending more kids our way.

[00:11:57] Um, it, it’s just kind of spiraled from there and in a really good way. Um, but yeah, just building those connections and relationships and. Getting on zoom calls I’ve found has been, uh, awesome, you know, for the internationals, you know, COVID definitely hit us pretty hard, but at the same time, there’s a lot of positives to come out of it.

[00:12:17] And for me, The fact that I think in recruiting in general, now there’s so many more people that are more, uh, interested in doing video calls, which I get a lot more out from personally. I, I would rather do a video call than a phone call at this.

[00:12:36] Matt: Yeah, for sure. Um, well, you know, you mentioned your, your school’s about 800, um, students at the moment.

[00:12:43] Let’s just talk more about your school because you know, some folks may not know much about, uh, about Bethany. Um, so. I can go on the website, click around, see a lot of stuff, but, but kinda give me some insights that I’m not going to find on the website. What are some awesome things about, about your school that most people probably wouldn’t know about?

[00:13:03] Coach: Yeah, for sure. I mean, obviously, you know, we, we, uh, we want to give the, the opportunity to teach the gospel and, you know, being a religious school, try to apply that to studies and SOC. That kind of stuff. Um, but at the same time, you know, I think outside of the religious aspect, I think we really just all felt like I say a really unique opportunity to go to a small school.

[00:13:28] Um, and I, and to be fair, I think that. It’s a really positive, because most small schools outside, you’re going to find in the middle of nowhere with no much around them. Whereas we’re in a really nice area here in Mancato where, you know, we do have a Minnesota statement K to five minutes away that brings in like 15,000 students.

[00:13:49] So, you know, although we’re a small school, it’s kind of got the biggest. School feel in the community. You know, there’s a lot of students in the area that brings in a lot of business. So, um, you know, there’s definitely a lot to do a lot of places to go and see, um, hiking obviously in the summer time. Um, and then, um, you know, again, being a smaller school, I think that the beauty there.

[00:14:13] We have over a hundred international students, a good amount of our students are also from out of state. And so there’s just so much diversity and I’m a big believer in, in, in really trying to, um, you know, increase diversity. And I believe that when you bring different people from all sorts of walks of life and backgrounds together, um, Provides an opportunity to learn and grow with one another and, um, you know, share those stories and things.

[00:14:46] And so I think that’s a big part, um, of who we are. And then also, you know, again, being a small school, small class size, Family feel, you know, professors get to know you personally, and it’s not very hard to, to reach out and ask for help when you need it. Um, and you know, obviously each student really has to put in the work, obviously books.

[00:15:09] Um, having said that, I think it’s really hard to fall through the cracks too. Um, so they get the quality education, but also they’re cared for as an individuals. So I would say those a big things. Uh, in terms of the campus itself, you know, we’ve had some really awesome projects that have been implemented recent in recent is, and then also a coming as well.

[00:15:32] Um, and so, you know, for us being a soccer program, a big one for us is the brand new turf soccer field, uh, when which was finished in October, 2019. Obviously then COVID happened. We had the show and season, and then this fall, we finally got to play a full season on it and it’s a beautiful facility. Um, you know, it looks very European in, in the actual kind of way that it’s been, uh, created.

[00:15:57] Uh, just kind of with the typical, lighter and DACA, uh, green stripes kind of looks very much like a grass field. Um, at one of the top premier league teams. So, um, and then our live stream as well, we live stream all our beams, um, and it’s just a really clear, beautiful picture. So, uh, very easy for, for funds, from family friends to tune in and be able to really understand what’s going on, uh, which I think we, uh, You know, I think that’s a really big positive.

[00:16:29] Um, and then we have a new, a brand new wellness center that’s currently being constructed on right now. And that should be open January, uh, that will house brand new locker rooms. Uh, it’ll house, an indoor track. It will house, uh, indoor turf inside the track. Hopefully. Maybe 77 99 size, not quite 11, V 11, I don’t think.

[00:16:52] But, uh, yeah, it’s going to be such a game changer for us, you know, once the snow’s on the ground and it’s cold, you know, the girls have some wear, uh, with a softer surface to go and still play. And, um, you know, whereas previously they’ve had the Jim flaws, so that harder, a bit more, uh, you know, more on the body.

[00:17:12] Yeah,

[00:17:13] Matt: for sure. That’s, that’s great. The new construction’s always, always nice to have. So, you know, a minute ago you mentioned, um, you know, that, that small campus feel and, and getting the students can get the support they need. So, you know, at your school specifically, how do students balance that?

[00:17:33] Athletics and academic life and, and what kind of support services are there to help them both on the school side, but maybe even on the sports

[00:17:41] Coach: side. Yeah. You know, I mean, yeah. They have a ton of options. I mean, again, a lot of the professors have office hours and obviously during that time they can go in and ask questions.

[00:17:54] Uh, we do try to get them the full schedule for the season. Obviously things change they’re in there, but we try to give them that ahead of time so that they know when they’re going to be missing class the games. Um, and can obviously, you know, ask those questions early about what they’re going to be missing, uh, or, you know, if they’re missing an exam, then, you know, do you want me to do it beforehand or after?

[00:18:15] Or what, you know, how, how do you want me to go about that and handle that? Um, you know, a tutoring center, obviously, you know, uh, you know, for whenever they, they need that extra bit of help. Um, and then, you know, we, we do as a program, we do study hall as well. Um, and so obviously that, that helps just to have that kind of time set aside every week for our team to come together and study, um, you know, in a, in a quiet, you know, safe, uh, environment to do so.

[00:18:43] And then, uh, you know, I think that, um, No just in general. I think that was set up very nicely to, for them to succeed because, um, as a school, you know, we, uh, kind of have a policy where if they have a class that overlaps with practice and they, they stay in class till the end, they come to practice late.

[00:19:05] So, you know, we’re really trying to prioritize the academics first, obviously. So, um, the only thing they really missed for.

[00:19:14] Matt: So that brings me to my next question then. So what would a typical, a typical day in the life of a student look like during the season in terms of.

[00:19:26] Coach: Yeah, no, obviously season’s a little bit different. Um, but now you kind of, the typical day would be a eight or 9:00 AM would be kind of first class time. Some of them, you know, might get a lion and you know, it start at 10 30 or whatever, but majority would start at eight or 9:00 AM and then they normally have class goes through to.

[00:19:46] You know, about 3:00 PM, I’d say is probably the average. Um, there are a few labs and a few of the classes that will go a little later past, you know, four o’clock into, you know, five o’clock. And, um, for us this year, we. Specific times for practice. So we went full till six and the guys went six to lake. Uh, which to be honest is pretty new for us just because, uh, before our turf field, we didn’t have lights and we had the grass field and then, you know, you contend them with the light, you know?

[00:20:18] And so we kind of had short, uh, practices and, you know, we kind of flip-flopped so, you know, one team would go Ellie one week and one would go early the next day. Just so that it wasn’t the same team missing, you know, that they in play us a lot because of class. Um, however, yeah, this year it was mainly us that obviously had players come in late, but, uh, at the same time, cause we could go that little bit later.

[00:20:42] Um, you know, that helps. So, um, yeah, we’re not entirely sure what the plan will be for next year and whether we keep that going, always flip them up again, you know, it’s kind of still at to be AB. Yeah, that would be the typical kind of day. This year would be obviously a 9:00 AM class through to about three-ish and then practice full until six.

[00:21:02] Matt: Okay, well, uh, what about game days? You know, how much do you usually travel? Uh, what’s kind of your typical radius

[00:21:11] Coach: for that. Yeah. You know, so, um, how a conference is mainly, well, it is Minnesota, Wisconsin. Um, we do play some teams from Iowa in non-conference as well. So typically non-conference will be the start of the season.

[00:21:24] And then we’ll obviously work into conference. I have a conference at the moment. Uh, we have eighteens including us. And so we actually do a home in a way, which I think is really cool. I like it. You know, it definitely follows a lot of the, kind of, you know, the big leagues in Europe, um, in terms of the, you know, the opportunity to go and play at that place, as well as play at home against them.

[00:21:44] Um, the opportunity, if you lost to kind of get one black, you know, or vice versa, you know, may, maybe you won and you want to kind of get the bubble on them. Yeah. I mean, you know, it really is nice. And then, uh, in terms of locations, I mean, in our conference, the, the closest for us, uh, MLC 45 minutes up the road, uh, the longest journeys, we usually actually do a Friday, Saturday with two period Loughlin, just because, uh, one’s about four and a half hour drive and one’s about five and a half.

[00:22:17] You know, we go out, play one, stay overnight, play the other, and then come back. Um, so yeah, it, it kinda depends. I mean, we, you know, um, I guess the average, probably about two hours, just cause we have, uh, three teams in the cities and the twin cities and that’s about an hour and 30 minutes for us. So yeah, once you, once you average it all out, I think it would be probably about two, two and a half off.

[00:22:41] Matt: Okay. Um, well, let’s talk about, kind of a little bit more about the team and playing, playing soccer. Right. So, um, you know, if I’m, if I’m an incoming freshmen, um, you know, are, am I competing for playing time? Do you know how what’s what’s the,

[00:22:59] Coach: yeah, no, I, I am not the kind of codes that age doesn’t matter to me age doesn’t mean anything to me, you know, the way that I see it.

[00:23:08] You know, especially at our level, it’s so important to common fit and healthy and ready to go. And, um, a lot of the times there’s a correlation between the gills that do do that. And they either play on us on the team, also my, or their work now also, you know, and, and the shape that they come in and, and how much, you know, they play at early on in the season that that’s, this is big correlation.

[00:23:30] Um, it’s just so important for us. And, um, again, you know, like for me, you know, you could have been a three year starter for us, but I want to hold you accountable. And if you don’t, you know, do that over the summer, you don’t come in fit and healthy and ready to go. And a freshmen does in the same position.

[00:23:49] When I’m playing the freshmen, David. Right. So I I’m very much about accountability in the recruiting process. I actually won’t ever promise game time to anybody, um, for that exact reason, because, you know, obviously we, we hope we know what looks good, but at the same time you got to put the look in on your end as well.

[00:24:08] You’ve got to want it, earn it. Um, and I just think that that’s just added a whole new kind of competitive. Um, aspect even within the team in a good way. Um, and I think that’s why, you know, we’ve had some, some recent success success as well because, um, I think they all understand now, you know how important that is?

[00:24:30] Matt: Yeah, no, that’s great. Well, how much, I mean, Players do you usually bring in, in an recruiting cycle on that and what’s your, your ideal roster size?

[00:24:40] Coach: Yeah. Um, feel roster size police, twin 30, 35 at the moment. Um, you know, but in terms of numbers, I mean, we’ve had kind of a weird few years just because, so I took over in April, 2019.

[00:24:54] I walked onto campus and had 12 players. So I was definitely eye opening. It sounds

[00:25:00] Matt: familiar. That’s what happened when I took over program. Well

[00:25:03] Coach: players with yeah, no. And, and so we fad, do you think that’s pretty common? You know, when there’s a coach change, especially at the D three. Um, you know, it’s pretty common.

[00:25:13] And, uh, and so yeah, that, that first, um, you know, that first summer, obviously I had a lot of work to do because I had 12 players and, uh, not much time because I’d just come in in the April. So, um, and at that point, a lot of, a lot of players are committed. Right. A lot of players know why they go with. Um, and yeah, and that, that full, we actually, I think we’re definitely big on the dogs, you know, I don’t think anyone expected us to do anything.

[00:25:39] And we actually went to the conference tournament for the first time, since 2016. So, you know, we, we definitely had a good season. Um, And then, you know, got, got pretty heavy into our 2020 class and then COVID hit, um, and, uh, you know, brought in a really good 2020 class. Um, but obviously couldn’t necessarily show for it in the fall because we didn’t have seeds in the fall.

[00:26:04] Um, and then went into the spring season conference only, only played everyone once as well. So, you know, very, very kind of short and sweet. Um, and, uh, yeah know how to have a good season patrol. Um, but then, uh, to be honest with you, that was kind of a very weird thing that happened during that time. You know, I had gone home to be with my family, um, you know, during that time, because there was no, no, uh, students, uh, on campus.

[00:26:36] I was like, well, I can do a lot of, you know, what I, what I can do, uh, from England and got stuck, uh, ended up stuck for a year and a half. So the whole COVID season and yeah, my assistant Denise rude actually, um, had to, to kind of run the team on the ground. Yeah, that was crazy. Um, and so, uh, but during that time, obviously, you know, I, I really was just recruiting a lot from England and, uh, brought in, uh, a huge 20, 21 class.

[00:27:07] So we actually just brought in 17 freshmen and two transmitters. Wow. Wow. So, so we’ve, you know, I mean, we’ve just had a. Statistically, uh, the best season we’ve had in our history. Um, you know, definitely by fine margins, but where it counts. Yes, it does that. And we still, we actually made a, you know, the conference semifinals conference tournament semifinals, which is the.

[00:27:34] With ever been with with only ever been to the semifinals. Um, so we equaled that and then we also came third in conference, which again, the best, uh, I believe that we’ve ever actually done equal in equal terms been said before, but, uh, you know, equaled that. So yeah, I mean, we, we had a really successful season, again, obviously a soupy team now.

[00:27:59] You know, on a lot of talent in that class as well. And, and so it’s really just helped us to, you know, increase in terms of competitiveness. And, um, I mean, they just played beautiful soccer this fall. It was just so fun to watch, you know, as a coach, sometimes it’s like, you know, you do the work and then finally you can kind of sit back and watch them and just go.

[00:28:19] This is just, this is just exciting. Watch, you know, the combination play, keeping the balls in the ground, moving about really what. You know, protecting the ball, you know, team goals as well, which, um, it’s always nice to get team goals versus relying on, you know, one or two individuals. So it just, it was just such a good season.

[00:28:38] And it’s given us a lot of, uh, positive things to move forward with. And, uh, we know how close we were this fall. And so that obviously gives us a lot of momentum, hopefully moving forward. Um, so yeah, the reason I tell you all a lot is because obviously we’re in a, a bit of a weird position where we have 22 returners and, um, you know, a, a lot of youth, um, you know, a lot of younger players who have come in and played a ton right away and a lot to build on.

[00:29:08] So it’s a really exciting time, but it also means that we, you know, I mean, next year we’re only going to graduate one, one team. You know, so it’s just, it’s, it’s kind of a weird position. I don’t think a lot of programs necessarily find themselves in this position very often. So yeah. Trying to navigate that the next couple years is going to be interesting for sure.

[00:29:32] Yeah.

[00:29:32] Matt: It sounds like it,

[00:29:35] Coach: sorry. I guess I didn’t, I mean, average class, you know, probably between, probably between seven and nine, I would say.

[00:29:45] Matt: Right, right. You just, you just, you’re just not in the time of doing averages right now. Gotcha. Not a problem. All right. Well, you mentioned, you know, your assistant, uh, was able to step in for you.

[00:29:56] So how big is your staff? What roles each of them play?

[00:30:00] Coach: Yeah. Good question. And so for us, the majority of our coaching staff, uh, are only really kind of actively involved during the full season. Um, just because. You know, they have all the full-time jobs and things. And during that time, I mean that their lives are crazy as, as, as are all of ours.

[00:30:20] Um, but, uh, yeah, we, we’ve been very, very lucky and I’m very appreciative with, with our coaching staff, just because of. You know, obviously coach D Denise, like I say, really stepped up, you know, while I was gone. And, um, she’s been consistent for the, the program the last few years. I mean, before I came in, you know, she was an assistant coach too.

[00:30:40] Um, she actually played for the program as well. Um, so obviously again, not just knows everything there is to know about Bethany and about soccer as well. Um, And then obviously, um, coach Ryan, he, uh, he was previously an assistant coach, took a kind of a year out, but then while I was away, basically stepped into to help as well.

[00:31:04] Um, and so we’ve been lucky to keep him on the ship, but he’s actually in associate head coach on Mensa. The men’s have a really big roster and again, a lot of international, so there’s a lot for him going on in his life there. And then he also, uh, holds other positions on campus and has a family as well.

[00:31:23] Um, so yeah, again, um, I don’t know exactly what, what he’ll be doing in the future, but obviously we hope to, to keep him involved as well. And he, he went through the program in the men on the men’s side as well. So another person who knows a ton about Bethany and the history and the background. Um, and then coach Kendra just came on board this year.

[00:31:44] Um, and she, again, play for the, for the program. I actually was in the old all decade team, uh, for the, the 2000 tens and, uh, and yeah, another really, really, you know, Great person to have around. She she’s been helping out a ton with recruiting as well, which is really nice. Um, and then coach Alexa just came on board she’s on goalkeeper coach, um, which, you know, again, just really exciting.

[00:32:12] She played D a across town, um, was a really successful goalkeeper for them. Um, you know, I believe, you know, when a regional tournament and, you know, a lot, a lot of really, really good, um, you know, things that she did in her career. It’s just really exciting, honestly, for us to have a young female goalkeeper coach.

[00:32:32] Um, you know, because I think in the college game, especially on the women’s side, uh, finding a goalkeeper coach that really can connect with the players is I feel like it’s pretty, pretty difficult. Um, like I say, finding a young female one is virtually non-existent, so, you know, we’ll ask so lucky and we know it, um, with our coaching staff.

[00:32:53] Um, you know, they, they all bring different things and, um, you know, again, we w we’re small B3, right? So a lot of, a lot of these folks really, uh, um, putting in a lot of time and effort, um, you know, when they’ve got full-time jobs and other things going on in their life. So,

[00:33:12] Matt: ah, that’s great. Well, you, a minute ago, you mentioned how you, you were happy to see the brilliant team goals and, and other.

[00:33:22] You know, play throughout the season. So, you know, what, how would you describe your style of coaching and the team’s style of play?

[00:33:29] Coach: Oh, in terms of teen T-cell play, you know, the, the way that I kind of explained it to the class that just came in and then obviously during season is we want to, we want to play possession to go direct, right?

[00:33:42] Like I don’t really have one or the other. Um, it’s more, so we’re gonna try and, you know, move the ball about. Um, not too many touches, you know, protect it, obviously. Uh, we’ll keep moving about to try and open up the gaps to play through. Does that kinda make sense? So like w when not necessarily going direct and we were a direct team before, because that’s what made sense with who, who we had, um, and the talent that we had.

[00:34:10] And, uh, whereas now it’s, we have so many girls that are technical and that can play that style now. And so, yeah, it’s, it’s, like I say, it’s really nice to be able to actually see the combination play and, you know, the kind of little tricks and flicks that they do. And, um, they seem to really understand each other and what they’re going to do a lot better this year as well.

[00:34:32] Um, so yeah, possession would go direct. And then in terms of me, I mean, I, you know, obviously I feel like it’s a lot better to task the girls because I’m sure they probably have a different opinion, but you know, obviously I’m English, uh, you know, typical, uh, Yella, you know, you know, I’m passionate, right?

[00:34:51] Like super passionate, um, you know, Uh, so yeah, I’m definitely a yellow. Um, I’d like to think that’s in a more positive way. Uh, you know, and, um, and I’d say I’m giving more instructions. So, um, you know, when it is more of a criticism or negative, it’s not necessarily that way. It’s, I’m trying to help them to change something that I feel needs to be changed right away.

[00:35:16] Um, but yeah, whether the girls, I don’t know what the girls would say on that one. That would be an interesting one to ask them. But, uh, you know, and then obviously, you know, I, I definitely like to do a lot of one-on-one coaching. Um, but at the same time, to be honest, I I’ve been very open with the girls that, Hey, if you want to know something and you want to, you know, you don’t want to do video, you want to do analysis, go over things individually, come and ask, you know, I want you to make this.

[00:35:43] Uh, and so I’ve been kind of a little bit, you know, letting them come to me with that. Um, you know, and I think as time grows and as they, you know, especially being a young group as they, uh, you know, grow a little bit older, I think they’re going to be more confident to do that. Um, but we haven’t seen a ton of that this year and that’s definitely something I’d like to see more often.

[00:36:04] Yeah,

[00:36:05] Matt: well, you got a, you said you had a young group, so that, that makes not too much of a surprise. And I never say I’m yelling. I’m just making sure you hear me on the other side of the

[00:36:14] Coach: well, and the funny thing is, you know, the girls, the girls, I don’t even know if they’re the, describe it as shouting or yelling because they say that I am the absolute worst projected my voice.

[00:36:26] And it’s true. I’m so bad at predicting my voice, but I’m working on it.

[00:36:32] Matt: Yeah. W w we’re we all have, uh, the things we need to work on. Right. So, well, speaking of things to work on, what are you guys doing in the off season? Yeah,

[00:36:42] Coach: so, you know, I mean, T3, I’m pretty much NOLA to be doing any kind of coaching during this time.

[00:36:49] Um, well, you know, our captains have really stepped up and, uh, you know, they’re, they’re really passionate. They’re competitive. They want to do well. And they understand that a championship doesn’t just happen in the fall. Right. It begins in the spring with what they’re doing, you know, when the coaching stuff on.

[00:37:06] And then it continues through the summer and what they’re doing at home, you know, while people aren’t watching and then the final tweaks and the tactics and strategy, that’s what we should be using this fall fall. So, you know, I’ve kind of explained that to them. And I, I think they’ve really bought into that.

[00:37:22] And now I think they see that this, this is a process, you know, it doesn’t just happen in a fall. And so. I think they’ve really bought into that and what I’m hearing, obviously I can’t be that, but what I’m hearing, you know, that, uh, that they’re really, really doing a good job with that, um, that do three weight sessions a week.

[00:37:40] And then, uh, the plane in doll, you know, just for a bit of pickup once a week. Um, but again, About any of that, I’m not allowed to be. So, um, and then we’ll, we’ll go back outside here in the, uh, you know, the end of March time, once the kind of nice weather comes back or at least starts getting a bit better, we’ll go back outside.

[00:38:01] Um, at that point, obviously we’ll be able to coach again and kind of, you know, get back into kind of a routine normal routine. Um, over the summer they do get a workout packet. Again, I’m not allowed to tell them they have to do it, but, you know, they understand the expectations that, that, that, you know, um, of where they need to be by the time they come in in the fall.

[00:38:23] Um, And then, yeah, like I say, just, uh, I really, uh, I’m trying to kind of explain to them that it’s a process and it doesn’t just happen, you know? And so, yeah, cause we don’t get much of a pre-season being at T3 school as well. So, you know, it’s so, so important. Like I say that they come in and shape ready to go because otherwise with having to sacrifice time, what on strategy and tactics and techniques.

[00:38:50] In order to focus on the fitness. Right. And, uh, and it just really then impacts all seasons. So finally kind of the bought into that, you know, this, this fall say we, we were just so close and when we know we’re so close that, uh, and we have a lot to build off of, um, the, you know, I, I think they’re really understanding of.

[00:39:12] Matt: Oh, that’s great. Well, you’ve given us a lot of information. Uh, I’m going to give you kind of the, the last question here, which is wide open, you know, what is it that we didn’t talk about that you want any prospective student or families to know about the school, the team, the program, anything that maybe we didn’t cover?

[00:39:31] Coach: You know, that really is an open-ended question. Um, you know, I mean, I think for, for us, it would be, you know, I guess if you are, if you’re talking about, um, history and you’re talking about, you know, what we’ve achieved and things like that, you know, I guess the way I say it to recruits is like, look like we’ve just had the best season we’ve ever had.

[00:39:56] And we’ve never been to the conference tournament finals. Right? So that’s an obvious goal for us is we want to get to the finals, but obviously if you’re in the final, you want to win it. Right. Um, but I, but we were just so close and, and so we know that it’s, it’s a stone throws away. We we know that we’ve got the talent to do it.

[00:40:16] And, uh, you know, the, the kind of way I sit to recruit is if you want a team, that’s got championships on the belt, you know, they’ve won a conference tournaments and gone to the national tournament and things. And that’s not us because we haven’t done those things. Right. But if you want to be part of being the program, the team to do that, Then now’s the right time, because I think you’ve already seen from the fall, you know, and from the youth, you know, that we have on our team and the foundations we have, you know, I think something special is really happening here.

[00:40:50] So I’m really excited about it. I think then the next, uh, two, three years are going to be really fun and exciting. And, um, I would just hope that, you know, uh, recruits understand the, you know, the, that buy-in into, you know, hopefully doing that with us, but. You know, it happened in the past, um, I guess, full fact to leave as well.

[00:41:11] So we actually have tunnels that go beneath about, I’d say about three quarters of our buildings on campus. And so, you know, I mean, we’re in Minnesota when it snows and it’s icy and cold or it’s raining or whatever, you don’t even have to go outside for the most part, which is, which is awesome. So, um, the girls Dawn’s actually above the cafeteria.

[00:41:32] No, don’t even have to go outside to get food.

[00:41:37] Matt: I mean, if those are two selling points, I don’t know what is so awesome. Well, thanks coach. Appreciate the time. We wish you the best of luck in getting to that conference final. And we’ll, we’ll keep an eye on you in the fall and see how you’re doing. All

[00:41:51] Coach: right.

[00:41:51] Thank you so much. I really appreciate your time. Thank you.