NCAA D3
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Hardin-Simmons University Women’s Soccer – Coach Rusty Oglesby
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Rusty Oglesby from the Hardin-Simmons Women’s Program in Abilene, Texas. We talk about how the program stays ahead in recruiting and why he looks for strong students who are involved outside of soccer and will fit the culture at Hardin-Simmons. Coach describes the strong alumni network, impressive athletic facilities, and academic opportunities that allow student-athletes to compete at a high level while preparing for their future careers. Lastly, we discuss his possession-oriented style of play, the program’s approach to the spring season, and why he encourages recruits to be patient, trust their own journey, and find a school where they will be wanted and enjoy their college experience.
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Milwaukee School of Engineering Women’s Soccer – Coach Rolf Zersen
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Rolf Zersen from the Milwaukee School of Engineering Women’s Soccer Program in Wisconsin. We talk about the unique recruiting approach at a specialized STEM-focused school and why Coach Zersen casts a wide net across the country to find players who are the right fit both academically and athletically. He describes MSOE’s small, hands-on learning environment, its location in the heart of Milwaukee, and the academic support and career resources available to students pursuing demanding degrees in areas such as engineering, nursing, and computer science. Lastly, we discuss what a typical week looks like for his players, the collaborative coaching staff, and his game-focused approach to training that emphasizes decision-making and playing “possession with a purpose.”
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Benedictine University Men’s Soccer – Coach Spencer Pappas
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Spencer Pappas from the Benedictine University Men’s Soccer program in Lisle, Illinois. We talk about the recruiting process for a Division III program, including the importance of ID camps, evaluating players in person, and why academics and character are at the top of his recruiting priorities. We also discuss what makes Benedictine special, from its people and long-tenured staff to the academic and athletic resources available to student-athletes. Lastly, we dive into the team environment, coaching staff, and Coach Pappas’ playing philosophy built around purposeful possession, aggressive defending, and creating attacking overloads.
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Albright College Women’s Soccer – Coach Shamus Matthews-Brady
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Seamus from the Albright College Women’s Soccer program in Reading, Pennsylvania. We talk about how Albright is already building its recruiting board for future classes, what qualities he values most in prospective student-athletes, and why ID events have become such an important part of the program's recruiting strategy. Coach also shares how the college is experiencing an exciting period of growth, with new programs, strong alumni support, and a close-knit campus community that embraces its student-athletes. Finally, we discuss the intentional culture he is creating within the program through servant leadership, unique team-building initiatives like the "4 Hs," and his advice for recruits to trust their own timeline and find the school that is the right fit for them.
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Waynesburg University Men’s Soccer – Coach Treg Lunger
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Lunger from the Waynesburg Men’s Program in Pennsylvania. We talk about how he recruits nationally while focusing heavily on fit, relationships, and finding players who will thrive in their culture. He describes the unique location of Waynesburg, with access to multiple states, Pittsburgh, Morgantown, and endless outdoor activities while still offering a close-knit campus community. Lastly, we discuss the program’s high-performance environment, player development model, and the intentional support systems they provide to help student-athletes succeed on and off the field.
