NCAA D3
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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.
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Alma College Men’s Soccer – Coach Alister Newby
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Alister Newby from the Alma College Men’s Soccer program in Michigan. We talk about how he builds a roster through high school recruiting, transfers, and international players while focusing heavily on technical ability and fit within the team’s style of play. Coach Newby also shares what makes Alma unique, from its strong community feel and Scottish heritage to the balance of small-town life with access to larger college experiences nearby. Lastly, we discuss his coaching philosophy, including a possession-with-purpose style, developing technically gifted wide players, and the importance of finding the right college fit beyond just the Division 1 label.
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University of Chicago Men’s Soccer – Coach Phillip Kroft
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Phillip Kroft from the University of Chicago Men’s Soccer program in Illinois. We talk about how UChicago recruits on an accelerated timeline compared to most schools, the importance of ID camps and showcases in their process, and what they look for in high-academic student-athletes. Coach Kroft also shares what makes UChicago unique academically and athletically, including the competitive culture, quarter system, and holistic college experience their players receive. Lastly, we discuss the program’s blue-collar mentality, small roster philosophy, and the balance players are able to strike between elite academics, soccer, internships, and study abroad opportunities.
