Men’s Programs
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Mercer University Men’s Soccer – Coach Brad Ruzzo
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Brad Ruzzo from the Mercer University Men’s Soccer Program in Macon, Georgia. We talk about the changing landscape of men’s college soccer recruiting, including the transfer portal, roster limits, and why Coach Ruzzo continues to put a premium on mentality, work rate, grit, and finding players who fit the culture of the program. He describes Mercer’s beautiful, walkable campus, strong academic opportunities, and the support systems in place to help student-athletes adjust to the demands of Division I soccer and college life. Lastly, we discuss his experienced perspective after nearly two decades at Mercer, his young staff of former players, and a style of play built around defending and attacking as a team, pressing high up the field, and winning important transitional moments.
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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.
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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.
