Men’s Programs
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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.
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Seattle University Men’s Soccer – Coach Nate Daligcon
On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Nate Daligcon from the Seattle University Men’s Soccer program in Seattle, Washington. We discuss the recruiting process at the Division I level, including the importance of players proactively reaching out to coaches and how Seattle approaches building its recruiting lists. Coach Daligcon shares what makes Seattle University unique, from its downtown Seattle location and World Cup training facilities to the close-knit atmosphere created by its smaller, private-school environment. Lastly, we talk about balancing high school recruits with transfers and internationals, while emphasizing culture, player development, and finding the right fit both on and off the field.
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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.
