Mary Baldwin University Women’s Soccer – Coach Amanda Evans

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Amanda Evans from the Mary Baldwin University Women’s Program. We talk about how she has approached recruiting during a program rebuild. We chat about how their school stands out as a nice little oasis in Virginia. Lastly, we discuss their staff and how their team has been developing. Learn more about the MBU program.

[00:00:00] Matt: Hi, everybody. Welcome to Discover College Soccer. Today I am joined by coach Evans from Mary Baldwin university located in lovely scenic, Virginia, right off the old Shenandoah corridor there. Um, thanks for coming on.

[00:00:18] Coach: Thanks for having me.

[00:00:18] Matt: Um, so the, you know, the whole purpose here is to let people get a little bit more intimate knowledge of, of programs a little bit beyond what they’re going to find on the website.

[00:00:27] So we won’t, uh, dig into to the boring stuff that people can find out, uh, automatically. Um, but so let’s first off, let’s talk about your recruiting, uh, and, and how you guys go about that. So when do you start usually hearing from players in terms of like, what year are they in high school? When do you usually start watching players?

[00:00:46] Coach: Sure. So, um, you know, as far as hearing from players, really, we can hear from them anytime we have recruiting camps that we do pretty regularly. And that generally is, you know, freshman year on up, um, as far as how we target and what our timeline looks like. Generally we target players their junior year.

[00:01:05] So that’s when we’re trying to contact them, trying to get them to come for a visit with the hope that they’re actually committing by the, um, before the start of their senior year. So that’s kind of what our timeline looks like. So for example, right now, we’re in the spring. So I’m talking to juniors, having juniors come visit, offering juniors positions, but I’m also going to tournaments and looking at, um, sophomores so that I can start to kind of see who I want to contact next year.

[00:01:33] And then I’m also maybe looking at a senior here or there. If I have a spot or two on my roster that I want to slide into.

[00:01:40] Matt: Okay. How many inbound con contacts do you think you get in like a week or a month from potential prospects?

[00:01:47] Coach: Uh, a lot, especially now that we’re winning. So, um, I would say probably at least, uh, You know, five to 10 a day, um, of players reaching out and, and it’s hard.

[00:02:02] Cause sometimes, you know, they’re, they’re really specific emails and you can tell that, you know, they looked on the website, they did, they actually are interested in you versus it’s a blanket email that they probably sent them. A hundred other schools. So, and then there’s also recruiting sites that send us a lot.

[00:02:19] So I probably get another, you know, 30 to 50 emails from recruiting sites, sending me kind of random players as well that you have to filter through. So generally though, when a player emails. Um, depending on what year they are. Um, I reached back and right away, I asked them to fill out a recruit questionnaire because I recruit questionnaire, puts all of their information into our recruiting system.

[00:02:42] So that way they don’t slip through the cracks, I can keep track of them. Um, there’s a link for that on our website as well that they can fill out on their own. But generally, if they reach out to me, the first thing I’ll have them do is fill out that question.

[00:02:54] Matt: Makes sense. What, what are some of the things, you know, you mentioned the, the tailored email versus the blanket, but what are some of the, some of the things you like to see in that first communication from a recruit?

[00:03:04] Coach: Yeah, so, um, I, I don’t, it doesn’t need to be lengthy, you know, a lot of times players like that first paragraph of I’ve been playing since I was six years old. And that, you know, if you’re reaching out to me, then obviously you’re passionate about soccer. You don’t need to defend that to me. Um, so for me, You know, what I’m looking for is a player that, you know, even just one paragraph that says, you know, I’m interested a few things off your resume.

[00:03:29] You know, I played ODP, I play for this club. I’ve been playing club for this many years. Um, we recently won this tournament, you know, those are, you know, okay. Things to throw in. Um, and then I usually like to see something about the school. Um, for example, if you say. You know, I’m really interested in your nursing program.

[00:03:49] Well, we don’t have nursing and I get so many emails about people who want to be nurses. And so for me, um, you know, that’s wasting your time and my time. So, you know, you have to make sure that you’re specifying something like, oh, I really like Stanton and where you’re located, or I was looking at your schedule and I saw you guys had a really good season.

[00:04:10] You know, those are the kinds of things. To make a point that, that you did some research. Um, and then, and then next would be like a video link. We really like to see video and any upcoming tournaments you’re in. Cause then we’re going to make a point to try to see you play. So

[00:04:26] Matt: in that video you’re are you mostly looking at clips or are you hoping for full game film?

[00:04:32] To,

[00:04:33] Coach: for me personally, I’m looking for clips to see kind of. If I want to take the time to go out and watch them. Cause I, I, I will watch a player play in person before I offer them a spot on the team. Um, so for me, the clip allows me to see if I’m going to take the time to try and see them play. Or sometimes the clip I’ll look at it and be like, you know, they, they look strong, maybe they could.

[00:05:00] So I’m still going to go take a look at them because the video I don’t think is showing me what I need, or I’m looking at the video and I’m like, You know, they don’t quite have the speed that I need for this position, so it’s just not going to work out. Um, so it just depends, like I said, on, on that, but definitely highlight videos.

[00:05:16] I don’t have time to sit and watch a whole game, unfortunately, right now. So.

[00:05:20] Matt: Makes sense. Um, so you talked about going to see players in person and looking at tournaments where. What are some of the tournaments that you, you go to? Where do you spend a majority of your time when it comes to recruiting?

[00:05:32] Are you checking out any, like, it’s a big question these days, you know, does high school soccer matter anymore? Um, you know, w where are you usually see them play?

[00:05:42] Coach: I think first off I’ll plug for high school soccer. I think high school soccer is actually really important. Um, I don’t think that high school soccer is great for exposure, but what it is great for is really helping you prepare for college because in high school soccer, you’re practicing every day.

[00:05:59] You have a tradition, you have a mascot, you have a culture, and that’s not something that you get at the club level, you know, at the club level. To go to the tournament and you get the really competitive, maybe sometimes more competitive play than high school, but you don’t get the culture of what it means to be on a, on a team I’m the same way.

[00:06:20] So I think it’s really important to do both personally. Um, and then as far as you know, where I’m going and looking at players, it depends if they’re a local player. Yeah. I’ll just go catch a high school game. You know, if I can drive over there, why, why not? Um, to me a good player is gonna stand up.

[00:06:36] Regardless. It doesn’t matter. You know what game I’m watching. Um, however, As far as tournaments that I target, they can change from year to year. Again, depending on interest. If I’m getting a lot of people contact me for a certain tournament, I might take the time to go check it out. Um, budget is obviously a part of that, but the ones that I tend to hit.

[00:06:57] Is Bethesda showcase. Disney showcase has a big one for us. Um, occasionally that you ECNL showcase and then the NCFC showcase and Raleigh, those are really big ones. And then we also do WAGS and the Jefferson Cup, um, the Richmond FC, um, as well. So Richmond’s only an hour and a half for us. So if there’s games around there, we’ll go check them out.

[00:07:22] Um, however, I’m also grew up in Wisconsin and my mom lives in Chicago. So, you know, I went to a tournament in Chicago this summer. I hung out with family, that kind of thing. And then we also have family in Vegas, Utah in California. So we often go out there and check some tournaments, like the mayor’s cup and some of those other ones.

[00:07:40] So, um, so yeah, it just depends on the year and kind of what we’re targeting, but I would say right now, Our school is half, um, in state students and half out of state. So we do have a really good mixture and we’re ranked as one of the most diverse schools in the country, as well as one of the safest schools in the country.

[00:07:58] So, um, we attract a lot of people because of that. Um, and one of the things that I’ve found our team kind of matches the demographics of the school. Um, we’re a very diverse team. We come from all parts of the country as far away as Puerto Rico and California. But I would say the bulk of my players in Virginia come from the Virginia Beach area.

[00:08:22] And we also have a large population of players from Florida.

[00:08:26] Matt: Yeah. I saw that, which, uh, interesting. Cause that’s where I am. I’m down in Bradenton, uh, right now, but I did see a player from my old, my old hometown of Bristow, so, uh, that’s great. Um, so. Do you have a set number of players you try to bring in every year or does it just vary based on what you’re graduated?

[00:08:46] Coach: Sure. It, it varies based on what we graduate also, you know, we’re in a unique situation that we have been rebuilding the program. Um, so how we recruited two years ago is very different than how we’re recruiting this year. Um, but generally, you know, if you figure you keep about 35 players on a roster, Four of them goalkeeper.

[00:09:06] So you’re looking at about 30 players. Um, if you’re going to maintain that, you know, you’re looking at recruiting. Eight to 12 players every year, pretty consistently. So, um, so generally our numbers fluctuate based on the positions that we have. Um, I don’t believe in over rostering. I don’t want to bring players here that I don’t think are going to be able to contribute.

[00:09:31] Um, I don’t think it’s fair to them. And, um, I don’t think it benefits the team because it takes time away from the whole group. Um, so that’s why with our 30, we travel as a team. We do everything as a team because. Um, that’s just kind of the culture that we have here. So as far as how many I recruit, it goes, it depends on how many positions I have from year to year.

[00:09:52] And that’s why I kind of made that comment that, you know, once in awhile I’ll have one or two spots open up late for seniors, because maybe somebody decided that, you know, they’re, they don’t want to continue with the program or something like that. And so those positions can kind of open up late sometimes, which is why.

[00:10:08] I’m not opposed to talking to seniors and communicating with them because a lot of times we end up having an opportunity for them at the same time, I’ll always make room for a player. If I think that they’re going to come in and make a big impact, you know, um, we have four goalkeepers for example, this year and I had a fifth one contact me and she’s like, you know, I really wanted to commit.

[00:10:29] And I told her, yeah, You know, I think you’re a great player. It’s been great watching you, but unfortunately I just don’t have the space. And she said, you know what? I want to come to that school. I want to compete. I’ve been competing my whole life and I don’t care. I’ll do it. And I’m not going to say no to somebody that wants to work and wants to be here.

[00:10:44] Right. So,

[00:10:46] Matt: so, you know, you’ve mentioned, you know, sometimes you get those late openings, et cetera. How do say transfer? And walk-ons kind of fit into the equation of your school.

[00:10:58] Coach: Sure. So we do a walk on tryouts. Um, but so far we haven’t, I guess, found a lot of success with it because to me, if somebody wants to walk on, they’re going to contact me in the spring probably anyways, or at least in may, which still gives me time to go see them.

[00:11:15] Um, Especially because we have summer camps and things like that that they could come to and we could take a look. Um, so we do offer a walk-on tryout for players that, you know, want to do that. And, um, You know, usually there’s one or two spots open to pick someone up again. If we feel like they have the right work ethic and mentality and skill level, then, then we’ll, we’ll find room for them.

[00:11:36] Um, especially if they’re already here and they want to be here. So, um, as far as transfer students goes, you know, we’re always open to transfers. So I think maybe because I was a junior college coach for a long time, I understand the benefits of a player who is. Went to say a junior college or somewhere else, and kind of had to figure their way out and decide what they want.

[00:11:58] And sometimes when they come here, you know, they know what they want. They’re more focused, they’re more mature. And so there’s benefits to having those players come in as well.

[00:12:06] Matt: Okay. So when it comes to, you know, checking out players both as a player and off the field, you know, kind of seeing grades and all those kinds of things, you know, what is.

[00:12:19] That you’re that you are looking for in a player, let’s start on the field, you know, is it their athleticism, soccer, IQ, technical ability, like, w what’s your priority list, I guess when you’re looking at a player as a player?

[00:12:31] Coach: Sure. I think that part of that is somewhat positional. Um, there’s certain things that we’re looking for positionally, but as a whole.

[00:12:39] For one character’s really important to me. I want players that I can help mentor to, you know, just be strong young women and have the right kind of mentality. Um, and for us, our team culture is really important. We want our players to get along. We want us to be a family and so. If that kid on the sideline is, you know, yelling at their parents for not bringing them a Gatorade, you know, you notice that stuff.

[00:13:04] So, um, definitely I think that, um, attitude on the field too is really important. And I’m not saying that they shouldn’t get passionate on the field. We want to see that. Um, but they have to show that, you know, they’re not going to lose control or be disrespectful. Right. So, um, but as far as you know, what we’re looking for on the field, though, um, One of the biggest, I think challenge transitions.

[00:13:27] There’s two that I see moving from, um, you know, 18 into college and that transition is number one, the speed of play. So even though when you’re in the college game, it feels like things are moving slower. Um, you only get one touch or two touches and you have to be able to have a good first touch and to be able to make decisions quickly.

[00:13:49] And so that speed is really important. And then the second thing is aggressive. You know, usually the first, like two weeks of the season, there’s always a freshmen. That game gets knocked down hard and you just kind of yell welcome to college because, you know, it’s, it’s, you’re, you’re up against adult women that are four years older than you.

[00:14:08] So the transition into the college game is definitely the speed of play and that, that, um, aggressive, you know, ability. So, so we look for that when we’re recruiting players, you know, um, As far as like center mids, we want center mids that are creative, but can also involve out of the air for defenders. We want people who are patient and, um, know how to play angles for forwards.

[00:14:31] We want people that just want to go to goal, you know, and just kind of have that fire, um, outside mids. We want them to be looking to go to goal, but also to have the leg to switch it and take players on. So. You know, there’s all different parts of the field that we’re looking for. But I would say speed, aggressiveness and attitude are big ones for us.

[00:14:51] Matt: Okay. You mentioned, you know, you got players from all over and you mentioned Puerto Rico. What. Does your school have a large international population? Are you recruiting internationally at all?

[00:15:02] Coach: Um, well, as I said, we’re kind of in rebuilding years, so I haven’t really built up that international network yet.

[00:15:09] Um, however, we’re open to international students. Um, if a student is coming from Ontario, Canada, they actually get financial aid that they would get in Ontario here as well. So if they’re Canadian, um, Ontario resident, then they would get their OSAP here. Um, and then of course, everyone gets financial aid that’s in a us territory like Puerto Rico or, um, that areas.

[00:15:35] As far as international students. So our international students get the same academic scholarships as everyone else. So, um, the school actually has amazing academic scholarships and, um, and so we are not opposed to recruiting international students at all. I, again, I think that diversity on the team is really important.

[00:15:54] And so I really welcome. Um, so yeah, we’re always open to that. As a player myself, I played college in Hawaii and a third of our team was international. So I definitely know the benefits of. You know, growing and, and building a relationship with, with people from all around the world. So,

[00:16:14] Matt: well, let’s transition a little bit and let’s talk about the school itself.

[00:16:17] Uh there’s uh, you know, I think I’ve driven through Stanton before, but, uh, just on my way, somewhere else in, in Virginia. You mentioned the safety of the campus. Uh, but what, you know what I would say, what are the three things that your school is most known for that maybe they’re not going to find on the website?

[00:16:34] Right?

[00:16:35] Coach: Sure. So I think one of the things that make our, um, campus really special is it’s like a very pretty campus. It. Before the civil war. Um, it’s very historical, but it’s on a hill. So it has the views of the mountains and the town. And it’s a block away from main street. So you kind of get that like small town campus, but not in the middle of nowhere.

[00:16:59] It’s right in the middle of town. And so it’s kind of the best of both worlds, um, as far as kind of like location and beauty and scenery, um, because we’re so close to the mountains, you know, we’re like 10 minutes to the Appalachian trail and all of that. So. Um, waterfalls, you know, that kind of thing. So it’s just a really amazing area to be in.

[00:17:17] I moved here from Southern California and, um, you know, we love it here, so it’s, it’s a great place to be. So that’s one of the really big ways that the school stands out. Um, another way I would say is that for a small school, that we are, um, we have the common things like small class sizes that a lot of other small schools have, but we have a lot more majors than most small liberal arts schools.

[00:17:40] Um, so definitely take a look at the majors that we offer. And a lot of them are accelerated. Uh, a teacher for example, can get a four year degree. Um, but they can, in that four years, they can actually also get their masters. So they’ll leave here after four years with an undergrad and a master’s degree.

[00:17:58] And we also have a five-year MBA program. Um, but we have a nationally ranked PT, um, and PA school as well. So, um, a lot of people come for like the pre-meds and the health sciences as well. So we just have a really diverse. Offering for majors, which also really sets us apart. Um, and then, you know, another big thing that I think the school has going for it is just a really rich history.

[00:18:24] Um, and you know, in a sense, it’s a history that we’ve been trying to change in the soccer side because the history of soccer here has not been good. Um, but the school itself, you know, it’s over a hundred years old and it just, uh, It used to be an all women’s college. So even though they’re, co-ed now, and you know, they’re a regular university, um, they still kind of, you know, really empower women and that’s really important to them and that’s kind of in their core.

[00:18:51] Um, so they have a lot of leadership opportunities there as well. Um, that a lot of schools don’t offer. Um, and you know, kind of going back to the program for a couple of decades, the program really struggled and to the point where they actually canceled the women’s soccer program. Um, and then the school went co-ed, they rebranded everything and then they hired us to relaunch the program.

[00:19:14] So we just finished our third NCAA year and we, you know, we got to the second round of playoffs. So our expectation next year is that we’re fighting for a conference championship. So it was a great time to come here and be part. Yeah, no, that’s

[00:19:28] Matt: awesome. Um, so at your school specifically, how, you know, how do you feel that the students balanced.

[00:19:38] Sport and academic, uh, lifestyle, the commitments on both sides.

[00:19:43] Coach: Sure. So, um, you know, I always say there’s two main reasons that players don’t play soccer at the next level one is because they just think they’re not good enough. For some reason, they put it on this big pedestal. And you know, the reality is, is there’s a place for you to play if you want it.

[00:19:57] Um, and then the second thing is that they’re concerned about balancing their academics with. Well, for us, that’s not an issue because, um, I was actually a teacher for 10 years. Um, and for fun, I teach a class or two in the ed education department here, um, on the side. So, you know, as far as academics go, we are prioritizing that.

[00:20:20] And that’s also kind of the division three philosophy. Um, But also we recognized, you know, you have a whole future ahead of you. That’s not just soccer. And we want to make sure that you’re prepared and ready for that. And so we want players that are coming in that are academically focused and goal oriented because they also tend to be good soccer players that are focused and goal oriented.

[00:20:40] So, um, but it is stressful. It is scary to, you know, think about college. And balancing all of that. So some of the things that we do, we have a team study hall every year. I mean, sorry, every week. Um, we also have, um, a student success center where we can pair you up with a tutor for every class. Um, and our students do our, our players do four hours a week, um, in our student success center where we also have a quantitative center and a writing center and a career center.

[00:21:09] So all of that’s kind of all encompassing. Um, academic advising, we communicate directly with one of the great things is that I actually, we use canvas as our online platform for, um, our courses and I actually have access to all of my players canvas, so I can see if they didn’t hand something in, or if they’re late, um, I can see their attendance so I can kind of see everything I need to see also to, um, keep everyone motivated to stay on track and.

[00:21:38] But, you know, we have like six honors students on our team. So academics is really important and we’ve been boasting some of the highest team GPAs in the program’s history. So that’s definitely a priority, but I don’t just tell you, you have to get good grades. I make sure that you have the support to do it.

[00:21:52] Matt: So that’s awesome. So what does, what does a typical kind of. Game day or even a non game day look like for players in terms of, you know, timing and that sort of thing.

[00:22:05] Coach: Sure. So, um, you know, generally we have a mid-week game and a Saturday game during the season. So obviously those days will be very different.

[00:22:13] Um, Saturday games is kind of like we’ll eat breakfast as a team. We’ll come into the gym and take a bunch of foam rollers, blast the music and just have a good rollout. Um, and then kind of break off and come back for game time. Um, during the week, uh, obviously everybody has class, but we generally have our games, you know, in the late afternoon when people don’t have class.

[00:22:33] So we really, really try to consciously create a schedule that. It makes it, so you’re not missing class. Um, our professors are really great about excusing you, if you have to for a game, obviously, um, we have really good relationships with our professors and our departments. Um, but we also, you know, want you to be in class as much as possible.

[00:22:55] So we do, you know, we do really try. Um, to keep that in mind. And so does our conference, our conference actually makes our longer road trips on the weekends on purpose. So that again, less miss class time. Uh, but as far as, you know, a regular school day, you know, you go to class and then after that you’re going to come and you’ll.

[00:23:13] Possibly do some game day ready stuff with the trainers and things like that. Um, and then, you know, transition into the locker room where we’ll have a chat before we go out for warmup. I’m a big music person. So there’s always music going somewhere in the locker room or, or whatever, to kind of get us refocused and ready for the game.

[00:23:32] We do, um, you know, scouting reports usually the day before the game. So we’ll have a breakdown of the team we’re playing, maybe show some clips, um, stats, things like that. Um, so that, you know, when you go into the game, you know, who you’re watching out for, um, what to expect and you know how we’re going to, how we’re going to win it.

[00:23:51] Matt: Okay. Now you mentioned your longer road trips tend to be on the weekends. I mean, what’s your, I guess typical radius, uh, you know, how far do you guys generally travel?

[00:24:01] Coach: So, um, the USA south conference is one of the larger conferences in the country, so we’re spread out a bit, um, We are the most Northern team in the conference.

[00:24:12] So we only have nine conference games. So the nice thing is that we have a lot of non-conference games that we can decide where we want to go. Uh, but generally our non-conference games were stay within a three hour radius. So pretty much all of Virginia, Maryland. Um, kind of those areas, but the majority of our conference is south of us.

[00:24:31] So, um, the longest trip that we have is five hours. Um, and that’s usually going to be an overnight trip where we’ll go down the night before. Uh, and then a lot of our other trips are like four hours and kind of in that range. So. Again, though, we’re only if we have, you know, nine conference games, we’re only playing four of those games away.

[00:24:52] So it’s really our non-conference games where we’re were within a three-hour radius. Okay.

[00:24:57] Matt: Well, let’s, uh, I guess continue to talking more specifically about the team and, and kind of the, the soccer side of things. So, you know, as a, as a fresh. Uh, you know, what should you expect in terms of playing time and how you fit in?

[00:25:11] I mean, I’m assuming you guys don’t have like a reserve team or anything like that.

[00:25:15] Coach: Um, so we don’t have a reserve team. However, I schedule reserved games as I have a roster of 30. Um, well, I keep a roster of 35 with goalkeepers. So because I have a roster of 35, I think it’s really important for freshmen and sophomore.

[00:25:30] To get more experience because by the time you’re a junior, we’re going to be relying on you to, you know, go to the national tournament. Right. So you need to have that practice and preparation. So we usually have, you know, anywhere from three to six reserve games, a season where. I know I’m going to be playing my second half of my roster again, to kind of get those players playing time and experience.

[00:25:52] Um, so although we don’t have, we don’t have a roster JV team because again, I don’t want to roster, you know, 50 kids. Um, we, we make sure that we’re still giving freshmen opportunities to grow and experience things at the same time though, you know? Uh, good freshmen can come in and compete for playing time right away.

[00:26:10] That’s one of the big benefits about having a smaller roster and targeting the athletes that we’re recruiting. So, you know, we have definitely. In the four years I’ve been here so far, we have had multiple freshmen starting in games. Um, but again, we were transitioning, right. So now that we’re getting a little more established and we can rely on our upperclassmen to kind of own it a little bit more and things like that, our freshmen don’t get as much playing time, but again, it depends on the freshmen that you are.

[00:26:37] Are you the one that’s going to come in here and blow us away? And you know, I’m going to play the best player. It doesn’t matter what grade you’re in. So

[00:26:44] yeah,

[00:26:45] Matt: absolutely. In terms of staff, um, how big is your staff? What kind of roles do they play, uh, for you guys?

[00:26:55] Coach: Yeah, so we have an awesome staff that I’m going to talk about.

[00:26:58] I’m waving one of them over cause you know, he’s important. Um, so we are actually a husband and wife coaching team. So my husband has been my assistant coach for 16 years taking. And so I’m going to have Tony say hi. So Tony and I have been coaching together for a long time. Um, we’re a good yin and yang.

[00:27:19] He’s like chill and calm and I’m more uptight, I guess probably people would say. Um, but yeah, so, so I do have an assistant coach. Um, luckily I married him, so he’s stuck here. Uh, and then we also have a graduate assistant. Um, and usually at least one or two volunteer coaches as well. So we have a good coaching staff.

[00:27:39] Um, like I said, Tony and I have been together longer than we’ve been married. We’ve been coaching together longer than we’ve been married. So, um, so it’s definitely, you know, something. We are all in as a staff. Um, we actually live a block away from the campus, um, because players come to our house for movie nights and team dinners and just to have a good cry sometimes.

[00:28:01] So we’d like to have our door open. We have four children of our own. Um, and so, you know, our house is, uh, we’re all part of the same soccer family here.

[00:28:11] Matt: Nice. Very nice. So you talked about the ying and yang of laid back and uptight. Uh, how would, how would you describe your style of coaching and your team’s style of play?

[00:28:23] Coach: So, um, I don’t know. I think for, for myself, I’m just a really invested coach. You know, I’m going to invest everything I have into you, but my expectation is that you’re investing, you know, everything you have into, into the program. Right. So, um, so for me, my coaching style. I am very against like swearing at players.

[00:28:46] Um, I have some really harsh rules about language and how it should be used. Um, and so for me, it’s like, you know, I tell my players, you’re not allowed to swear at each other or on the field or things like that. And, and I, I follow the same rules, so, um, cause we’re we’re professional. Um, so I’m never going to like downtalk a player or anything like that.

[00:29:08] I just don’t think that that’s the way to go. Um, I do talk a lot during a game, but usually what I’m yelling is like, you know, getting a little wider or, you know, pinching those kinds of things. That’s usually what you’re going to hear me screaming about on the field. Um, so, you know, that’s kind of how I coach, um, Tony during a game.

[00:29:29] Um, he, he’s not yelling at all. Um, basically he and I kind of. Organized subbing ahead of time. And so he’ll be the one to kind of like send players in for subs while I’m kind of coaching. And then as players come out, he’ll pull them aside and chat with them about so that they have an active analysis of, you know, what they need to improve on in the moment.

[00:29:52] So, um, so we really kind of team up with that. Like I said, we’ve been doing it long enough that we’re kind of on the same page. So, um, as far as off the field, sorry, like off the game field and into the practice field. Um, for me, it’s, I think my job as a coach is to make my players better and to help them perform at their best.

[00:30:12] So if Jenny performs best, when I’m like on her case and Jane performs best when I’m just like really positive. And just then I feel like as a coach, I need to adapt to those players. So, um, so you know, my coaching style. Although it it’s pretty consistent. You know, I do make adjustments to players again, to get the best out of them.

[00:30:31] So. Okay.

[00:30:33] Matt: Well, you know, we’re, we’re talking here in February, so it’s, uh, not during the season. So what does your off season program.

[00:30:41] Coach: So, um, we have strength and conditioning. Um, so right now our players are doing strength and conditioning three days a week, pretty much they’re doing strength and conditioning three days a week, all year.

[00:30:51] Um, most of it is focused on injury prevention, you know, hips, ankles, MES, things that are problems next to prevent concussions. Um, so we, we do get a lot of, um, You know, time in the weight room. Um, and we coordinate that with a strength and conditioning coach, um, as well as our athletic training department.

[00:31:12] Um, but then we also do specific things. Like if a player, if we want them to increase their speed, we’re going to be focusing on that and agility and things like that. Um, within that pro. Um, and then we, because we’re division three, we’re not allowed, I’m not allowed to work with my players on the field, um, during this kind of black time.

[00:31:32] So they are doing open gyms and captains practices on their own. Usually another like couple of days a week, um, study halls are still something that we do regularly. Um, and then we still do our team events like a movie night and the game nights and things like that. Um, just to kind of keep us connected and all of that.

[00:31:50] We have our banquet. Usually we’re going to have our banquet in a couple of weeks here. Um, this year we’re going to have about 85 people just at our soccer banquet between players and parents and everything. So we have a lot of support, which is awesome. Um, so yeah, so those are some of the things that we do during the off season on top of obviously recruiting, you know, I have a recruit coming in visiting tomorrow, so a lot of the players are going to be here to meet the recruit and things like that, too.

[00:32:14] Okay.

[00:32:15] Matt: Awesome. Well, This is the time for the last question. And, and this is the, uh, just the catch all, you know, what else do you, would you like prospects, parents, anybody to know about your program? Uh, that we haven’t covered so far?

[00:32:31] Coach: Well, I do want to put a plug in for just recruiting in general. You know, it’s important that you find the school that’s right for you.

[00:32:39] Don’t go to a school because a coach is pressuring you or calling you every day. You know, you got to find the right fit because you, this, it’s your choice, it’s your future. So, um, you know, take the time to visit big schools and small schools and, you know, find out what you want and what you like, because that’s just going to help you, um, you know, find your best fit.

[00:32:59] Uh, but with that being said, um, you know what I like to kind of tell my players is. If you’re going to come here, you really need to make sure and think about that decision. Because if you come here, you are stuck with us forever. I mean, we’re talking, you know, firstborn wedding other way around, but you know, wedding firstborn, all of it, like we, we are invested in you and you as a person for the rest of your life.

[00:33:24] And so. So, you know, that’s the biggest thing for us is that, um, here we build, we build a family and, um, a tradition. And so, uh, we, we welcome those of you who are ready to take it on and, um, look forward to meeting you when you’re ready to reach out.

[00:33:41] Matt: Awesome. Awesome. Well, thank you, coach. Appreciate the time.

[00:33:44] Wish you the best of luck, uh, next season. And, uh, hopefully we’ll, maybe I’ll have to stop in on our drive north from Florida as we, as we make our way up there. Check it out. All right. Thanks. Thanks a lot, coach. Thank you.