M.Ed in Coaching Ed. & Athlete Development Xavier University | AC:
@Lamarwsoccer
-NCAA D1 -I believe wholeheartedly in Culture-and the power it possesses
You can roll your eyes at me.. 👀
But I do believe in culture... I do believe in “fun” in even a more “elite” setting...
We believe in a simple formula.
Enjoyment+Potential = dev. Environment.
Developmental environment = limitless potential.
Remember WHY you started.
Recruits - take note
This player has multiple D1 opportunities and still took the time to respond in a very respectful manner
We coaches understand and respect player decisions on their lives moving forward
Its ok to tell us No
But this recruit “ghosting” culture has to Stop.
Players: Which player are you?
Bad players don’t take much seriously.
Average players take games seriously.
Good players take practice & games seriously.
Great players take academics, nutrition, warm-ups, ind. work, weight room, conditioning, film, practice & games seriously.
Given the horrible news throughout the soccer world today.
Coaches and players - be sure to stay connected with your team & teammates.
Invest in relationships.
Get to really KNOW one another - beyond the surface level basics.
No W/L column is more important than a life. EVER
Struggling to get your team to find some fluidity & speed of play in possession?
Here are a few simple examples to help implement some concepts that I believe can help you build a solid foundation to work with.
I hope these help💯
Enjoy⚽️🔥
Just like that… we’ve clinched our spot in the
@NCAASoccer
NATIONAL TOURNAMENT💯
Unreal first 2 seasons with
@LamarWSoccer
Year 1 - 15-2-2
Year 2 (so far) - 15-2-3
2x regular season conference champs
2x conference tournament champions
2x NCAA Tournament Birth
First ever
Here’s how luck finds you:
1. Work harder than expected
2. Stay teachable
3. Give unselfishly
4. Believe
5. Show up on time
6. Quit complaining
7. Develop good manners
8. Be humble and show gratitude
9. Be kind and generous
10. Surround yourself with smarter people
So finally I’m able to announce that I have committed to continue my coaching & love for building a culture that breeds success to
@GoJSUTigersSOC
I am excited for this opportunity & already am enjoying working with the group.
Thank you
@flogaites
for bringing me on board.
-Extra Training is a choice.
-Fitness work is a choice.
-Film review is a choice.
-Recovery is a choice.
-Being a good teammate is a choice.
-Setting the standard is a choice.
-Holding your teammates accountable is a choice.
-Respecting others is a choice.
-Showing
Oh you are a young coach too?
Only want a D1 job? Too good to accept an assistant spot in NCAA D2/3 NAIA or JUCO?
Listen..
Until you learn to respect the little opportunities and situations... you DONT DESERVE the big ones.
Believe that.
10 skills that require ZERO talent:
- Being on time
- Work ethic
- Putting in effort
- Being positive
- Being passionate
- Being teachable
- Being prepared
- Doing extra
- Being supportive
- Being kind
It's not always about what we do, but how we do it!
HIGH SCHOOL COACHES:
Stop telling me - “nah she’s going to go D1 you probably don’t have a chance to get her”
Let me talk to her. Please. If my program isn’t the right fit, I can help her get to a program that is.
Stop the arrogance. Collaboration NOT Competition.
Thanks!
Boys can do something stupid in training - and think it’s great.
Girls can do something great - and think it wasn’t good enough.
For me - that’s the difference in how we coach them - boys you have to keep humble - girls you have to build belief.
MY MESSAGE TO YOUNG ASPIRING COACHES‼️
✔️Don’t let ambition mix with Ego. It will only serve as an obstacle in your development and growth
✔️Getting your licenses doesn’t mean you know what you are doing
✔️The journey is hard, but NEVER GIVE UP‼️
Anyone that has worked with me in any capacity knows that I believe 100% in utilizing high to low combinations to connect our triangles and diamonds all over the field while in possession….
Here are a few ways to implement and emphasize those principles…
You did not choose your:
1 birthplace
2 skin color
3 birth parents, family
4 birth gender
5 birth language
6 birth name
7 ethnicity
8 born abilities
You can choose to be:
1 kind
2 generous
3 honest
4 grateful
5 respectful
6 optimistic
7 humble
8 teachable
9 faithful
10 happy
Club and High School coaches whom scoff at JUCO opportunities - and are just plain rude when we come speak to you.
Drop the ego - and stop limiting opportunities for your players.
Rant over.
The best coaches are not defined by wins and losses. They are defined by phone calls, letters, and future wedding invites. The win/loss column is temporary and changes from season to season, but the impact and positive memories we build with our youth lasts forever.
As some of you may have already seen - I have accepted a position at
@LamarWSoccer
I am super excited for the new opportunity & can’t wait for the fall to get here‼️💯
Really appreciate
@theNathanK9
for bringing me on board to help out with this amazing program.
#GoCardinals
They won’t understand why you say no to the drinks & parties
They are going to call you boring
They will begin to distance themselves from you
& that’s ok
They don’t want what you want.
They won’t do what you do.
&
They won’t achieve what you will achieve.
Grapes must be crushed to make wine. Diamonds form under pressure. Olives are pressed to release oil. Seeds grow in darkness. Whenever you feel crushed, under pressure, pressed, or in darkness, you're in a powerful place of transformation and transmutation. Trust the process.
Don’t diss Juco’s players.
I can confidently say - we are consistently combing through the jucos to find players to recruit.
Having coached and recruited at that level I understand the quality that can be found.
I love & respect the juco route 💯%
Too many players pass the ball either:
1. In their teammates direction
Or
2. To offload responsibility
—-
It’s important players learn to take care of the details…
-Can we play the ball to set our teammates up for success?
-leading them properly - shaping the pass to
The last 3 years have been nothing short of amazing‼️
Words can not express what the program at Columbia State and my players I’ve been so blessed to have will always mean to me💚💚
Thank you to all who supported us as we started on this journey🙏🏼
On to what comes next🔥💯👀
These girls have won it 🔥🔥🔥💍💍💍
Unbelievable first regular season it has been with
@LamarWSoccer
💯
Hopefully many more moments like this to come.
Now we turn our focus to the tournament & make a push to punch our ticket to go dancing‼️
#LittleByLittle
I just don’t understand - It doesn’t cost you anything to be a good person.
Coaches - treat your players better & with respect. Earn your respect by way of building trust and showing empathy - not fear.
It really is that simple.
💯
I love when players email and put themselves out there…..
But
I’m IMPRESSED when players reach out and provide all of the same info the normal emails have - but they also add HOW and WHY they believe they fit into our system - what players we have they believe they are
🚨PLAYERS🚨
Stay open minded with your versatility and willingness to play in a new position
I’ve seen so many players that play striker for their club - but that may not quite be a ST with our program.
HOWEVER - their skill set and athleticism could make them a top quality
So I’ve managed to get rid of a lot of people with negative vibes on my feed and now my Twitter feed is nothing but soccer nerds and inspiring vibes.
Clear the clutter.
I’m just thankful we are still having a season.
I’m thankful college athletics in general is still a thing.
I’m thankful to still have my job.
I’m thankful I have a place to sleep.
I’m thankful myself and my family are healthy.
Does anyone have any top end - “attacking / finishing in the final third” sessions that they’d be willing to share?
Would love to see some of the ideas of others.
We couldn’t be more proud of these girls.
Coming out and being dominant.
Winning the regular season & doing the double by fighting to win the tournament too.
We’re not done yet
WE ARE GOING DANCING‼️💯
NCAA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT HERE WE COME 🔥🔥💍💍💍
College coaches - Please DM me your School - Name - Email - Phone Number and I will add you into my database for players💯
Players - email me your player profile and tell me about yourself colton
@premierfutboltech
.com⚽️❤️
#TakePartMakeADifference
I can’t speak for other coaches - but I know I am always looking for “Soccer Junkies” when recruiting.
Players that not only invest in themselves with extra work etc - but players than genuinely love every aspect of the game.
Players that Watch the game - study film & want to
I couldn’t be more proud of this group.
Unfortunate in the first half - near goal off the post to then concede a PK directly after.
To come out in the second half swinging & nearly putting away some serious chances. Unreal saves by the Texas GK
Kudos to
@TexasSoccer
- What a
I’ve learned recently…. That some kids are interpreting their collegiate soccer struggles entirely wrong.
As a freshman - adapting to the level and speed of play is difficult. A little struggle in that period is expected
You can’t view yourself as “I’ve gotten worse” - from
Things you should NEVER apologize for:
• Crying
• Depression/Anxiety
• How you feel
• Needing/asking for help
• Expressing your opinion
• Taking time to regain peace
• Having high standards
• Being sensitive/emotional
• Trusting your intuition
• Being yourself
💯
Well this is a first.
After checking the mail, a school has sent me an application packet - return stamps and a short handwritten letter from the AD about applying for their vacant coaching position.
That’s pretty cool. Usually I’m on the NCAA job search filling out and praying
To the people that have said I couldn’t coach because:
➖I’m American
➖I’m not experienced
➖I didn’t play at a professional level
➖I don’t have what it takes
THANK YOU‼️
Dominance is a mindset.
You don’t give teams time to breathe and grow into a game.
You don’t give them moments of hope.
When you get tired - know that they are tired too… show them that no matter how hard they work - you’ll out work them.
Let them know there’s nothing they
I just LOVE coaching.
Can’t get enough of it.
Rec, Club, Academy, Collegiate, Professional.
Each level offers a different dynamic, challenging me to adapt my methods.
At this rate, I’ll never work a day in my life.
The amount of messages I’ve received from coaches asking why I would think any young coach would move to be a volunteer assistant at a JUCO is honestly appalling
Normally I’d just ignore the question as ridiculous as it is.
But fine, I’ll bite.
2024’s - if you have not received a call - don’t freak out.
Lots of us are nowhere near finished with 23’s & what happens in that class directly impacts the “need” of the 24’ class.
Breathe.
Stop worrying about how things will work out and just trust that they will.
#Believe
🚨Hallelujah. Great news update🚨
Moms heart procedure went extremely well. Getting discharged now.
Thanks to everyone who has reached out - & now the road to recovery begins💯‼️
Athletes,
Here’s a question for you to think about.
If a coach can’t trust your effort in the weight room, the classroom and at practice, how can you be trusted to play in a game?
Society is so weird…
You’ve got the people that want to see
@DeionSanders
do well & really help that program and those young men
You’ve got the people that want nothing more than for him to fail
You’ve got the people that just want to slag Oregon’s coach for trying to
First time in
@LamarWSoccer
program history that we’ve received any sort of top 25 national recognition.
To be listed as
#24
by TDS is awesome to be honest - and something completely unexpected.
We know we still have a lot of ways which we can grow - but we really are building
Here’s a modified version of “Over the River” that we did the other day
We noticed we were good slowing the game down and keeping possession from the back - but we wanted to try and sharpen the axe in terms of penetrating connecting movements within the midfield - so we expanded
Here's what's cool:
1) Saying Thank You
2) Learning and using people's names
3) Showing up on time
4) Learning a new skill
5) Learning the art of listening
6) Admitting you were wrong
7) Random acts of kindness
8) Being a mentor
9) Investing in your future
10) Holding doors open
Student-athletes: In the future there won’t be anymore team meals. There won’t be anymore practices, anymore games. There won’t be anymore team road trips & hotel stays. Being an athlete only lasts a short time. Work hard every day, soak it all in & appreciate how awesome it is.
Being a head coach at the collegiate level is not easy
We have the loneliest jobs in the world at times
You can give your players the world, but one thing goes wrong and their attitude changes
You will give it everything you’ve got, and be told after a game you don’t do enough
🚨Players🚨
Responding to coaches and either letting them know you aren’t interested, already committed, or have decided not to pursue playing collegiately IS MUCH BETTER than not responding at all.
Thank you
Ill say my opinion. You dont have to care or reply because it isnt going to change.
A WORLD CUP is the elite level.
If you train EVERY DAY of your life to earn a cap to HONOR your NATION. You will celebrate. Whether it’s your 1st or 100th goal.
You EARNED IT.
Dont @ me 😉
13 Healthy Tips:
1. Family first
2. You are not your job
3. Keep friends close
4. Forgive first
5. Be humble
6. Don’t take people for granted
7. Complain less
8. Be honest
9. Know when to leave
10. Be a mentor
11. Don’t respond to negativity
12. Be teachable
13. Smile more
So I started my coaching journey thinking I needed all of my licenses - degrees - course certificates etc.
What I learned was.
✔️Energy is infectious
✔️Belief in someone goes a long way
✔️Personal Connection is VITAL
✔️X’s and O’s don’t matter if your players don’t like you
🚨2025’s🚨
YES
Your process has started or can be started, but PLEASE DO NOT FORGET to be high school kids.
You only live this period of your life once. You only get to be a high school kid during these times. Don’t forget that because if you do, you’ll wish you didn’t as you
Excited to announce that after months of work being put into building a program budget - and having the college agree to the budget! I HAVE GOTTEN APPROVAL TO LAUNCH COLUMBIA STATE’S FIRST EVER WOMENS SOCCER PROGRAM!
Absolutely blessed to have this opportunity!
#GoChargers
!
If you have a family that loves you, a few close friends, food on your table and a roof over your head.
You have it a lot better than you think.
Find gratitude in all of your blessings and try not to let the little things in life weigh you down.
I Love recruiting.
I love when players and families come on campus.
I love getting to know everyone and what their dreams & ambitions are moving forward.
It’s not about “selling” something - it’s about being genuine and authentic with complete transparency.
#FindYourFit
For me,
Recruiting is so much more than identifying talent & agreeing financial terms with a family.
The connection & overall vibe with them and how they want to make an impact within our environment is absolutely VITAL..
It really is about finding the right “fit”.
💯
I would never want to take anything away from what UCLA has done and accomplished this year.
They are a great team.
However - it’s extremely unfortunate for UNC that with 16 seconds to go - the ref missed an extremely important and simple call.
What a game nonetheless
Someone once told me:
"Don't be afraid to start over again. This time you are not starting from scratch. You are starting from experience."
I felt that.
Advice to my younger self:
1) Read more
2) Write more
3) Practice public speaking
4) Value friendships
5) Learn to invest
6) Leave work at work
7) Know when to leave
8) Find a mentor
9) Trust your gut
10) Solve harder problems
12) Don't brag
12) Be yourself
13) Be humble
I’ve been thinking about uploading a few full training sessions to my YouTube Channel to give coaches options for ideas on sessions etc.
Thoughts? Would anyone be interested in this?
I know I personally like watching others sessions from time to time
I mean we sign kids when they show signs of potential
Let’s start signing coaches around ages 18-20
Train them and develop proper coaches-competing for the next national spot, MLS spot, or any spot really.
Want better coaching? Give us opportunity to compete.
@ussoccer
Welp, that’s that!
Individual player meetings and the end of the year team meeting has concluded our first year together at
@LamarWSoccer
What a year it was for us.
- 15-2-2
-Highest RPI improvement in the top 50 (160->35)
- Conference tournament & regular season champs
#1
🏈 recruit in the nation has signed with our football team.
Love to see it. Things are changing here at JSU.
We’ve got some MASSIVE s⚽️ announcements coming VERY soon 💯
Keep your 👀 open 😎
#THEEiLove
🚨Young coaches🚨
Be prepared to grind & dont turn your nose up to opportunities because they aren’t good enough
The best thing I ever did for my career was take on the challenge of starting a juco program from scratch at the age of 23 for 10k/Yr starting salary
Here’s why:
Want more playing time?
1) Show up at team activities
2) Outwork everyone around you
3) Know your Role
4) Compete in all you do
5) Be coachable
6) Empower & help your teammates
7) Go above & beyond
8) Practice harder than you play
9) Have character
10) Be dependable
I was already having a great day - then
@LamarWSoccer
started announcing some of our 24’ class and now I’m HYPE.
I absolutely love the trajectory this program is on. We really are building something special.
A compiled record of 30-5-5 over the last two years is something we
I’m not sure who needs to hear this today… but…
HE doesn’t make mistakes.
Sometimes things don’t go as we think they should - but - He doesn’t make mistakes.
He’s got a plan for you.
🚨PLAYERS🚨
I’ll be out at ECNL Tennessee this weekend looking for some proper ballers for our awesome
@LamarWSoccer
squad🔥‼️
Don’t hesitate to reach out! Look forward to seeing all of you
COACHES! Let’s connect!
Love connecting with everyone on recruiting weekends💪🏼💯