Interview

How did you first become involved with the NSCAA? I became a member in 1983, attended the 1984 Convention, and was a candidate for the National Diploma at the first-ever National course in the Academy at Quincy, Ill., in 1984.

Why do you continue to stay involved with the NSCAA? The mission of the NSCAA, to facilitate the growth and development of soccer coaches, is one that I am deeply passionate about.

Why do you like teaching NSCAA courses? I have met some of the most wonderful people among the coaches taking our courses that I've ever known and I love helping those folks improve their coaching skills.

What is your favorite NSCAA course to teach and why? Because each NSCAA Academy course has unique content, I genuinely love teaching all of them. If I were forced to choose a favorite it would be the National Diploma because of the excitement for learning that it generates among participants.

What is the best thing about the NSCAA Academy? The quest on the part of all involved in the Academy - staff and participants alike - to grow and develop in learning how to coach the game produces both collegiality and an incredible learning environment.

Who is your all-time favorite player? Men's game: Roberto Baggio, Italy - I got to see him play twice in person in 1994 and was in awe of his technical proficiency and tactical genius. Women's game: Julie Foudy - I admire her durability and tactical awareness as well as her off-field passion for social justice.

Who are/were your mentors in soccer? As a player, I was tremendously influenced by Don Brock, my high school coach (in Needham, Mass.)

Who are your mentors in the coaching profession? In coaching, no two coaches had more influence on my learning than Jeff Vennell and Jay Martin. Jim Lennox was the Director of Coaching when I took the first National Diploma and he opened up a world of learning to me. As an NSCAA staff coach, I will always be indebted to Peter Gooding for helping me become a better coaching educator.

What advice would you give to young coaches? Keep learning as much as you can about how to coach the game - we never "arrive" as coaches!

What is your favorite book and why? Near the top of the list is Integrity by Sydney Carter, for its thought-provoking look at the issues of ethics in professional life. I have many favorite books.

What is your favorite movie and why? Bull Durham, without a doubt! All in one movie are issues of competition, teamwork, motivation, love, human relationships and on and on. And on top of all that, it's fun!

What is the last book you read? The new biography of Ghenghis Kahn - a great look at leadership!

If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why? Terry Francona, manager of the Boston Red Sox - as a lifelong Red Sox fan I'd love to manage the BoSox for one day!