| Becky Burleigh |
This article was published in September 2003.
As the head women’s coach at the University of Florida, Becky Burleigh is one of the rising stars of the soccer coaching community. In 1995, Burleigh helped start the women’s soccer program at Florida. Within three years, she had achieved the penultimate goal in collegiate soccer, an NCAA championship.
As a young, up-and-coming coach in women’s soccer, Burleigh has known nothing but success in her eight years at Florida. She has guided the Gators to six Southeastern Conference Tournament championships, six NCAA Tournament berths, two College Cup appearances and the 1998 NCAA Championship. With an overall coaching record of 232-58-12, her winning percentage currently ranks fifth among the most successful active coaches in Division I soccer. Along the way, Burleigh has been named SEC Coach of the Year twice and was named NSCAA/adidas National Coach of the Year in 1998. Here are SJ’s questions and Burleigh’s answers.
When did you decide to become a soccer coach? Why?
It was during my freshman year of college that I realized it could be a career. I was inspired by my college coach, Joe Pereira.
What are the most important ingredients for a successful team?
The most important ingredients for success are talent, team chemistry and work ethic.
When building a team, what is the first thing you look for?
First, I look for the intangibles, such as competitiveness, work ethic and drive. Then I look for players who stand out in any one or more areas, such as the best header, or the fastest, or most technical player.
Who were your coaching mentors? What was the best advice you have received from them or anyone in regard to coaching?
- Joe Pereira was my coach at Methodist University. He gave me several important pieces of advice: 1) control what you have control over; 2) don’t compromise to win; and 3) a soccer coach is a teacher first.
- Bob Pearson is the Athletic Director at Berry College. He advised me to: 1) coach or teach the person first, not the player; and 2) value coaching for the relationships.
- Bret Simon (men’s coach at Stanford University) taught me to keep training organized, and to push players by being positive with them.
How do you define a championship team? What is the most important aspect of a championship team?
A championship team is a team that fulfills its potential and has no regrets.
Does a player come with motivation, or is that something a coach can teach?
Players have different levels of motivation when they come to college, but a coach can enhance it by creating an atmosphere in which players enjoy the game and will play for each other.
What are three adjectives that best describe in your mind the perfect coach?
Knowledgeable, organized and people-oriented.
Does a coach need a philosophy to be successful? What is your philosophy? Has it changed over time?
Yes, a coach needs a philosophy to be successful. I always try and keep the big picture in mind and ask what are my players going to leave the program with after four years.
Is it important for a coach to be liked by his/her players?
It is important to be respected, but not necessarily liked.
Looking back on your career, what event has given you the greatest satisfaction?
Alumni Day was very satisfying, seeing what everyone has become. And, I can’t lie, winning the 1998 National Championship at Florida and two NCAA titles at Berry were great.
Is a coach born with leadership skills or can they be learned?
I think most people wouldn’t choose to coach if they weren’t at least some type of leader, but these skills can also be enhanced.
Can a coach create a competitor, or is that something the player brings to the team?
Coaches can create environments that enhance competitiveness, but people come to the team with varying levels.
Can teams really learn from losing?
Yes, “losing is the lens through which we see ourselves more clearly.” You always analyze more after a loss than a win.
Is there a formula for success? Are there any shortcuts to success?
No, because every team is different. There are no shortcuts. You must treat people right every day.
What is more important, game preparation or in-game adjustments?
Game preparation is more important, as this is what develops confidence.
How important is discipline on a soccer team?
Discipline is very important. It gives the team structure and parameters, which contribute to team chemistry.
How does a coach create respect for himself or herself in the eyes of the players?
This can be done by treating players as he or she would want to be treated.
How important is goal setting? Team goals? Coaching goals? Win-loss goals?
Goal setting is the road map to the destination.
What was the biggest mistake you made in your coaching career?
That would definitely be becoming more introspective after losses instead of going out of my way to be more outgoing and supportive of the players, who need it most at that time.
How would you describe yourself as a coach?
I am open-minded, fair and competitive.
Have you changed as a coach during your career?
Yes. I try to change each year in order to get the most out of each individual.
What advice would you give to the coach who’s just starting out in the profession?
Understand people first, then worry about the X’s and O’s.
How has the game changed during your career?
Now there are more, better players.
How did you first become involved in soccer?
My family moved right across the street from a soccer field when I was 10.
What is the biggest difference between coaching youth players and college players?
I have never coached youth players except at camps. But, college players have a lot more to be responsible for – more issues.
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