Just Starting Out: Live Chat for the Up-and-Coming Coach
The NSCAA presented a live video chat featuring a panel coaches sharing their knowledge and advice on young coaches making their way in the profession.
This chat featured Jonathan Morgan, head women’s coach at the University of Maryland, Kat Mertz, head Women’s coach at the University of Oregon, Dawn Greathouse, assistant women’s coach at Notre Dame, and Scott Juniper, head men’s coach at UC Irvine.
The following are questions submitted during this live chat left unanswered due to time constraints. Here are our panelists' responses to those questions.
Besides a NCAA season ending December of the calendar year, do you see tactics as the biggest challenge to team building as a coach? (Ed Gahres)
JM: The biggest challenge for most coaches during a season is the management of the team. Consistent communication to the players about their individual performance and standing within the team will allow each member to have a clear understanding of what their expectations are for the team. As players we always want to know where we stand within the group. It's much easier to embrace a role when we know what the coach’s expectations are for us. Ultimately, this can allow the members of the team to function more productively. Therefore, allowing the team to function more cohesively. Tactics are certainly important for the team's cohesion on the field, however if the players don't buy in to the team then the tactics will never matter.
KM: With such a short season, the fall is mainly about team tactics and working on the needs of the team as a whole. During the spring we use the time to work on individual technical needs.
How do you think the growth of MLS impacted college soccer? (Alberto Ruiz)
JM: Well, certainly MLS has given college players the motivation to work towards accomplishing a bigger goal individually. Much like the NFL, NBA, and MLB have provided opportunities for collegiate athletes in their respective sports, there's a real possibility for soccer players to continue pursuing their dreams while making a comfortable living financially doing so. The negative for the college game is that many of our stars are leaving school early to go pursue these professional endeavors. This makes it difficult for coaches to really develop and build their teams year to year. Therefore, the product in the collegiate game may not be reaching the level it could if these players were staying in school and finishing their eligibility. I wouldn't want to change the system that's in place because I believe it's great for these players to take advantage of the professional opportunity MLS has afforded them.
KM: I think there are more players that are going Pro sooner and not graduating and this does have an effect on men’s soccer. Players that are not graduating hurts the school’s graduation and APR rates.
SJ: The growth of the MLS has been fantastic for the sport of soccer in the US. Anything that raises the profile of our sport and increases the opportunities that young people have to experience the sport helps grow the game.
Will a level 5 class be too advanced for somebody with no prior coaching education? (Mario Durango)
As a coach with no previous coaching experience, we recommend you start with the Level 3 Diploma unless you have a significant amount of playing experience. If you visit our Coaching Course Menu page, there is a survey tool at the top that will help guide you toward a specific course to take based on any previous experience. If you are still unsure, we would be happy to help guide you in the right direction by calling our National Office at 913-362-1747 to speak to an expert on coaching education.
What are the top three things to highlight on a resume for a college coaching position? (Doug Diller)
JM: Coaching experience, a special quality or unique skill set, and playing experience.
KM: I believe listing your coaching experience and any functions associated with that position i.e. Video responsibilities, maintain and operating a budget, coaching strengths (attacking/defending of GK) would be important. Another thing if you can give a solid reason on why you are interested in the position is important.
SJ: Experience relating to the many facets of college coaching, coaching experience, references
How important is a masters degree in order to get into college coaching? (Doug Diller)
JM: A masters degree can be helpful in acquiring a position as a college coach because most administrators are interested in seeing how important an education might be to a prospective coach. A masters degree may indicate another skill set a candidate may be able to offer his or her potential student-athletes. However, not having a masters degree won't jeopardize ones opportunity in acquiring a position as a collegiate coach. Your coaching experience, references, and personality will be a more important factor in determining if you can perform the required job. Administrators or head coaches want to feel comfortable you can perform the necessary requirements of the profession. Can you teach, do you have the character to lead young people, and can you sell the institution/program to prospective student-athletes.
KM: I personally do not have my masters, but it is something I believe is useful and would be helpful in obtaining a position in college athletics.
SJ: It is certainly not vital at this point, but it is increasingly becoming something you see on resumes of applicants for these positions. Like everything, it is a competitive landscape and you need to approach your professional development as an ongoing adventure. If your masters is the next domino for you, make it a part of your plan.
Related Links
Coaches' Conversation with John Curtis (MYSA) and John Madding (OYSA) | April 2013
Social Media 101 | March 2013
Coaches' Conversations with Todd Yeagley and Brian Tompkins | March 2013
Next Generation Coach: A Video Chat presented by NSCAA | December 2012
