Getting Started

This was the biggest hurdle for me getting into the college game. To understand this, though, I need to explain a little bit about my background in soccer.

I played soccer at a Division III school for about a year and a half before I withdrew from that school because of concussion issues. I was never a great player, but I love the game and I worked with one of my coaches there to start developing a passion for coaching.

I transferred to Youngstown State and earned my bachelor’s degree. While there, I coached high school and recreational leagues in my area. I also gained experience in fitness training and testing through my degree in exercise science. After graduating, I worked with the club team at YSU as their first head coach and led them through their spring friendlies.

Then I decided I wanted to make coaching a career and to do that I needed to make the jump to coaching at an NCAA school. And for those looking to make the jump, you need to be patient and persistent. I emailed the school that I played at about coming on as an assistant. Never got a response. I emailed the graduate school I was attending offering to volunteer so I can learn. Never heard a response. I emailed a Division III school about volunteering. Never heard back. Finally, I emailed the coach at the school I will be coaching at and he gave me a chance as an intern.

The point is that you have to be willing to grind to get your foot in the door, especially if you don’t have a stellar playing career like me. It took effort reaching out to coaches on top of continuing to learn about the game to get that first opportunity, but it’s worth it. Now I have the opportunity to learn from some brilliant coaches to begin my career and work in an environment that will challenge me to grow and be at my best. So if you’re looking for that first step, no matter what level you want to coach at, don’t be afraid to get out there and talk to coaches and see what’s available. You’ll be glad you did.