Coaching Philosophy

My vision as a coach may be different from other coaches, but is consistent not just on the field, but in my workplace.  When I think of a vision, of my core values, of what I want each of the athletes to take with them after they’ve left the team, it’s not how many trophies they may or may not have come away with, but about the experience, the friends, the battles fought together, and about being better when you leave than when you came. 

When players come onto the field, they have the opportunity to be part of something special.  A team of players to bond with, become friends with, and have fun playing sports with.  Winning is great, no doubt, but being part of a team is something more.  Knowing if you miss a shot or let in a goal, your teammates have your back, win or lose, you did it as a group, and that no matter what else is going on “in the real world”, on the field, I aim for these teams to feel more like family.  

For years I coached Rec Soccer here in Carlsbad, and at the start of every soccer season, I would get together with the parents (at the first practice) and send the kids to go warm up.  I have an open and honest conversation with the parents, as the parents sometimes have a different idea of what they want out of a program than the kids themselves do.  And I let them know that I am here to teach the girls, to help them get better, but most importantly, to have fun doing it.  I will always coach to try to “win it all”, but not at the expense of learning, fun, or happiness.  

On Varsity, we will put out the best team we can field to try to win every game.  Does that mean someone might not play at all in any given game?  Yes.  But to me, playing time on Varsity is earned.  Not just by ability, but by effort, by listening to what we coaches are trying to teach, and to being a great teammate.  The person who might be most talented might actually be a detriment to the team if their attitude is such that it brings the rest of the team down.  I expect effort from every girl on the team and I expect attendance to practices.  I do understand there are days someone wont be there, and for the most part, ask that I'm just kept informed as early as possible.  

For our Junior Varsity team, we push fundamentals and team growth.  Learn the sport and grow as a team.  Everyone on the team is going to get playing time during JV games and we do our best to distribute that time amongst the girls.  JV practices at the same time as the Varsity team, and as the season progresses are integrated more and more with Varsity.  We have found this builds a great team atmosphere.

At the end of the day, one of my ultimate goals is that these girls enjoy their time on the team so much, that win or lose, they talk positively about it, to the point where next season, they’re looking to recruit their friends, or girls from other sports, to come and play. The other is to have a winning program.  These two things actually feed each other. 

For you parents out there, we do our best to be as communicative as possible making sure you're informed of all that is going on.  Our email and cell phone numbers are at your disposal and we will work to ensure your daughter is supported.