AYSO United - Michigan

BACKGROUND Dean of Spiritual Formation - Cornerstone University - 2001-2010 Lead Pastor - Solomon’s Porch Community Church - 2010-Present

PHILOSOPHY

My coaching philosophy can be summed up in three words: equip, encourage, and empower (obviously all of these are based on the six core values of AYSO). My purpose as a coach is to make sure that the boys on my team are learning the basic skills of dribbling, passing, and shooting, as well as beginning the process of understanding the field of play and thinking ahead more than simply reacting in the moment. I want each of them to appreciate the need to work as a team and to develop the skills of learning how to work together and communicate on the field of play.
Second, I believe in encouraging the players by giving constant feedback in areas of strength, as well as areas of growth. I believe a coach has a powerful voice in the development of his players and they both need to see that the coach cares about them, but is also willing to have the tough conversations when the need arises.
Finally, as a coach, I need to let the players play and learn in the midst of the game. My role is to work the players hard during the practice and be more directive, while in the midst of the game to use their experiences as teachable moments by asking questions concerning decisions and/or actions that may or may not have worked in the midst of the game. Most importantly, I want the boys to have fun and grow in their relationships with one another and grow in their confidence in themselves and their ability to work hard.

EXPERIENCE

Assistant Coach - AYSO United - Boys U-10 - 2017-2018
Head Coach - AYSO United - Boys U-10 - 2018-2019
Head Coach - AYSO United - Boys U-11 - 2019-2020

LICENSES, CERTIFICATION & DIPLOMAS

US Soccer Coaches Licenses: Grassroots 4 v 4; 7 v 7; and 11 v 11

SOCCER COACHING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Grand Valley State Soccer Tournament - Spring 2019 - U-10 - First Place

SOCCER HIGHLIGHT

Personally, there is not simply “a highlight”, but many highlights as I watch these boys slowly grow into men. Before our indoor season was cut short due to the pandemic, the boys were finally beginning to piece together all our practices and work as a team. They were passing the ball better, more aggressive on offense and defense, they were beating other teams to the ball, and they never get down on one another.

FAVORITE TEAM

US Women’s National Team

BEST COACHING MEMORY

I have taken a risk on two players who did not necessarily have the best try-out, but they had heart. Both have become key defenders for me and are players we can consistently rely on to make the big play.