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Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 05, 2021, 06:29:02 PM
All -

Realize everyone is shutting it down for the year, but some of us carry on.  Unfortunately, modern medicine has yet to come up with a cure for me.

So, as many of you are aware, I started a YouTube channel that I hope to keep doing during the off season.  Really the sky is the limit.  You can find it here at Steve Collins D3 Soccer Channel  (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6zlH1IV-yASx3xyaq3P_yg/featured).

Anyhow, just to keep some content going during the offseason, I will post as I make them.  Keep a good running topic of the activity and maybe spark some hot stove discussion. 

With that, I wish you and your many blessings for the holiday season.  And I hope we can connect before next season!

Quote from: Saint of Old on December 06, 2021, 10:33:44 AM
SC, brilliant work and breakdown man.
You can tell that you love the beautiful game played the right way.

At this stage, unfortunately,  I think only winning matters, but playing good football and doing it the right way is more times than not going to see a program have sustained success.
I think this CC team will be good for years to come.
Again, keep up the good work, I will be checking out all your videos as I know many of us will.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 07, 2021, 05:58:54 PM
So all great ideas.  Here are a couple I am noodling ...

1.  A quick review of the Women's Championship.  Figured I might as well.
2.  My own All-Star team.
3.  I would love to have a chat with Coach Burke and will reach out after the holidays to do an interview-y type discussion.  I don't know him so hoping for the best.
4.  My All-Star Team against other teams.  So, I am going to choose 10 schools, and culminate it against Connecticut College and just do a tactical discussion of how I would play against them, with my All-Star lineup.
5.  Would love to do another interview with another coach.   Maybe Messiahs?

Hopkins92 - Yes, I can host others.  Basically, just need zoom or some type of platform.  If you want to do a trial run on a subject, happy to.

Ah, so this is the life of a content creator?

Quote from: Ejay on December 16, 2021, 10:45:36 PM
I know you said you could move players around, but I was thinking that meant center mid to outside mid or center back to right back, not forward to defender. Oliver Akintade (Calvin) makes your team as a defender, yet he was an All-American forward. My kid played with him at u9 and u10.  He was a goal scoring machine then too. Very fun to see his continued success.

Quote from: Ejay on December 19, 2021, 03:37:31 PM
Did I miss a reference to Vassar, or has that position already been filled?

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 05, 2022, 06:56:45 AM
Wow.  A great interview with Coach Craig Appleby of Johns Hopkins University.  Appreciate his time and willingness to talk with me.

Craig Appleby, Head Men's Coach, Johns Hopkins University  (https://youtu.be/vwsHe7BNFkI)

This was a true long form interview.  I enjoyed it so much, I totally lost track of time.  Will probably break it up into three segments at some point.

Quote from: Another Mom on February 06, 2022, 08:56:20 AM
Lobbying for a Mike Singleton interview  . . .  :)

Quote from: Ejay on February 06, 2022, 07:41:20 AM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 05, 2022, 06:56:45 AM
Wow.  A great interview with Coach Craig Appleby of Johns Hopkins University.  Appreciate his time and willingness to talk with me.

Craig Appleby, Head Men's Coach, Johns Hopkins University  (https://youtu.be/vwsHe7BNFkI)

This was a true long form interview.  I enjoyed it so much, I totally lost track of time.  Will probably break it up into three segments at some point.

Wow! This was a fantastic interview! I loved hearing Coach Appleby defend his perceived style of play, and I was surprised to hear him offer an unsolicited opinion on the down years in the mid-10's - would be curious what the players from those teams think about his comments.  Also some great insights into the game day on-field decisions that his players are empowered to make. I especially liked the John Carroll conversation and the brief commentary around the Messiah/F&M games.  And it's always interesting to hear recruitment stories and how some successful kids seemly fly under the radar so many times (or maybe the better term would be how so many kids truly develop later in their career). And conversely, it sounds like there are some concerns with the next recruiting class.

I would love to hear a similar interview with Coach Wagner @ F&M and see how he responds to the "chaos" style they play.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 05, 2022, 06:56:45 AM
Wow.  A great interview with Coach Craig Appleby of Johns Hopkins University.  Appreciate his time and willingness to talk with me.

Craig Appleby, Head Men's Coach, Johns Hopkins University  (https://youtu.be/vwsHe7BNFkI)

This was a true long form interview.  I enjoyed it so much, I totally lost track of time.  Will probably break it up into three segments at some point.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on February 07, 2022, 12:26:46 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 05, 2022, 06:56:45 AM
Wow.  A great interview with Coach Craig Appleby of Johns Hopkins University.  Appreciate his time and willingness to talk with me.

Craig Appleby, Head Men's Coach, Johns Hopkins University  (https://youtu.be/vwsHe7BNFkI)

This was a true long form interview.  I enjoyed it so much, I totally lost track of time.  Will probably break it up into three segments at some point.

Well... Gonna need to carve out the time to check this one out!!!

Quote from: GiveMeLiberty on February 09, 2022, 03:44:31 PM
I thoroughly enjoy your content and appreciate the time you have invested in game analysis. Thanks for sharing your perspective and knowledge.
The interviews are spectacular. Very candid. I have a wish list for potential interviews as they would all provide unique insights into recruitment challenges and player development:

Retiring coach at the end of a long and successful career: Coach Andy Jennings Vassar College
Long standing coach with success at an Engineering school: Coach Adam Clinton RPI or Coach Ken Bovell MIT
Long standing coaches with recent success/vast improvement: Coach Roy Dunshee Washington College or Coach Keith Cappo Ursinus College
Female coach on the men's side: Coach Wyant NYU
Coach outside the Northeast/Mid West: Coach Palguta Colorado College

Your D3 recruiting video is spot on.
For elite academic D3 (NESCAC, Engineering schools listed above, "Mini Ivy's", etc.): Grades and scores are needed upfront for a pre-read before they can even think about your playing ability.
Tourneys are fine and 30 minutes of soccer in which you touch the ball 10-15 times gives a coach a clue about your play. However, an ID camp at the school gives them hours to see touches in their drills. Some people will tell you it is a money grab...maybe the 50 coach regional ID is a money grab...BUT the on campus ID at small D3 schools was a key recruitment tool for most of the places my son was interested in attending.

Keep up the great work!

Quote from: Hopkins92 on February 17, 2022, 02:57:30 PM
I'm only a few minutes in, and I have to jump into a meeting, but I wanted to say before I forget:

Even with very little connection to Tufts or NESCAC, what I'm finding about these interviews is that it's fascinating to hear about the journey's these folks take. Staying in the soccer world, even at the D2 and D3 level, is admirable and listening to their stories is just really cool.

Quote from: camosfan on February 17, 2022, 05:16:44 PM
Even with very little connection to Tufts or NESCAC, what I'm finding about these interviews is that it's fascinating to hear about the journey's these folks take.


This is not unique to NESCAC, the journey of Hopkins current head coach is amazing!

Quote from: Hopkins92 on February 18, 2022, 12:08:26 PM
And, Holy Cow, I won't post any spoilers, but if folks thought there was an interesting interchange with style of play with Coach Appleby at Hopkins...

An upcoming interview is going to be REALLY interesting. :-)

Quote from: Ejay on February 21, 2022, 01:56:21 PM
See if you can get the U Hartford coach. Would be fascinating to hear what he has to say about the upcoming move from D1 to D3.

Quote from: jknezek on February 21, 2022, 04:04:29 PM

Quote from: Ejay on February 21, 2022, 01:56:21 PM
See if you can get the U Hartford coach. Would be fascinating to hear what he has to say about the upcoming move from D1 to D3.

Probably not what he'd say, but probably what he's thinking... "I need to find a new job so they don't change me to D3 pay."

Quote from: Caz Bombers on February 21, 2022, 04:52:13 PM

Quote from: jknezek on February 21, 2022, 04:04:29 PM

Quote from: Ejay on February 21, 2022, 01:56:21 PM
See if you can get the U Hartford coach. Would be fascinating to hear what he has to say about the upcoming move from D1 to D3.

Probably not what he'd say, but probably what he's thinking... "I need to find a new job so they don't change me to D3 pay."

Tom Poitras already left UHart to take another head Division I position - Northern Kentucky.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 08, 2022, 04:26:20 PM
Ok, another one.  This time covering recruiting.

So you want to play Division III soccer?  (https://youtu.be/6TkxHbterc4)

Quote from: Hopkins92 on February 23, 2022, 09:47:54 AM
I came in as a freshman and supplanted a junior. He was the nicest guy on the planet and he went through most of that year and his senior year on the bench. I believe he was even made one of the captains his senior year, which speaks to his demeanor and character.

Looking back, we had a lacrosse coach running things and I guess his philosophy was "don't ever change out a goalie unless he loses a limb" because I never came out. Ever. Even when the games were out of hand or we were playing a much less competent team. Pretty lousy for him.

And, I have to say, I would've sat for my freshman year, but there's no way I'd have signed up for a gig sitting on the bench for multiple years. Bonding and camaraderie aside... That's nice and all... But I sure wasn't wired to sit around for multiple seasons. I looked at the roster and didn't see a situation where I couldn't compete to start. If there'd been a freshmen or a sophomore on that roster, I would've had serious reservations.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 27, 2022, 05:03:42 PM
Hive -

Anyone know of any programs that have a player or players from the Ukraine or have family there?  Would love to speak to them to hear their stories.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

SC

Quote from: Ejay on February 27, 2022, 05:46:43 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 27, 2022, 05:03:42 PM
Hive -

Anyone know of any programs that have a player or players from the Ukraine or have family there?  Would love to speak to them to hear their stories.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

SC

Thanks Ejay!

SC

The CUNYAC would be a good place to start...
https://www.brooklyncollegeathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/demyan-turiy/2736
https://johnjayathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/maksym-ivanov/3737
https://ccnyathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/andrey-goryuk/4142

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 05, 2022, 06:56:45 AM
Wow.  A great interview with Coach Craig Appleby of Johns Hopkins University.  Appreciate his time and willingness to talk with me.

Craig Appleby, Head Men's Coach, Johns Hopkins University  (https://youtu.be/vwsHe7BNFkI)

This was a true long form interview.  I enjoyed it so much, I totally lost track of time.  Will probably break it up into three segments at some point.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on March 21, 2022, 07:23:20 PM
So, got to speak with one of my all time favorite collegiate coaches, Jay Martin at Ohio Wesleyan.  So truly enjoyed this one.

Dr. Jay Martin, Head Men's Coach at Ohio Wesleyan University (https://youtu.be/GABS3rwcMD0)

Quote from: PaulNewman on March 23, 2022, 10:25:38 AM
SC, very impressive how you forged ahead with an idea and what you've accomplished in a short period of time, and even more impressive how your first "get" with Burk has led to the slew of guests you've secured since then.  All extremely well done, and it's easy to forget how good that first one with Burk was.  Also impressed that you have not shied away from (and indeed have pursued) coaches with programs about which you had said some less than complimentary things.  What seems to help is that you don't seem to have any hidden agendas or axes to grind. 

As for Martin, he really is amazing.  He truly looks like he can easily do another 10 years, and unless I missed it I didn't hear even a hint of him thinking about stepping aside.  As a rival fan, I'm not geared to go on and on about how great he is, and I think some of his comments about values and process over winning may mask a bit just how super-competitive the guy is, and other than the tip of the cap to Messiah, he didn't come across to me as wanting to endorse or compliment other highly competitive programs (like recent title champs, closest rivals, etc).  The most fascinating aspect of the interview for me was how he manages (genuinely) to pull off the program not being about him at all while still being 100% about him.

I'm also intrigued by the behind the scenes dynamics.  I imagine some coaches initially didn't think they would do these interviews, but as each one happens, I'm guessing coaches decide they need to participate.  I wouldn't be surprised if at least a couple have changed their minds.  What a nice, easy recruiting tool.  As I've mentioned before, there are coaches (hint, hint) who excel at utilizing social media, videos, etc.

I'll have to watch them all again at some point, but so far I think my favorite interviews are Burk, Bianco, and maybe Singleton, but all are superb.

Quote from: Ejay on March 25, 2022, 04:35:46 PM
Colby-Sawyer has to be a tough gig.  ~250 men in the entire school. Interesting interview and I wish Coach Grady much success.  It sounds like he has a good handle on what needs to get done and how to get it done.

Quote from: stlawus on March 28, 2022, 06:17:36 PM
From a selfish standpoint I'd like to lobby for a Mike Toshack interview.  5 months until I get a D3/SLU soccer fix feels like an extra long eternity this offseason!  :D

Quote from: SimpleCoach on March 29, 2022, 11:30:01 AM

Quote from: stlawus on March 28, 2022, 06:17:36 PM
From a selfish standpoint I'd like to lobby for a Mike Toshack interview.  5 months until I get a D3/SLU soccer fix feels like an extra long eternity this offseason!  :D

Your wish is my command... what are some questions you would like to ask?

Quote from: stlawus on March 29, 2022, 03:26:50 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on March 29, 2022, 11:30:01 AM

Quote from: stlawus on March 28, 2022, 06:17:36 PM
From a selfish standpoint I'd like to lobby for a Mike Toshack interview.  5 months until I get a D3/SLU soccer fix feels like an extra long eternity this offseason!  :D

Your wish is my command... what are some questions you would like to ask?

I'd be interested to hear about his recruiting process.  He has brought in a lot of international players during his tenure and it'd be interesting to hear how he makes those connections.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on March 30, 2022, 11:59:31 AM
I think you will enjoy the conversation I had with him.  I asked about the foreign players but didnt dive deep into it.  When you hear his explanation of how he came to have a cohort of foreign players, its not that complicated.

Will post the link later when it is uploaded and ready to premiere.

Quote from: camosfan on March 30, 2022, 11:29:45 AM
I noticed international players were VERY prevalent at the D2 and NAIA levels, and I assumed some of that had to do with athletic scholarship $$$ that coaches could  entice them with.  D3 I wasn't sure what the draw for them was.

I understand that some of the European guys are sponsored by their governments; those where education is free, so these guys come to have fun after getting cut from soccer academies.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on March 30, 2022, 07:25:04 PM
And here it is.  A wonderful conversation.  Really enjoyed it.

Mike Toshack, Head Coach, St. Lawrence University (https://youtu.be/rkB5JBum58c)

Quote from: camosfan on March 30, 2022, 11:29:45 AM
I noticed international players were VERY prevalent at the D2 and NAIA levels, and I assumed some of that had to do with athletic scholarship $$$ that coaches could  entice them with.  D3 I wasn't sure what the draw for them was.

I understand that some of the European guys are sponsored by their governments; those where education is free, so these guys come to have fun after getting cut from soccer academies.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 05, 2022, 08:47:14 PM
Seriously, not sure what I am doing ... but coaches keep agreeing.... Some that I have on the docket..

Ralph Perez, University of the Redlands
Matt Pivirotto, University of Scranton
Brad McCarty, Messiah
Brandon Grady, Juniata College

Also am interviewing Eric Gawdy, an outstanding midfielder at Washington College.

If you have any questions for any of them, by all means, post away and will add where I can.

SC

Quote from: NEPAFAN on April 06, 2022, 12:20:36 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 05, 2022, 08:47:14 PM
Seriously, not sure what I am doing ... but coaches keep agreeing.... Some that I have on the docket..

Ralph Perez, University of the Redlands
Matt Pivirotto, University of Scranton
Brad McCarty, Messiah
Brandon Grady, Juniata College

Also am interviewing Eric Gawdy, an outstanding midfielder at Washington College.

If you have any questions for any of them, by all means, post away and will add where I can.

SC

I would ask Matt Pivirotto at Scranton about how the new facility has impacted recruiting, goals for the coming year, and incoming class as it relates to offensive firepower. They had a great defense last year and were unable to put the ball in the back of the net.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 06, 2022, 03:26:31 PM

Quote from: NEPAFAN on April 06, 2022, 12:20:36 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 05, 2022, 08:47:14 PM
Seriously, not sure what I am doing ... but coaches keep agreeing.... Some that I have on the docket..

Ralph Perez, University of the Redlands
Matt Pivirotto, University of Scranton
Brad McCarty, Messiah
Brandon Grady, Juniata College

Also am interviewing Eric Gawdy, an outstanding midfielder at Washington College.

If you have any questions for any of them, by all means, post away and will add where I can.

SC

I would ask Matt Pivirotto at Scranton about how the new facility has impacted recruiting, goals for the coming year, and incoming class as it relates to offensive firepower. They had a great defense last year and were unable to put the ball in the back of the net.

As in impacted in a positive way or negative way?  Whats your thought on the matter?

Quote from: camosfan on April 06, 2022, 09:03:55 PM
There is a kid from Jersey City, St. Peters Prep, did not see him last season,should be a junior this year?

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 08, 2022, 05:54:14 PM
Had two great talks today... first one up..

Matt Pivirotto, Head Men's Coach, University of Scranton (https://youtu.be/ZLS5F6oxxLo)

And as a bonus ... NEPAFAN gets a shout out....

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 26, 2022, 09:28:50 PM
Had a cool conversation with the Cortland State Red Dragons coach, Steve Axtell.  Interesting perspectives on the game and on ... goalkeeping.

Steve Axtell, Cortland State Head Coach (https://youtu.be/buEO9HZM1O4)

Quote from: Kuiper on April 27, 2022, 12:12:44 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 26, 2022, 09:28:50 PM
Had a cool conversation with the Cortland State Red Dragons coach, Steve Axtell.  Interesting perspectives on the game and on ... goalkeeping.

Steve Axtell, Cortland State Head Coach (https://youtu.be/buEO9HZM1O4)

Really enjoyed the conversation, especially on goalkeeping and the lost art of catching the ball.  Currently, you generally have to find an old, grizzled, GK coach to get someone who will drill catching into a GK and you have to do it at a young enough age that the kid will develop the habit of catching before the coaches start demanding they push it to minimize the risk of a ball slipping through their hands for a goal.  Many of the new GK coaches come from Europe where they are taught to parry the ball in almost any circumstance. 

I also enjoyed the part about  the effect of playing out of the back in the youth game.  I would point out, though, that one innovation that has started to become standard at least at the highest levels of youth soccer (definitely in MLS Next, possibly in others) for goalkeepers is that they are being instructed to beat the press with an over-the-top, but lower than a clearance, ping to one of their teammates.  Usually it's to one of the wingbacks upfield on the side, but it can also be in the center in front of the center backs and behind the pressing midfielders because that's another position often open in the high press.  It's consistent with the possession-based system as long as you have field players who can tightly control and turn with a ball played in the air to their feet or quickly control a ball played slightly ahead of them.  The simple kick of the ball past midfield just to relieve pressure, which is another tool that players still employ against the high press, even if not as much straight from the goal kick, is more of a straight giveaway most of the time unless your team also plays a high press and then the game just becomes a battle to see which defense can be pressed into the most mistakes.  The problem with the ping is if you don't have kids who can cleanly trap a ball and turn out of pressure, which may be many teams in D3, especially against an aggressively pressing opponent.

In any event, it would be great if you did a whole show just on goalkeeping or at least cut this part of the interview for one of your quick take segments.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on April 28, 2022, 02:53:54 PM
Yeah, I've been rather astounded to watch the "evolution" of goalkeeping over the last decade or so. Beyond my coaching years, I was doing some freelance one-off sessions and it was bizarre how many kids in junior high and above that hadn't been taught the "W" and "M" techniques for catching. A lot of slapping and weak parrying and, man, it really bugged me.

I like the evolution or modification on breakaways (staying upright longer, not just diving at the ball no matter what), but the move away from controlling very controllable shots is just weird. I don't get it and I don't like it.

/getoffmylawn

Quote from: Kuiper on April 28, 2022, 05:17:41 PM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on April 28, 2022, 02:53:54 PM
Yeah, I've been rather astounded to watch the "evolution" of goalkeeping over the last decade or so. Beyond my coaching years, I was doing some freelance one-off sessions and it was bizarre how many kids in junior high and above that hadn't been taught the "W" and "M" techniques for catching. A lot of slapping and weak parrying and, man, it really bugged me.

I like the evolution or modification on breakaways (staying upright longer, not just diving at the ball no matter what), but the move away from controlling very controllable shots is just weird. I don't get it and I don't like it.

/getoffmylawn

My theory is that it's a combination of things. 

1.  It's a bit of a side effect of the win over development pressure that coaches are under in the modern youth game.  If you ask young GKs to catch, you're going to have to endure some mistakes where the ball goes through their hands or bounces back in front of the goal and the striker pounds it home.  So, if the coaches have a GK coach in their club, they ask them to help "fix" the problem, which usually means showing them how to push or parry it out to the side.  Young GKs aren't that great at that either, but at least they have a better chance of getting it out of immediate danger, which means the coach and the sideline are happier.

2.  The development of finger saves in GK gloves.  That's a relatively new phenomenon and they probably do help save the fingers from getting bent back, but it means the young keepers never develop the muscle and grip strength that comes from having to actually learn how to catch and brace their core and the lower half of their bodies for a catch.  The finger saves mean that the gloves do some of the work for the easy balls in GK training, but with real shots where you need to do more, the kids just can't grip down on the ball and they never develop the muscles to do that as they get older.

3.  US GK coaches who grew up in the 1980s and 90s are aging out and being replaced by European GK coaches or GKs trained by Euro coaches.  In Europe, they do not teach goalkeepers to catch nearly as much as US GKs were taught growing up until recently.  The theory is that the ball is lighter and moves more and therefore setting up to catch can increase the possibility for mistakes whereas being ready to push or parry allows you to adapt to changes in the ball's flight.  I'm not sure that's really true for all but a small fraction of shots (and certainly an even smaller fraction at the youth level), but it's still a heck of a lot easier to learn to catch first, and then learn when you may need to do something different, then not be taught to catch and try to learn it later.

4.  The move to play out of the back means that young GKs, who have a finite amount of time to practice, are practicing the basics less.  It's great that they are learning to play out of the back with their feet, but when a GK could handle every pass back with their hands, the feet were less critical and they could practice catching all day long. 

5.  Youtube and social media are glorifying GK training styles that emphasize all sorts of crazy things that involve leaping and diving over things.  Kids gravitate to goal because they love those things.  Moving your feet to get your body behind a nice solid catch, by contrast, is boring, so GK trainers are doing what appeals to their customers.  Some coaches are also impressed by the top corner saves and they don't understand concepts of catching everything in their bubble etc, so they pick and promote the non-catching GKs, which incentivizes kids to work on those things rather than catching.

Quote from: VAFury on April 29, 2022, 09:20:03 AM
SC, some questions/discussions I would love to see with some coaches (Both men's and women's).   Of course, they have to do with recruiting. Because after going through the whole process for close to two years, I'd really love to know what goes on on their end.  You got some good insight from one of your women's coach interviews (Hoover, I think?) regarding the emailing being critical.   Some things that I have been curious about or would love to hear about:

1) Recruiting websites:  Do you use them and what are their value in the process?   How much attention do you pay to them and what percentage of your contact comes through them?

2)  Would love to hear stories about "The one that got away" or just about players that maybe they thought they had and lost, or a player that wasn't on their radar that came into their view late that ended up being a great contributor.

3)  Tournaments:  How many do you go to and with time constraints, if you only can watch a player for 15-30 minutes, what are you looking for and do you feel you can accurately judge them base on such a small sample size?  Or are you more or less there for "facetime" and introductions? 

4)  High School: Do you even really care if they play it, or are there any scenarios that you have/would go watch a high school  game?

5)  What percentage of players on your squad did you find and recruit to come to your school (And how do you typically find them?), as opposed to players that reached out and were interested in your program and sold YOU that they were a good fit?

6)  To what degree are ID camps a "money grab" as opposed to a talent search?  I know a lot of schools use camps on their campus as their primary recruiting tool.  What about ID camps where multiple schools and coaches attend? Are these worthwhile?

Of course these could use some refining, but you are an expert interviewer now, right?  ;)

Quote from: Kuiper on April 28, 2022, 05:17:41 PM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on April 28, 2022, 02:53:54 PM
Yeah, I've been rather astounded to watch the "evolution" of goalkeeping over the last decade or so. Beyond my coaching years, I was doing some freelance one-off sessions and it was bizarre how many kids in junior high and above that hadn't been taught the "W" and "M" techniques for catching. A lot of slapping and weak parrying and, man, it really bugged me.

I like the evolution or modification on breakaways (staying upright longer, not just diving at the ball no matter what), but the move away from controlling very controllable shots is just weird. I don't get it and I don't like it.

/getoffmylawn

My theory is that it's a combination of things. 

1.  It's a bit of a side effect of the win over development pressure that coaches are under in the modern youth game.  If you ask young GKs to catch, you're going to have to endure some mistakes where the ball goes through their hands or bounces back in front of the goal and the striker pounds it home.  So, if the coaches have a GK coach in their club, they ask them to help "fix" the problem, which usually means showing them how to push or parry it out to the side.  Young GKs aren't that great at that either, but at least they have a better chance of getting it out of immediate danger, which means the coach and the sideline are happier.

2.  The development of finger saves in GK gloves.  That's a relatively new phenomenon and they probably do help save the fingers from getting bent back, but it means the young keepers never develop the muscle and grip strength that comes from having to actually learn how to catch and brace their core and the lower half of their bodies for a catch.  The finger saves mean that the gloves do some of the work for the easy balls in GK training, but with real shots where you need to do more, the kids just can't grip down on the ball and they never develop the muscles to do that as they get older.

3.  US GK coaches who grew up in the 1980s and 90s are aging out and being replaced by European GK coaches or GKs trained by Euro coaches.  In Europe, they do not teach goalkeepers to catch nearly as much as US GKs were taught growing up until recently.  The theory is that the ball is lighter and moves more and therefore setting up to catch can increase the possibility for mistakes whereas being ready to push or parry allows you to adapt to changes in the ball's flight.  I'm not sure that's really true for all but a small fraction of shots (and certainly an even smaller fraction at the youth level), but it's still a heck of a lot easier to learn to catch first, and then learn when you may need to do something different, then not be taught to catch and try to learn it later.

4.  The move to play out of the back means that young GKs, who have a finite amount of time to practice, are practicing the basics less.  It's great that they are learning to play out of the back with their feet, but when a GK could handle every pass back with their hands, the feet were less critical and they could practice catching all day long. 

5.  Youtube and social media are glorifying GK training styles that emphasize all sorts of crazy things that involve leaping and diving over things.  Kids gravitate to goal because they love those things.  Moving your feet to get your body behind a nice solid catch, by contrast, is boring, so GK trainers are doing what appeals to their customers.  Some coaches are also impressed by the top corner saves and they don't understand concepts of catching everything in their bubble etc, so they pick and promote the non-catching GKs, which incentivizes kids to work on those things rather than catching.

Quote from: Kuiper on April 28, 2022, 05:17:41 PM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on April 28, 2022, 02:53:54 PM
Yeah, I've been rather astounded to watch the "evolution" of goalkeeping over the last decade or so. Beyond my coaching years, I was doing some freelance one-off sessions and it was bizarre how many kids in junior high and above that hadn't been taught the "W" and "M" techniques for catching. A lot of slapping and weak parrying and, man, it really bugged me.

I like the evolution or modification on breakaways (staying upright longer, not just diving at the ball no matter what), but the move away from controlling very controllable shots is just weird. I don't get it and I don't like it.

/getoffmylawn

My theory is that it's a combination of things. 

1.  It's a bit of a side effect of the win over development pressure that coaches are under in the modern youth game.  If you ask young GKs to catch, you're going to have to endure some mistakes where the ball goes through their hands or bounces back in front of the goal and the striker pounds it home.  So, if the coaches have a GK coach in their club, they ask them to help "fix" the problem, which usually means showing them how to push or parry it out to the side.  Young GKs aren't that great at that either, but at least they have a better chance of getting it out of immediate danger, which means the coach and the sideline are happier.

2.  The development of finger saves in GK gloves.  That's a relatively new phenomenon and they probably do help save the fingers from getting bent back, but it means the young keepers never develop the muscle and grip strength that comes from having to actually learn how to catch and brace their core and the lower half of their bodies for a catch.  The finger saves mean that the gloves do some of the work for the easy balls in GK training, but with real shots where you need to do more, the kids just can't grip down on the ball and they never develop the muscles to do that as they get older.

3.  US GK coaches who grew up in the 1980s and 90s are aging out and being replaced by European GK coaches or GKs trained by Euro coaches.  In Europe, they do not teach goalkeepers to catch nearly as much as US GKs were taught growing up until recently.  The theory is that the ball is lighter and moves more and therefore setting up to catch can increase the possibility for mistakes whereas being ready to push or parry allows you to adapt to changes in the ball's flight.  I'm not sure that's really true for all but a small fraction of shots (and certainly an even smaller fraction at the youth level), but it's still a heck of a lot easier to learn to catch first, and then learn when you may need to do something different, then not be taught to catch and try to learn it later.

4.  The move to play out of the back means that young GKs, who have a finite amount of time to practice, are practicing the basics less.  It's great that they are learning to play out of the back with their feet, but when a GK could handle every pass back with their hands, the feet were less critical and they could practice catching all day long. 

5.  Youtube and social media are glorifying GK training styles that emphasize all sorts of crazy things that involve leaping and diving over things.  Kids gravitate to goal because they love those things.  Moving your feet to get your body behind a nice solid catch, by contrast, is boring, so GK trainers are doing what appeals to their customers.  Some coaches are also impressed by the top corner saves and they don't understand concepts of catching everything in their bubble etc, so they pick and promote the non-catching GKs, which incentivizes kids to work on those things rather than catching.

Quote from: VAFury on April 29, 2022, 09:20:03 AM
SC, some questions/discussions I would love to see with some coaches (Both men's and women's).   Of course, they have to do with recruiting. Because after going through the whole process for close to two years, I'd really love to know what goes on on their end.  You got some good insight from one of your women's coach interviews (Hoover, I think?) regarding the emailing being critical.   Some things that I have been curious about or would love to hear about:

1) Recruiting websites:  Do you use them and what are their value in the process?   How much attention do you pay to them and what percentage of your contact comes through them?

2)  Would love to hear stories about "The one that got away" or just about players that maybe they thought they had and lost, or a player that wasn't on their radar that came into their view late that ended up being a great contributor.

3)  Tournaments:  How many do you go to and with time constraints, if you only can watch a player for 15-30 minutes, what are you looking for and do you feel you can accurately judge them base on such a small sample size?  Or are you more or less there for "facetime" and introductions? 

4)  High School: Do you even really care if they play it, or are there any scenarios that you have/would go watch a high school  game?

5)  What percentage of players on your squad did you find and recruit to come to your school (And how do you typically find them?), as opposed to players that reached out and were interested in your program and sold YOU that they were a good fit?

6)  To what degree are ID camps a "money grab" as opposed to a talent search?  I know a lot of schools use camps on their campus as their primary recruiting tool.  What about ID camps where multiple schools and coaches attend? Are these worthwhile?

Of course these could use some refining, but you are an expert interviewer now, right?  ;)

Quote from: Ejay on April 29, 2022, 04:42:06 PM
Hey SC - Now that you're "in" with a these coaches, has it had any influence (negative or positive) with your son's recruiting?

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 29, 2022, 05:29:10 PM

Quote from: Ejay on April 29, 2022, 04:42:06 PM
Hey SC - Now that you're "in" with a these coaches, has it had any influence (negative or positive) with your son's recruiting?

Hey @Ejay.  Honestly, the reason for going by SimpleCoach is so that I don't have any influence on the recruiting process.  I have spoken to a couple of coaches who I have interviewed about him, only after he has reached out.  And it was usually about an upcoming camp or if they thought he really has the ability to play.  But I really want him to stand on his own merit and desire.

Ultimately, I think he will play, and I think he will play for a pretty high level school unless he goes full academic and decides to go to a school that offers what he is interested in but isn't being recruited.  I will say, and maybe this is me "knowing" more than average, I do find it funny some of the feedback he has gotten from lesser teams.  Not a fit, or just ignored.  Meanwhile there are a number of Top 20 teams who have expressed an interest.  Makes no sense to me.

Quote from: Another Mom on April 29, 2022, 05:47:15 PM
@simplecoach that was our experience too --  interest from some top programs, but couldn't get much lower ranked ones to even reply. My theory is that's one reason they were lower ranked -- they did a poor job with recruiting!

Quote from: SimpleCoach on May 12, 2022, 07:29:38 AM
Just had a wonderful conversation with Brandon  Grady and his work at Juniata College.

Brandon Grady, Head Men's Coach at Juniata College (https://youtu.be/2dQki8_YRig)

Quote from: Ejay on May 13, 2022, 09:08:04 AM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on May 12, 2022, 07:29:38 AM
Just had a wonderful conversation with Brandon  Grady and his work at Juniata College.

Brandon Grady, Head Men's Coach at Juniata College (https://youtu.be/2dQki8_YRig)

You've made the top news story...
https://www.juniatasports.net/sports/msoc/index

Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 13, 2022, 10:24:39 AM
Congrats, SC! You're halfway to YouTube celebrityhood!

I have to say that yours is a much more genteel path to becoming a social media sensation than inventing some ridiculous dance on TikTok.

(If you have invented ridiculous dances on TikTok, please don't feel the need to share them here. ;))

Quote from: SimpleCoach on May 14, 2022, 09:16:02 AM
Part I of my interview with Julianne Sitch, new head men's coach at the University of Chicago.  Had some connectivity issues and hope the next one will be more of a discussion about the game.

Julianne Sitch, Head Men's Coach, University of Chicago (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZZPKP2Imdo)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on May 14, 2022, 09:16:02 AM
Part I of my interview with Julianne Sitch, new head men's coach at the University of Chicago.  Had some connectivity issues and hope the next one will be more of a discussion about the game.

Julianne Sitch, Head Men's Coach, University of Chicago (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZZPKP2Imdo)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on May 20, 2022, 07:55:02 PM
Try to schedule Part II.  Yeah, it was either that or not post anything, and opted for this.

Sorry about that.  Having said that, I was impressed with Coach Sitch. 

SC

Quote from: SimpleCoach on March 21, 2022, 07:23:20 PM
So, got to speak with one of my all time favorite collegiate coaches, Jay Martin at Ohio Wesleyan.  So truly enjoyed this one.

Dr. Jay Martin, Head Men's Coach at Ohio Wesleyan University (https://youtu.be/GABS3rwcMD0)

Quote from: Another Mom on May 25, 2022, 07:06:45 PM
Mike Singleton,  the Washington and Lee head coach, is also a psychology professor.  Though I say it, he's an impressive guy.

Quote from: camosfan on May 27, 2022, 01:44:07 PM
Was he at MIT a few years back?

Quote from: SimpleCoach on June 08, 2022, 11:38:26 AM
Had a great time with Josh Laux, Head Men's Coach at Randolph-Macon College.  Some real insight into some topics that I will make into shorter Quick Shots

Josh Laux, Head Men's Coach at Randolph-Macon College (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKMCMkju9_k)

Quote from: Ejay on June 10, 2022, 11:11:57 AM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on June 08, 2022, 11:38:26 AM
Had a great time with Josh Laux, Head Men's Coach at Randolph-Macon College.  Some real insight into some topics that I will make into shorter Quick Shots

Josh Laux, Head Men's Coach at Randolph-Macon College (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKMCMkju9_k)

I loved this interview. Both my kids visited RMC and my son had some great conversations with Laux. I've been a fan of the school and program for a few years.

Quote from: stlawus on June 15, 2022, 08:55:23 PM
If you still take requests, I think it would be cool to hear from another Liberty League coach, like Adam Clinton.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on June 16, 2022, 06:39:38 AM

Quote from: stlawus on June 15, 2022, 08:55:23 PM
If you still take requests, I think it would be cool to hear from another Liberty League coach, like Adam Clinton.

Your wish is my command, @StLawus

Where does he coach?  I will send an email. 

Going to start transitioning to the upcoming season, but will still line up selective interviews.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on June 16, 2022, 06:39:38 AM

Quote from: stlawus on June 15, 2022, 08:55:23 PM
If you still take requests, I think it would be cool to hear from another Liberty League coach, like Adam Clinton.

Your wish is my command, @StLawus

Where does he coach?  I will send an email. 

Going to start transitioning to the upcoming season, but will still line up selective interviews.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on June 16, 2022, 02:05:06 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on June 16, 2022, 06:39:38 AM

Quote from: stlawus on June 15, 2022, 08:55:23 PM
If you still take requests, I think it would be cool to hear from another Liberty League coach, like Adam Clinton.

Your wish is my command, @StLawus

Where does he coach?  I will send an email. 

Going to start transitioning to the upcoming season, but will still line up selective interviews.

I didn't realize that you took requests, SC.

Could you interview Kris Grahn of North Park?

Quote from: Ejay on June 17, 2022, 05:52:14 PM
How about Todd Tumelty at Montclair State? He's got 5 D1 transfers (Clemson, St. Johns, DePaul, High Point and NJIT) coming in this year.  Would love to hear his take on recruiting and transfers.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on June 18, 2022, 06:49:52 AM

Quote from: Ejay on June 17, 2022, 05:52:14 PM
How about Todd Tumelty at Montclair State? He's got 5 D1 transfers (Clemson, St. Johns, DePaul, High Point and NJIT) coming in this year.  Would love to hear his take on recruiting and transfers.

Hey @EJay.  Coach Tumelty is another one I emailed in the past, but heard nothing.  But will definitely try again.  I am interviewing Chris Matejka of Ohio Northern this week, and then doing a live stream on Top Attributes that make a good goalkeepers the following.  If I can get these three coaches to do interviews, I will call it a summer and gear up for the fall. 

Thanks for all the support, by the by.

SC.

Quote from: EnmoreCat on June 18, 2022, 04:13:59 PM
It would be interesting to hear from some NESCAC coaches, not that I have a vested interest or anything...

Quote from: camosfan on June 18, 2022, 05:18:11 PM
He has done a few, Amherst , Tufts  and Con College were early entries.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on June 23, 2022, 09:53:13 AM
A great conversation with another solid OAC coach.  This time with Chris Matejka of Ohio Northern University.

Ohio Northern, Head Men's Coach, Chris Matejka (https://youtu.be/iTCHPM_EGdk)

Quote from: Kuiper on June 25, 2022, 11:54:59 AM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on June 23, 2022, 09:53:13 AM
A great conversation with another solid OAC coach.  This time with Chris Matejka of Ohio Northern University.

Ohio Northern, Head Men's Coach, Chris Matejka (https://youtu.be/iTCHPM_EGdk)

I appreciated the subtle humor of this exchange (rising to the level of a political campaign press conference), where you try to tactfully ask:  "How the hell do you get recruits to come play for you in a cornfield in the middle of nowhere?" and Coach Matejka answers with "We, in fact, view playing in a cornfield in a middle of nowhere as our secret weapon!"

Seriously, though, I think the secret sauce to recruiting is actually RECRUITING and WINNING. If you recruit well and win, others will come regardless of your location.  So many coaches simply don't get recruiting.  They don't return e-mails/calls, they don't get out to games that much, they make mistakes in recruiting by going after players too high or too low for their level (often the latter simply going after the low hanging fruit and casting their net too narrowly), they are reactive rather than proactive, they are inflexible, they don't understand sales or what there is about their school that they can sell etc. With video, zoom, phone calls, connections, you can do a ton more these days even without a big budget. Plus, coaching is different than recruiting and not everyone is good at both. It's like the minister who is good on Sundays, but not as good one on one in pastoral care, or vice versa. Once you recruit well and start to get some success, you can build a pipeline and set up the structure for sustained success, which involves not just recruiting, but transmittable culture, but many coaches foul that up, which is how you see the one class wonder schools.  And, of course, some coaches (much like sales people) are great at recruiting/sales, but lousy at coaching and they have trouble retaining players.

On Ohio Northern specifically, I think the last thing the coach said about the distance to some of the major cities in Ohio is probably the key. Recruits and their parents are much less concerned about the specific activities around the school (or, more precisely, there are plenty of players who self-select for college towns etc rather than cities) and more concerned about proximity to where they are from.  Once you've established that distance and your school's likely reach, it makes it easier to recruit.

In some ways, it may be harder for a school like Case Western, for instance, which has a great location, academic reputation, conference with travel opportunities and national appeal, but that means if a coach isn't really focused, the school can end up striking out on a lot of players who just have tons of options nationally.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on July 12, 2022, 05:30:24 PM
Another great interview, this time with Reid Ayers of Baldwin Wallace University.  Has a ton of knowledge about the game and about coaching.  Was a thrill to have spoken to him.  Last time I saw him was when I played against him in 1989.

Reid Ayers of Baldwin Wallace University (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaSTV23uy20)

Quote from: Kuiper on July 13, 2022, 11:43:09 AM


2. No wonder he decided that coaching was fun after his first job coaching the Bay Village HS team with Brad Friedel. I used to play against his team at the North Olmsted tournament when he was playing a couple of age groups up and he was what kids today call a cheat code - as a field player.

Quote from: Kuiper on July 13, 2022, 11:43:09 AM

3. I was curious about how Baldwin Wallace was doing these days and I checked out their website. They had a really rough season last year (winless in conference) and then looked at their roster. I don't know if you discussed this, but how many D3 teams have three GKs that are each 6'6"?!  Talk about having a type! And what attracts those kids to Baldwin Wallace? Is this a two-for-one deal with the basketball team? I'm actually not a huge fan of Uber tall GKs unless they've had very specific GK training as a youth to handle the limitations of being that tall, but it's not like there are dozens of guys like that in northeastern Ohio who play soccer anyway. Does BW have some kind of reputation for developing tall GKs?

Quote from: SimpleCoach on July 27, 2022, 05:36:19 PM
2022 Season Preview with Ohio Wesleyan University Head Men's Coach Jay Martin (https://youtu.be/weS262pThjM)

Quote from: PaulNewman on July 28, 2022, 12:09:57 PM

But no rivals?  Or just no conference rivals?  No teams ever circled on the schedule?  Maybe just a bit disingenuous?

Quote from: PaulNewman on July 28, 2022, 12:09:57 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on July 27, 2022, 05:36:19 PM
2022 Season Preview with Ohio Wesleyan University Head Men's Coach Jay Martin (https://youtu.be/weS262pThjM)

Believe me when I tell you that I'm even more annoyed by my weakness and predictability than you are, but like at least a few  other participants here I am seemingly incapable of letting a perceived slight go unanswered.  The ongoing battle and fluctuations between narcissistic injury and narcissistic equilibrium explain so much of our time here on Earth.

First off, great stuff.  Martin truly is one of the legends of all collegiate sports, all divisions included, and he is deserving of any and all accolades that he gets.  Moreover, he looks like he conservatively can lead the Battling Bishops for another 10-15 years.  He no doubt will surpass the 50 year mark which I would guess (if hasn't already) will put him in a category unmatched by any coach at any collegiate level and higher (and which will be a record that may stand for another 100 years). 

But no rivals?  Or just no conference rivals?  No teams ever circled on the schedule?  Maybe just a bit disingenuous?

As I often say both professionally and personally, you can learn as much or more by paying attention to what a person doesn't say or name compared to what he/she does say. 

In my view, OWU has had more than a handful of legit rivals on a historical basis, but especially over the past decade, there have been two chief rivals.....Calvin... and another unnamed school.  The rivalry with the unnamed school is easily one of the top 3-4 rivalries in all of D3 men's soccer and OWU-Calvin is easily in the top 7-8 nationwide.  Just comparing these two rivalries, the OWU-Calvin one pales in comparison given their mutual admiration society element versus one where the mutual lack of fondness is on par with Williams vs Amherst or Tufts vs Amherst.  The energy that goes into Martin avoiding saying (or heaven forbid, tipping his cap to) the other school is palpable....so, instead, yeah, let's go with a friendlier alum-guided foe...Denison.  It would be closer to the truth to say that OWU would be fortunate to consider themselves a rival for this other school...especially since they are 1-8-4 and 0-7-3 versus the unnamed school since 2014 and 2015, respectively...and since the other school has won the past six regular season conference titles.  Not a fluky season or two...six straight.  But yeah, I'm sure he has no clue whether he is playing this other non-rivalry team as their first conference game or later or home or away. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy_DASt7hDs

Quote from: Ejay on July 28, 2022, 07:38:03 PM
I honestly think he simply looks at it as another game against a quality opponent that will help prepare his team for a run in the NCAA Tournament. He's not sleepless the night before, nor loses sleep if they lose. However, I believe the players think of it differently and will treat the game differently and I'm sure have that game circled on their calendars.

Quote from: PaulNewman on July 28, 2022, 07:59:00 PM

Quote from: Ejay on July 28, 2022, 07:38:03 PM
I honestly think he simply looks at it as another game against a quality opponent that will help prepare his team for a run in the NCAA Tournament. He's not sleepless the night before, nor loses sleep if they lose. However, I believe the players think of it differently and will treat the game differently and I'm sure have that game circled on their calendars.

Do you know him?

Again, you're skirting the issue.  Do you truly believe he doesn't view anyone including Kenyon as a rival?  And why does he consistently avoid referring to Kenyon by name or give a nod to their success?  Where did I suggest sleepless?

Quote from: Ejay on July 29, 2022, 08:14:50 AM

Quote from: PaulNewman on July 28, 2022, 07:59:00 PM

Quote from: Ejay on July 28, 2022, 07:38:03 PM
I honestly think he simply looks at it as another game against a quality opponent that will help prepare his team for a run in the NCAA Tournament. He's not sleepless the night before, nor loses sleep if they lose. However, I believe the players think of it differently and will treat the game differently and I'm sure have that game circled on their calendars.

Do you know him?

Again, you're skirting the issue.  Do you truly believe he doesn't view anyone including Kenyon as a rival?  And why does he consistently avoid referring to Kenyon by name or give a nod to their success?  Where did I suggest sleepless?

Where did I suggest that you said sleepless?  Those are my words. 

But again, I don't think he views any one team as any different from the rest. So in that regard, they are all rivals. He doesn't look at games the way you do. As a player, there was always the one team you wanted to beat, and when I first started coaching 25+ years ago I carried that feeling with me.  But as I continued on my coaching journey, the individual games/opponents became less important and the end product was my focus. Was my "Kenyon" a game I circled on my calendar? In the beginning, yes. Later on, no.  Do other teams consider my team their rival? Perhaps, but I don't treat that team/game any differently than all my others.

Agree to disagree?

Quote
it's worth considering that a coach might look at things that we take for granted, such as rivalries, in a different light -- even when history seems to make it obvious that the existence of a rivalry ought to be front-and-center in the consciousness of everyone involved with the two teams. 

And it would stand to reason that a coach such as Jay Martin whose tenure spans generations could be even more prone to look at his team and its season in a radically different way than a fan would.

Quote from: PaulNewman on July 29, 2022, 03:49:32 PM
As for Brown declining invites to be interviewed that is unfortunate but not surprising.  It's a unforced error...especially after seeing coaches of other top programs like Burk, Singleton, Martin, etc take advantage.

Quote from: PaulNewman on July 29, 2022, 07:15:44 PM
LOL... Ejay ignoring all content and going full philosophical and operetic were not on my bingo card.


Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti both made their debut at New York's Metropolitan Opera in 1968 and rose to become two of the world's most recognizable tenors.

While often perceived as competitors in the opera world, they were instead close friends whose rivalry made them both better men and better artists, Domingo said.

"I think the career of Luciano was bigger because I was there as his friendly rival, and I think my career is bigger because he was there also as a friendly rival," a somber Domingo told a news conference Thursday.

When they weren't discussing their work, they talked about their love of sports — Domingo said he rooted for the Spanish soccer team Real Madrid, while Pavarotti was a fan of Italy's Juventus

Quote from: SimpleCoach on August 07, 2022, 04:57:53 PM
Ok, so I am continually amazed at how far this channel has come.  Considering I really have no idea what I am doing, just whatever it is, I am enjoying it immensely.  If it is helping to raise the profile of Division III, great.  If not, well, you should see the collection of D3 hats I have collected.  May have to be an episode of its own....

Anyhow, as of writing this, I have 547 subscribers.  Seriously??  Well, once you crack 500, YouTube turns on a cool feature ....  The Community Tab!!! (https://www.youtube.com/c/AllThingsDivisionIIISoccerwithSimpleCoach/community) Totally geeking out over it. 

As as always the case with you all here on the boards ... thanks immensely for the ideas, support, insights, and banter.

SC.

Quote from: Kuiper on August 13, 2022, 12:28:29 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on August 07, 2022, 04:57:53 PM
Ok, so I am continually amazed at how far this channel has come.  Considering I really have no idea what I am doing, just whatever it is, I am enjoying it immensely.  If it is helping to raise the profile of Division III, great.  If not, well, you should see the collection of D3 hats I have collected.  May have to be an episode of its own....

Anyhow, as of writing this, I have 547 subscribers.  Seriously??  Well, once you crack 500, YouTube turns on a cool feature ....  The Community Tab!!! (https://www.youtube.com/c/AllThingsDivisionIIISoccerwithSimpleCoach/community) Totally geeking out over it. 

As as always the case with you all here on the boards ... thanks immensely for the ideas, support, insights, and banter.

SC.

Before the season starts, I thought it was time to take a moment to recognize just how much content SimpleCoach has produced this offseason and pre-season.  I took a look at his Youtube page (https://www.youtube.com/c/AllThingsDivisionIIISoccerwithSimpleCoach/videos (https://www.youtube.com/c/AllThingsDivisionIIISoccerwithSimpleCoach/videos)) and between his SimpleCoach to Coach interviews, Quick Shots (on specific topics discussed in a past interview) and Field of Dreams segments, he has pretty much averaged at least one video a day, if not more.  I've got to imagine he has given up free time/vacation time/family time etc for this passion project.  Each of the SimpleCoach to Coach interviews are at least an hour or more, which doesn't include the pre-interview conversation (although he sometimes adds that in), and the Field of Dreams videos have pretty substantial post-production edits and enhancements with music, photos, etc and it probably takes at least an hour plus to film them just from walking to the campus, plus the time spent driving to places that have to be far less "nearby" or "on the way" to or from some place he is going to anyway than he suggests.  And this doesn't even count his in-season work writing up games etc for this board.  Not only is this content that is interesting to D3 fans on this board, but the YouTube channel's content is useful for coaches (I bet many are taking notes), players, recruits, and their parents.  It definitely fills in a gap in the social media and mainstream universe.  I don't think it's overstating things to suggest that he has single handedly raised the profile of D3 men's (and women's) soccer in this country, even if it's still a pretty small following outside of alumni and players.  I suspect that there are many D1 (and D2/NAIA etc) coaches who would kill to get this kind of attention, but don't because there isn't really anyone else out there doing what he is doing and doing it this well.

So, at least from me, I wanted to say thanks.  I hope you keep it up.

Quote from: Another Mom on August 13, 2022, 12:57:05 PM
Hear, hear! I second everything you say. It's also impressive because it's really grown only through word of mouth.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on August 14, 2022, 08:19:59 AM

@Another Mom.  Thank you as always.  Know that you are now the official Mom of the channel... by a long shot.

SC

Quote from: SimpleCoach on August 14, 2022, 08:19:07 AM

Quote from: Kuiper on August 13, 2022, 12:28:29 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on August 07, 2022, 04:57:53 PM
Ok, so I am continually amazed at how far this channel has come.  Considering I really have no idea what I am doing, just whatever it is, I am enjoying it immensely.  If it is helping to raise the profile of Division III, great.  If not, well, you should see the collection of D3 hats I have collected.  May have to be an episode of its own....

Anyhow, as of writing this, I have 547 subscribers.  Seriously??  Well, once you crack 500, YouTube turns on a cool feature ....  The Community Tab!!! (https://www.youtube.com/c/AllThingsDivisionIIISoccerwithSimpleCoach/community) Totally geeking out over it. 

As as always the case with you all here on the boards ... thanks immensely for the ideas, support, insights, and banter.

SC.

Before the season starts, I thought it was time to take a moment to recognize just how much content SimpleCoach has produced this offseason and pre-season.  I took a look at his Youtube page (https://www.youtube.com/c/AllThingsDivisionIIISoccerwithSimpleCoach/videos (https://www.youtube.com/c/AllThingsDivisionIIISoccerwithSimpleCoach/videos)) and between his SimpleCoach to Coach interviews, Quick Shots (on specific topics discussed in a past interview) and Field of Dreams segments, he has pretty much averaged at least one video a day, if not more.  I've got to imagine he has given up free time/vacation time/family time etc for this passion project.  Each of the SimpleCoach to Coach interviews are at least an hour or more, which doesn't include the pre-interview conversation (although he sometimes adds that in), and the Field of Dreams videos have pretty substantial post-production edits and enhancements with music, photos, etc and it probably takes at least an hour plus to film them just from walking to the campus, plus the time spent driving to places that have to be far less "nearby" or "on the way" to or from some place he is going to anyway than he suggests.  And this doesn't even count his in-season work writing up games etc for this board.  Not only is this content that is interesting to D3 fans on this board, but the YouTube channel's content is useful for coaches (I bet many are taking notes), players, recruits, and their parents.  It definitely fills in a gap in the social media and mainstream universe.  I don't think it's overstating things to suggest that he has single handedly raised the profile of D3 men's (and women's) soccer in this country, even if it's still a pretty small following outside of alumni and players.  I suspect that there are many D1 (and D2/NAIA etc) coaches who would kill to get this kind of attention, but don't because there isn't really anyone else out there doing what he is doing and doing it this well.

So, at least from me, I wanted to say thanks.  I hope you keep it up.

@Kuiper.  Let me just say that this post made my eyes start to sweat.  Appreciate the kind words, and I guess that whatever work I put into this game we love is noticed.  Not that I want to be prideful, but I sometimes look at the channel (which I started November of 2021) and can't even believe it myself.  I will say it still feels like "fun" and am enjoying it immensely.  Think it is because it lets me explore my own goofy ideas about the game and let my mind contemplate all those "what if's" rattling around between the ears.  I will be exploring one of those this upcoming week with a new "series" that I hope will be interesting.  Stay tuned.

Finally, not to get too personal about this.  But if there is anyone out there who is thinking about how I have the time to do this, be a Soccer Dad and husband, hold a successful full time job, a handyman around the house, and countless other roles I pick up here and there ... getting sober just under 4 years ago was the greatest thing I have done in my life.

Oh and Jackie.  Without the Chief Dog Officer watching my six, this would have stopped after the first video...

Thanks again.  You have definitely made my day today.

SC

Quote from: Ejay on August 14, 2022, 06:25:28 PM
Good stuff SC - congrats!

BTW - where's your son headed? Will we be the beneficiary of any inside intel on a particular team/league?

Quote from: Martindale on August 16, 2022, 08:31:25 AM
Any chance this could be turned into a podcast?

Quote from: SimpleCoach on August 16, 2022, 09:22:49 AM

Quote from: Martindale on August 16, 2022, 08:31:25 AM
Any chance this could be turned into a podcast?

Thanks @Martindale!  Appreciate the question.

Am exploring putting the SimpleCoach to Coach interviews on Spotify.  Trying to figure out the most efficient way of doing that.  Don't want it to take too much time to do, but think I have the platform identified.  Just want to test it to see if it makes sense.  Ultimately, this channel, if it keeps growing... and I keep doing it ... will have three components.  The YouTube page, a Podcast, and an weekly email distribution.... and to cover expense, probably a Patreon page and/or monetizing the YouTube channel.  Not to make a fortune, but some of the technology is not cheap.  As a hobby, I am ok covering the basics, but if I go further with this, then think I will need to invest a some stuff.

Not necessarily in a rush since I am just sorting this thing out.  But it's definately next up on the expansion of my global multimedia empire. 

Short answer is yes.

SC

Quote from: VAFury on August 16, 2022, 09:50:30 AM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on August 28, 2022, 04:22:37 PM
Ok.  Was going to start a new topic for 2022, but wasn't sure if I should or just use this one.  So opted to stick with this one.

Today, I am kicking off the season with my 2022 Pre-Season Best.  Will take a look at some of the players who should stand out in 2022.  Also take a look at who I think makes the final four.... in three ways.  Anyhow, really psyched for this year and hope we get this place rockin' again.  Kind of lonely here in the off season.... :-\

The 2022 Pre-Season Best of the Best in D3 Soccer (https://youtu.be/YAIyjlFUI9w)

Hope you enjoy it.  Don't think I got it all right, but definitely enjoyed putting it together.

SC.

Quote from: Kuiper on August 29, 2022, 04:32:33 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on August 28, 2022, 04:22:37 PM
Ok.  Was going to start a new topic for 2022, but wasn't sure if I should or just use this one.  So opted to stick with this one.

Today, I am kicking off the season with my 2022 Pre-Season Best.  Will take a look at some of the players who should stand out in 2022.  Also take a look at who I think makes the final four.... in three ways.  Anyhow, really psyched for this year and hope we get this place rockin' again.  Kind of lonely here in the off season.... :-\

The 2022 Pre-Season Best of the Best in D3 Soccer (https://youtu.be/YAIyjlFUI9w)

Hope you enjoy it.  Don't think I got it all right, but definitely enjoyed putting it together.

SC.

Thanks for doing this.  By setting the rules the way you did (no teammates on the list; three parallel final four possibilities, etc), you really created a very broad and diverse list of worthy players and teams to watch.  That's no small undertaking.  It has become feasible these days with streaming games, but it's still a big job.  Historically, few D3 observers were knowledgeable about many players and teams outside their conference and region.  I think that remains largely the case today, but this kind of content helps to publicize some players and programs that might not get much attention outside the NESCAC (or NCAC/Liberty/Centennial etc) bubble.  The fact that your video has already gotten almost 1,900 views is testament to there being a market for that!

Quote from: College Soccer Observer on August 29, 2022, 11:31:42 PM
Love the preview show.  It is obvious you put a lot of thought into this and D3 Soccer is clearly a labor of love for you.
[/quote}

Thanks @College Soccer Observer.  Appreciate the kind words.

SC.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on August 29, 2022, 04:54:59 PM

Quote from: Kuiper on August 29, 2022, 04:32:33 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on August 28, 2022, 04:22:37 PM
Ok.  Was going to start a new topic for 2022, but wasn't sure if I should or just use this one.  So opted to stick with this one.

Today, I am kicking off the season with my 2022 Pre-Season Best.  Will take a look at some of the players who should stand out in 2022.  Also take a look at who I think makes the final four.... in three ways.  Anyhow, really psyched for this year and hope we get this place rockin' again.  Kind of lonely here in the off season.... :-\

The 2022 Pre-Season Best of the Best in D3 Soccer (https://youtu.be/YAIyjlFUI9w)

Hope you enjoy it.  Don't think I got it all right, but definitely enjoyed putting it together.

SC.

Thanks for doing this.  By setting the rules the way you did (no teammates on the list; three parallel final four possibilities, etc), you really created a very broad and diverse list of worthy players and teams to watch.  That's no small undertaking.  It has become feasible these days with streaming games, but it's still a big job.  Historically, few D3 observers were knowledgeable about many players and teams outside their conference and region.  I think that remains largely the case today, but this kind of content helps to publicize some players and programs that might not get much attention outside the NESCAC (or NCAC/Liberty/Centennial etc) bubble.  The fact that your video has already gotten almost 1,900 views is testament to there being a market for that!

Thanks @Kuiper for the kind words.  Always appreciative of you feedback.

And yeah... absolutely crazy.  They more I do YouTube, the less I understand.

Thanks again.

SC.

Quote from: Kuiper on August 30, 2022, 12:29:34 PM

And so you don't get a big head, I can't believe you left off [insert name of your kid] and/or [insert name of your favorite team/alma mater] from your list!  What a moron!  And heaven help you if you do this on the women's side.  My experience is that parents are much more involved/protective of their daughters and they never forget a slight!

Quote from: Hopkins92 on August 16, 2022, 03:38:01 PM
I, too, am really big on Podcasts and would love to have the YouTube content ported over, at a minimum.

Will absolutely support once you've opened up whatever platform you choose to allow that to happen.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 02, 2022, 02:53:05 PM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on August 16, 2022, 03:38:01 PM
I, too, am really big on Podcasts and would love to have the YouTube content ported over, at a minimum.

Will absolutely support once you've opened up whatever platform you choose to allow that to happen.

Hey SC, any progress on the podcast platform/front?

I just listened to the RPI coach short clip about D1 players and found it really interesting.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 06, 2022, 07:33:53 PM
Another episode with @PaulNewman

The New Show. Jump In - The Water is Fine. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yucemfEftI)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 06, 2022, 07:33:53 PM
Another episode with @PaulNewman

The New Show. Jump In - The Water is Fine. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yucemfEftI)

Quote from: Coach Jeff on November 07, 2022, 09:53:59 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 06, 2022, 07:33:53 PM
Another episode with @PaulNewman

The New Show. Jump In - The Water is Fine. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yucemfEftI)

I think you should DOUBLE PN's salary after watching the show...IMHO

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 08, 2022, 07:15:57 AM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on November 07, 2022, 09:53:59 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 06, 2022, 07:33:53 PM
Another episode with @PaulNewman

The New Show. Jump In - The Water is Fine. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yucemfEftI)

I think you should DOUBLE PN's salary after watching the show...IMHO

We are talking about it.  Benefits.  Plus a Golden Parachute.  Revenue share.  A car and driver.  Free coffee.  Oh and bagels on Mondays. 

SC.

Quote from: PaulNewman on November 08, 2022, 10:32:32 AM
Wow @Kuiper....and on the very day I was gonna offer you VP of West Coast Operations.  Poor timing, my friend.

Quote from: Kuiper on November 08, 2022, 11:17:51 AM

Quote from: PaulNewman on November 08, 2022, 10:32:32 AM
Wow @Kuiper....and on the very day I was gonna offer you VP of West Coast Operations.  Poor timing, my friend.

Wait ... I thought you said narcissism was a good thing

Quote from: PaulNewman on November 08, 2022, 11:30:14 AM

Quote from: Kuiper on November 08, 2022, 11:17:51 AM

Quote from: PaulNewman on November 08, 2022, 10:32:32 AM
Wow @Kuiper....and on the very day I was gonna offer you VP of West Coast Operations.  Poor timing, my friend.

Wait ... I thought you said narcissism was a good thing

Welp...it depends.  Not so good when it is perhaps the single greatest factor that may bring the world to its knees.  But, in other respects, not good or bad as much as it just is.  I DO know you're joking, but I love to riff on this topic.  It's all about narcissistic equilibrium (just like with cholesterol and blood sugar) and narcissistic injury, and what is involved for each of us when we experience injuries to get back to equilibrium.   The health is in how easily one can get from perceived injury/slight/diss/insult, etc back to equilibrium and to what extent getting back to equilibrium is quite difficult and involves casualties to others around you.

Quote from: jdfranklin23 on November 08, 2022, 12:22:23 PM
I want to propose a show topic - The Impact of D3 Soccer On Mental Health

@PaulNewman what do you think? Haha

Being a Licensed Counselor myself, I think it's prefect timing with the bracket just coming out and the tournament about to start. The high's and low's as well as coping skills for dealing with them. Possible diagnoses to look for. How to help a friend or fellow D3Board poster who may be struggling

;D

Quote from: Saint of Old on November 08, 2022, 12:29:54 PM
I love the idea, but for the extra-time portion of the show, like the boys at ESPNFC. After the serious debate about who is getting out of each section of the bracket and maybe a 5 minute salute to Dr.J the old Bishop from OWU and approaching his 800 wins and third Crown. BIG TIME GOAT

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 08, 2022, 07:15:57 AM
A car and driver.

Quote from: blooter442 on November 08, 2022, 03:20:12 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 08, 2022, 07:15:57 AM
A car and driver.

Are we talking BMW or Yugo?

Quote from: 4samuy on November 08, 2022, 06:43:07 PM
Another good show guys!

This leads me to a comment/question.

It seems to me that there have been an extreme # of new posters to this board this year (say 1-10 posts total).  I'm trying to figure out why this has happened but can't put my finger on it.  It seems to be way beyond trolls.  Is it the you tube channel?  is it some recent new posters who are getting  the word out to others who joined in? It's awesome.

Does any one have particular theory as to why this is happening?

Quote from: Gregory Sager on November 08, 2022, 07:24:48 PM
Nice show, guys.

(PN: It's pronounced "oh claire", not "you claire".)

Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on November 08, 2022, 07:36:26 PM

Quote from: 4samuy on November 08, 2022, 06:43:07 PM
Another good show guys!

This leads me to a comment/question.

It seems to me that there have been an extreme # of new posters to this board this year (say 1-10 posts total).  I'm trying to figure out why this has happened but can't put my finger on it.  It seems to be way beyond trolls.  Is it the you tube channel?  is it some recent new posters who are getting  the word out to others who joined in? It's awesome.

Does any one have particular theory as to why this is happening?

Obviously the excellent technology.  Surprised we don't have to use the "F" keys.  Yuck, Yuck.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 09, 2022, 11:28:33 AM

Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on November 08, 2022, 07:36:26 PM

Quote from: 4samuy on November 08, 2022, 06:43:07 PM
Another good show guys!

This leads me to a comment/question.

It seems to me that there have been an extreme # of new posters to this board this year (say 1-10 posts total).  I'm trying to figure out why this has happened but can't put my finger on it.  It seems to be way beyond trolls.  Is it the you tube channel?  is it some recent new posters who are getting  the word out to others who joined in? It's awesome.

Does any one have particular theory as to why this is happening?

Obviously the excellent technology.  Surprised we don't have to use the "F" keys.  Yuck, Yuck.

I actually do think it's related to Simple Coach and the interviews he did during the offseason. I think there have been a LOT of lurking by players, coaches and probably parents. Lurkers are fine, but when it becomes "OK" and kind of even mainstream for those making the sausage to then come on here and poke around... and eventually post, it's a little mini-movement.

Put a little more plainly, the coaches validated our somewhat niche, somewhat obsessive little corner of the internet. SC became a fast legend on here and a bunch of us encouraged his madness, er, foray onto YouTube from early on. It's been this kind of symbiotic growth for his channel and this board.

Just a hunch, obviously, but I'll just anecdotally add:

BigSoccer.com message boards grew out of one fan's desire to provide a virtual setting for his fellow fans (MetroStars) to gather and talk about the team and plan for game day and travel. That morphed into the SINGLE place where a soccer fan could get true insight and national coverage of a game that at the time, was barely a blip for the media. Once you realized there were 100s, and then 1000s and then legion (by the mid-2000s)... That's a kind of slow moving virus (at first) that allows you to understand you're part of a bigger community... Not just some random guy showing up to watch the big in-state E vs. W Connecticut that only you and those that go to those schools know about... You're part of something bigger.

This place is a bit like BigSoccer in the late 90s. Starting to gain some momentum... Not by creating new fans, but letting existing fans know there's a place to actually gather and share the experience.

Quote from: 4samuy on November 08, 2022, 06:43:07 PM
It seems to me that there have been an extreme # of new posters to this board this year (say 1-10 posts total).  I'm trying to figure out why this has happened but can't put my finger on it.  It seems to be way beyond trolls.  Is it the you tube channel?  is it some recent new posters who are getting  the word out to others who joined in? It's awesome.
Does any one have particular theory as to why this is happening?

Quote from: MNBob on November 09, 2022, 01:21:26 PM

Quote from: 4samuy on November 08, 2022, 06:43:07 PM
It seems to me that there have been an extreme # of new posters to this board this year (say 1-10 posts total).  I'm trying to figure out why this has happened but can't put my finger on it.  It seems to be way beyond trolls.  Is it the you tube channel?  is it some recent new posters who are getting  the word out to others who joined in? It's awesome.
Does any one have particular theory as to why this is happening?

As new to the board, I had never looked into D3 soccer until my son graduated this past June and started playing this fall. I had been to d3soccer.com but somehow overlooked this board before. I had always lurked https://www.bigsoccer.com/forums/ until joining in 2021 but only focused on youth soccer. The college board there is completely D1 focused so I started looking and ended up here.

Quote from: Coach Jeff on November 09, 2022, 02:50:53 PM
Welcome MN Bob!  Where does your son play?

Quote from: MNBob on November 09, 2022, 02:55:41 PM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on November 09, 2022, 02:50:53 PM
Welcome MN Bob!  Where does your son play?

Freshman starting right forward at UWEC.

Quote from: Coach Jeff on November 09, 2022, 03:02:08 PM
Good luck to Scott and the Blugolds against Luther.  I watched 2 games of your son's team this fall.

Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on November 09, 2022, 05:45:04 PM
Following up on some of the commentary here showing appreciation for the content, an idea that would be interesting to me and I bet others.

For those who have the talent, knowledge and time, it would be fun and interesting to see what games you would choose to watch this weekend across different time slots (and if so inclined a brief sentence why or what to look for).  I will be watching the Polar Bears in person Saturday at 11 ET and then hopefully the second round game Sunday against Babson/Vassar, but what are the highlights (for someone like me) in the other time slots? Thanks!

Quote from: Hopkins92 on November 15, 2022, 12:06:57 PM
Nice.

(Coach Appleby just chimed in with a very interesting post on the JHU alumni Facebook page. Talked a little bit about tweaking his tactics to unlock JCU... Not common for him to do that and it was really cool insight.)

Quote from: stlawus on November 18, 2022, 02:23:04 PM
SC are you reaching out to previously interviewed coaches for season recaps?

Quote from: stlawus on November 18, 2022, 02:38:51 PM
It makes sense!  I may have worded that oddly, it was not mean to be negative, the opposite in fact as I was wondering if you were going to keep doing that.   It'd be great to hear from all the coaches you previously interviewed to see how things ended up versus what they discussed about with regard to expectations and what not.  Of course, I'd love to hear again from Mike Toshack given my bias (and any news on recruiting and if there are seniors returning for 5th years, this goes for all coaches as I think it's a good topic now that they're preparing for next season), but please do not feel obligated or anything.    You're getting some great interviews which is a testament to how much the channel has grown.

Quote from: Kuiper on November 21, 2022, 06:29:37 PM
SC - are you guys planning to do a Final Four show or is it too raw for PN to manage?  If you do, it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on Mary Washington. I thought their GK Hemmendinger looked pretty strong over the weekend. I'm wondering if he might be the best of the four GK starters in the Final Four, even though Diffley (Williams) and Boyes (Chicago) have better stats.  As you know, GK stats can be pumped up by strong defenses and overall style of play and Williams and Chicago certainly have strong defenses.  I've only watched MW a couple of times, though, so it may be that Hemmendinger just had more to do.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 21, 2022, 07:09:25 PM

Quote from: Kuiper on November 21, 2022, 06:29:37 PM
SC - are you guys planning to do a Final Four show or is it too raw for PN to manage?  If you do, it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on Mary Washington. I thought their GK Hemmendinger looked pretty strong over the weekend. I'm wondering if he might be the best of the four GK starters in the Final Four, even though Diffley (Williams) and Boyes (Chicago) have better stats.  As you know, GK stats can be pumped up by strong defenses and overall style of play and Williams and Chicago certainly have strong defenses.  I've only watched MW a couple of times, though, so it may be that Hemmendinger just had more to do.

So, I haven't asked Mr. Newman yet.  Figured I would let him enjoy the holidays, but the episode would be focused on the Final Four. 

As an aside, keep thinking of doing a Top Ten of Division III soccer goalkeepers (That I have watched.) Diffley and Boyes would not make the list. But coming up with such a list is hard because of the nature of not being able to watch them consistently, only seeing on video, etc.

SC.

Quote from: jfreddys on November 25, 2022, 10:57:32 AM
SC,
Can't thank you enough for all the wonderful videos/podcasts you've done this past year.   I jumped in after you started it all 1 year ago and figured you had been doing it for years.   Such great insight has been provided by you, PN and the coaches you've interviewed that it really has enhanced the D3 soccer experience for this soccer dad these past few months.   Looking forward to more.  Happy Holidays.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 30, 2022, 09:19:17 AM
So here it is, the last episode of The New Show with @PaulNewman.  I have granted him permission to take a 10 month leave of absence, as part of his multi-year, multimillion dollar deal we just agreed to for the next 3 seasons....

The New Show - Tom Brady's Finale? (https://youtu.be/t7KeERwbsCk)

On a personal note, this was a great experience for me and will forever call @PaulNewman a friend.

SC.

Quote from: Newenglander on December 01, 2022, 03:29:59 PM
SC - piqued my interest when you mentioned getting Conn's feedback on trying to defend the title -got that booked?

Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 01, 2022, 10:08:16 AM
Great catching up with Denison Head Coach, Brandon Bianco.  Cover the season and an interesting discusión around rules and decisions coming down the pike.

Brandon Bianco of Denison University (https://youtu.be/UzklOZ21XbQ)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 08, 2022, 10:46:46 AM
One of the best interviews yet. 

Rob Harrington, MSOE Head Men's Coach (https://youtu.be/_JMMM6c-MxI)

Quote from: Hopkins92 on December 08, 2022, 12:30:04 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 08, 2022, 10:46:46 AM
One of the best interviews yet. 

Rob Harrington, MSOE Head Men's Coach (https://youtu.be/_JMMM6c-MxI)

In which we find out a first name!

:D

ETA - Would be pretty cool if someone interviewed you down the road. Seems like you've got an interesting story/path to unspool.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on December 08, 2022, 01:18:49 PM
I posted on the channel, just to make sure your interaction analytics got a bump :D, but wanted to put it here as well, re: foreign players not always being good at the sport:

On foreign players, man... At some point in pre-season my So. year, word got out that a kid from Germany was transferring in (Parent was a diplomat). We were So. EXCITED. We were already pretty good, but having a player from Germany? You can probably tell where this is headed. He was pretty horrible. We felt pretty bad for him, until he started acting like he was going to make the team simply due to his nationality. I don't even know if he understood he was trying out, just like the rest of the 50 or so players out there. He was a Jr, so JV wasn't really an option. And truth be told, he wasn't good enough for that squad anyways.

Quote from: jfreddys on December 08, 2022, 01:56:19 PM
SC, I haven't listened to the entire iview yet but the discussion the two of you had at the beginning hit home for me.   

Made the same move for my mom a year ago and drives are a bit farther for me now to see her so when I visit and when they are available, I always will listen to your iviews on the way...kind of a nice distraction to the realities of a sad situation.   

Appreciate you both being up front about what you faced.   

Can't wait to listen to the rest of the iview...and the next one and the one after that...

Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 09, 2022, 10:04:59 AM
Realize it's a Women's coach, but figured I would post here ....  Dan Weiler of the 2022 Women's National Champions, Johns Hopkins University.  Real interesting observations about the season, grad students, etc..

Dan Weiler , Head Coach 2022 Women's National Champions, Johns Hopkins University (https://youtu.be/ZGJMvhtLFbM)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 15, 2022, 06:26:03 PM
A New Episode of Around D3.  Top 25s, and news... some good some not so. (https://youtu.be/iE85HgRTRgY)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 17, 2022, 07:16:03 AM
Despite my Mount Union Purple Raiders losing in the Stagg Bowl, still excited for this latest interview with Adam Clinton, Head Men's Coach at RPI.

Adam Clinton, Head Men's Coach at RPI (https://youtu.be/OA6Y7wML1j0)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 23, 2022, 03:27:44 PM
So after roughly 350 videos this year, my last one (well, two actually) are my Best XI Men's Players in Division III.

Best XI Men's Team (https://youtu.be/3J019mPpjd0)

Hope you all have a wonderful and blessed holiday season.  Thanks for all the support and encouragement over the last year.  Grateful for your passion and love for the game.

SC

Quote from: SimpleCoach on January 01, 2023, 07:21:20 PM
Happy New Year All!  As I resolve to do better in 2023, I wanted to turn my attention to you.

I've been wondering what I can do better, or more of to make watching one of my videos more enjoyable. 

If you have any ideas, no matter how big or small, I would love to hear them.

Thanks a bunch and many blessing to you and yours.

SC.

Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on January 02, 2023, 08:33:13 PM6.  How did good soccer become a thing at d3 Christian colleges?  (I realize that might sound weird to folks who have been around d3 soccer for a while given the Messiah dynasty, but when I first heard about Messiah I thought, "How many good d3 soccer players would want to go to a devoutly religious college?"  Obviously there are many more than I imagined.)

Quote from: Yankeesoccerdad on January 02, 2023, 08:33:13 PM
SC,

Your content is great and I enjoy it as is.  Here are some suggested topics.


2.  Your take on rivalries you like.



Thanks again for the great show.

Quote from: Spartan94 on January 06, 2023, 10:25:40 AM
SC, I recently came across your content while researching a school my son was looking at attending/playing at, and I agree with all of the previous comments here in saying that it is great and keep up the good work. 

As a part of the recruiting process for my son, it was hard to decipher what leagues were "good" vs which ones were not ... again, subjecting based upon the fit for each kid, but as a suggestion of what to add for content might be a weekly/bi-weekly "League Power Rankings" across the D3 landscape.  Could be an algorithm mainly and wouldn't require working with high level tech etc.  Again just a thought, but like I said before keep up the great work and content.

Quote from: Kuiper on January 02, 2023, 12:57:41 AM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on January 01, 2023, 07:21:20 PM
Happy New Year All!  As I resolve to do better in 2023, I wanted to turn my attention to you.

I've been wondering what I can do better, or more of to make watching one of my videos more enjoyable. 

If you have any ideas, no matter how big or small, I would love to hear them.

Thanks a bunch and many blessing to you and yours.

SC.

2.  Interview a few GK coaches on staff with a D3 program.  You've mostly confined your coach-to-coach interviews to head coaches, which makes sense especially at the D3 level where the head coach is often the only full-time employee and has his or her hands on the entire program, but as we've often discussed on the boards, GK coaching is a different animal and D3 programs are spotty in the extent to which they cover that area well or at all.  Given your background as a former college GK coach yourself, I certainly would find it interesting to hear about things like how much time they have with the GKs each week, what they do with them, how they prep them tactically and coach them during the games, their views on stricter rules for GKs in PKs, if they are involved with recruiting them and how they evaluate potential recruits, etc.  I don't necessarily think a conversation with a volunteer asst who coaches GKs, or a trainer who just preps them during practices, would be useful, but there are some schools who have GK coaches as a regular assistant coach (e.g., Michael Mauro at Chicago is a former D1 GK and I assume he coaches the GKs at U of C, while Bill Schmid is the only assistant at Williams and he was the GK coach at Yale and Amherst after playing GK at Springfield). Admittedly, this concept for a show may only interest me and a couple of other people on the board, but I imagine a few head coaches might be interested in what dedicated GK coaches are focused on in training and games!

Quote from: SimpleCoach on January 07, 2023, 10:10:00 AM
Thanks for all the feedback folks.  Not ignoring anyone  just in the throws of a battle with COVID.  Hoping I will be on track this week.

SC.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on January 07, 2023, 10:10:00 AM
Thanks for all the feedback folks.  Not ignoring anyone  just in the throws of a battle with COVID.  Hoping I will be on track this week.

SC.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on January 06, 2023, 01:58:32 PM

Quote from: Spartan94 on January 06, 2023, 10:25:40 AM
SC, I recently came across your content while researching a school my son was looking at attending/playing at, and I agree with all of the previous comments here in saying that it is great and keep up the good work. 

As a part of the recruiting process for my son, it was hard to decipher what leagues were "good" vs which ones were not ... again, subjecting based upon the fit for each kid, but as a suggestion of what to add for content might be a weekly/bi-weekly "League Power Rankings" across the D3 landscape.  Could be an algorithm mainly and wouldn't require working with high level tech etc.  Again just a thought, but like I said before keep up the great work and content.

Nice. We kind of did this exercise in one of the regional threads (mid atlantic) this year.

I'm pretty sure Massey kind of does this, if not, wouldn't be hard to use Massey and just use the average of the respective schools rankings to figure it out.

Quote from: Spartan94 on January 11, 2023, 11:52:11 AM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on January 06, 2023, 01:58:32 PM

Quote from: Spartan94 on January 06, 2023, 10:25:40 AM
SC, I recently came across your content while researching a school my son was looking at attending/playing at, and I agree with all of the previous comments here in saying that it is great and keep up the good work. 

As a part of the recruiting process for my son, it was hard to decipher what leagues were "good" vs which ones were not ... again, subjecting based upon the fit for each kid, but as a suggestion of what to add for content might be a weekly/bi-weekly "League Power Rankings" across the D3 landscape.  Could be an algorithm mainly and wouldn't require working with high level tech etc.  Again just a thought, but like I said before keep up the great work and content.

Nice. We kind of did this exercise in one of the regional threads (mid atlantic) this year.

I'm pretty sure Massey kind of does this, if not, wouldn't be hard to use Massey and just use the average of the respective schools rankings to figure it out.

Thanks for bringing up Massey Rankings I was unaware of this until you mentioned and I researched!  Gets you close for sure, and with some math could provide a League Power rankings based on how many teams from whatever conference are ranked in tier 1,2,3 etc.  Thanks again!

Quote from: Spartan94 on January 11, 2023, 11:52:11 AM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on January 06, 2023, 01:58:32 PM

Quote from: Spartan94 on January 06, 2023, 10:25:40 AM
SC, I recently came across your content while researching a school my son was looking at attending/playing at, and I agree with all of the previous comments here in saying that it is great and keep up the good work. 

As a part of the recruiting process for my son, it was hard to decipher what leagues were "good" vs which ones were not ... again, subjecting based upon the fit for each kid, but as a suggestion of what to add for content might be a weekly/bi-weekly "League Power Rankings" across the D3 landscape.  Could be an algorithm mainly and wouldn't require working with high level tech etc.  Again just a thought, but like I said before keep up the great work and content.

Nice. We kind of did this exercise in one of the regional threads (mid atlantic) this year.

I'm pretty sure Massey kind of does this, if not, wouldn't be hard to use Massey and just use the average of the respective schools rankings to figure it out.

Thanks for bringing up Massey Rankings I was unaware of this until you mentioned and I researched!  Gets you close for sure, and with some math could provide a League Power rankings based on how many teams from whatever conference are ranked in tier 1,2,3 etc.  Thanks again!

Quote from: SimpleCoach on January 17, 2023, 12:55:47 PM
Bangin' it out in 2023. 

SimpleCoach to Coach with Matt Pivirotto, Head Men's Coach at the @univofscranton  (https://youtu.be/f0mbse9KjWE)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on January 16, 2023, 02:31:59 PM
One of the nicest guys in the business.

Michael Toshack, Head Men's Coach at St. Lawrence University (https://youtu.be/eXa2ogOldio)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on January 19, 2023, 01:46:31 PM
Dr. Jay Martin.  Need I say more.

Jay Martin, Ohio Wesleyan University (https://youtu.be/r3LdUpMUQK4)

Quote from: PaulNewman on January 20, 2023, 02:27:40 PM

SC is gonna keep doing his thing regardless.  The bigger issue to me is what happens to D3soccer.com and this board.  I would hope that the parties involved could arrive at some resolution before the season begins.  Imo an ideal resolution would involve an integration of D3soccer.com, the soccer board, and the SC channel.  One person might be able to conduct the symphony, but one person cannot (or at least should not have to) do all the content and behind the scenes work.

Now is the time.

Quote from: jknezek on January 20, 2023, 03:35:37 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on January 20, 2023, 02:27:40 PM

SC is gonna keep doing his thing regardless.  The bigger issue to me is what happens to D3soccer.com and this board.  I would hope that the parties involved could arrive at some resolution before the season begins.  Imo an ideal resolution would involve an integration of D3soccer.com, the soccer board, and the SC channel.  One person might be able to conduct the symphony, but one person cannot (or at least should not have to) do all the content and behind the scenes work.

Now is the time.

Managing an active website like d3soccer.com is a big chore. It requires some specialized knowledge, a lot of time, and a lot of effort. The current crew has asked for years for volunteers and has gotten relatively little help. I threw in some time to help with the poll, but it was pretty limited. Someone with a real passion, and real technical expertise, and real time, to devote to a hobby that is going to cost money is the answer. But that someone is few and far between.

I suspect most of us look around and say what I say... it certainly isn't going to be me.

Quote from: jknezek on January 20, 2023, 03:35:37 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on January 20, 2023, 02:27:40 PM

SC is gonna keep doing his thing regardless.  The bigger issue to me is what happens to D3soccer.com and this board.  I would hope that the parties involved could arrive at some resolution before the season begins.  Imo an ideal resolution would involve an integration of D3soccer.com, the soccer board, and the SC channel.  One person might be able to conduct the symphony, but one person cannot (or at least should not have to) do all the content and behind the scenes work.

Now is the time.

Managing an active website like d3soccer.com is a big chore. It requires some specialized knowledge, a lot of time, and a lot of effort. The current crew has asked for years for volunteers and has gotten relatively little help. I threw in some time to help with the poll, but it was pretty limited. Someone with a real passion, and real technical expertise, and real time, to devote to a hobby that is going to cost money is the answer. But that someone is few and far between.

I suspect most of us look around and say what I say... it certainly isn't going to be me.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on January 22, 2023, 02:35:14 PM
As promised.  A follow up to "So You Want to Play D3 Soccer?"

You Still Want to Play Division III Soccer? (https://youtu.be/VyK0XUuy0Z4)

Quote from: Kuiper on January 22, 2023, 06:36:46 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on January 22, 2023, 02:35:14 PM
As promised.  A follow up to "So You Want to Play D3 Soccer?"

You Still Want to Play Division III Soccer? (https://youtu.be/VyK0XUuy0Z4)

Great additions to last year's recruiting video.  Couple of points that occurred to me as I was listening to your episode:

- Being honest about where you qualify academically has gotten harder because so many schools are test optional. The schools that are permanently test optional (or test blind like UC Santa Cruz and the rest of the UCs) are more committed to that then the schools that are still in a pandemic-era experiment.  The latter schools' admissions departments will sometimes still ask for test scores for the pre-read process.  As you said, coaches have a lot less pull than some parents/students might assume.  In fact, they may have less pull at top academic D3 schools than almost any other NCAA or NAIA division.  That's why coaches try to weed out on the front end, but you can help by being realistic in what schools you target too.

- I"m not sure it's quite as true as it used to be that there's a place in D3 men's soccer for every player as you suggested (although I appreciate you're being nice and encouraging!).  It may be technically true if a player is willing to go anywhere and/or willing to never play a regular season game (i.e., not including the spring game or the reserves), but the reality is that the quality of D3 has improved substantially.  These days, it's not just the top ranked D3 soccer programs that are flooded with strong players interested in playing for them.  There are top players all over the place.  The harm with the "there is a place for everyone" mantra is that it suggests D3 men's soccer is a safety option, which is part of how some players convince themselves that they can try D1 and go D3 if that doesn't work out or that they don't have to expend much effort to get on a D3 roster.  We're kind of at the point where players need to be warned that they need to hustle with D3 schools from the outset because that's what the successful D3 recruits are doing.

Quote from: Ejay on January 23, 2023, 04:26:00 PM
I think asking the coaches what their style of play is, is useless.  Every coach my son talked to said they like to possess the ball but will adapt as the game dictates.  I've now seen a lot of those teams play and it's clear that some don't like to play possession. Well, maybe they do when playing a largely inferior team, but I wouldn't put any weight on the answer to that question.

Quote from: Gregory Sager on January 20, 2023, 04:05:28 PM

Quote from: jknezek on January 20, 2023, 03:35:37 PM

Quote from: PaulNewman on January 20, 2023, 02:27:40 PM

SC is gonna keep doing his thing regardless.  The bigger issue to me is what happens to D3soccer.com and this board.  I would hope that the parties involved could arrive at some resolution before the season begins.  Imo an ideal resolution would involve an integration of D3soccer.com, the soccer board, and the SC channel.  One person might be able to conduct the symphony, but one person cannot (or at least should not have to) do all the content and behind the scenes work.

Now is the time.

Managing an active website like d3soccer.com is a big chore. It requires some specialized knowledge, a lot of time, and a lot of effort. The current crew has asked for years for volunteers and has gotten relatively little help. I threw in some time to help with the poll, but it was pretty limited. Someone with a real passion, and real technical expertise, and real time, to devote to a hobby that is going to cost money is the answer. But that someone is few and far between.

I suspect most of us look around and say what I say... it certainly isn't going to be me.

Nor is it going to be Pat Coleman. He had d3soccer.com for awhile as part of the overall d3sports.com group, but he allowed it to be hived off into an independent online entity in outside hands because he didn't have the time, energy, or interest to do it justice. Running d3football.com takes a lot of work, and Pat is a football guy first and foremost with neither the expertise in nor the affinity for soccer to double his workload during football season. Pat kept the soccer boards here in the d3sports.com family, because there were enough crossover posters to warrant it and because it gave Christan and Jim one less thing to worry about, but I wouldn't expect Pat to come in and bail out d3soccer.com. And I completely understand and sympathize with his position, even though I dearly wish that someone with the technical expertise and the funding would save d3soccer.com.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on January 24, 2023, 03:35:21 PM
I have a lot of thoughts on this, but not enough time today to really lay it all out.

Having volunteers provide fresh content is just not a sustainable model. I've been around message boards and start-up websites for decades and the only way they live past the initial burst of enthusiasm is if there's (at a minimum) one person that is getting remunerated on a long-term basis.

I think what we'd want to do define is what, exactly, we want to replicate/pull from the d3soccer.com site... The landscape of information that can be sourced has changed dramatically over the last 5 years. Our ability to look at conference-based sites to gather scores and the like is just much much more robust than it was 5 years back.

I think the idea of having people write fresh content is way too ambitious. But aggregating/updating a message board on various leagues? We could handle that with volunteers. We are pretty much duplicating a lot of what goes up on d3soccer on that front already.

But, again, I'm not sure what other information people want/need. We can expand the polling that jknezak is doing... would be better if more participated... (looks at self).

I have to run, but one of the great things we have going now is that SC has created a channel that we can use to stay organized and come up with a plan if this message board goes dark. We might also want to put together an email list of people that are willing to volunteer some amount of time during the season to do "stuff."

Also also... I have been part of message board community going on 20 years now with about 60 or so folks talking general sports and a bunch of other topics. That site has 3 or 4 tech savvy guys that are admins, the rest of us pony up a small sum every few years for hosting and maintenance. The end is not nigh if d3sports ever shutters the doors, we just have to put the word out here first that we need IT folks to help with "something else."

Quote from: Hopkins92 on January 25, 2023, 03:02:26 PM
Welcome, kevdog!

Quote from: 4231CenterBack on January 26, 2023, 07:34:37 AM
SC - Great interview!  Unfortunately the audio is not working properly for the second half.   Fingers crossed you can get a second interview with McCarty? The first McCarty interview was a factor in my son choosing Messiah.  Thanks for all you do.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on January 27, 2023, 04:07:15 PM
Ending the week with this great coach.  A SC2C 2022 Season in Review Interview with Mike Singleton of Washington & Lee

SC2C 2022 Season in Review Interview with Mike Singleton of Washington & Lee (https://youtu.be/JPUde1X1_NQ)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on January 27, 2023, 04:07:15 PM
Ending the week with this great coach.  A SC2C 2022 Season in Review Interview with Mike Singleton of Washington & Lee

SC2C 2022 Season in Review Interview with Mike Singleton of Washington & Lee (https://youtu.be/JPUde1X1_NQ)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 11, 2023, 02:20:37 PM
Well, would you look at that.  I've hit 1000 subscribers.  Thanks in large part to these boards.....

Thanks all.

SC.

Quote from: Kuiper on February 11, 2023, 03:58:45 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 11, 2023, 02:20:37 PM
Well, would you look at that.  I've hit 1000 subscribers.  Thanks in large part to these boards.....

Thanks all.

SC.

Congratulations!  I'm not sure I understand the advantage of subscribing (doesn't everyone just obsessively check your site daily for new videos?), but it must mean that people really don't want to miss an episode.  Pretty soon, you'll be signing your own NIL deal!

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 12, 2023, 06:41:05 AM

Quote from: Kuiper on February 11, 2023, 03:58:45 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 11, 2023, 02:20:37 PM
Well, would you look at that.  I've hit 1000 subscribers.  Thanks in large part to these boards.....

Thanks all.

SC.

Congratulations!  I'm not sure I understand the advantage of subscribing (doesn't everyone just obsessively check your site daily for new videos?), but it must mean that people really don't want to miss an episode.  Pretty soon, you'll be signing your own NIL deal!

@Kuiper - Thank you for the support as always.  Reason to subscribe?  Technically I can start running ads, if I so choose, and thus start making some money.  Haven't decided if I am going to do this yet, but the option is there.  More importantly, at least to the experts, it just helps with increasing views as videos will gain more exposure on YouTube. 

And yes, am currently setting up my own NIL.  It's contingent on me playing another year of college soccer, so have to work on my grades....

Thanks again.

SC.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 12, 2023, 04:39:09 PM
Decided to do an Around D3 since there have been some things gnawing at me.


Around D3 - The Cider House Rules Edition (https://youtu.be/dfeqGNmXRBk)

Quote from: Hopkins92 on February 12, 2023, 01:43:19 PM
Yeah, in addition to being able to run ads, it also helps boost your standing in the algorithm that puts you higher up in folks outside of this bubble of D3 aficionados.

(Definitely run ads! You deserve a little compensation for your efforts.)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on January 27, 2023, 04:07:15 PM
Ending the week with this great coach.  A SC2C 2022 Season in Review Interview with Mike Singleton of Washington & Lee

SC2C 2022 Season in Review Interview with Mike Singleton of Washington & Lee (https://youtu.be/JPUde1X1_NQ)

Quote from: Ejay on February 24, 2023, 09:08:33 PM
You've got some competition in the coach interview space... https://discovercollegesoccer.com/schools/

Quote from: ToddFather on February 26, 2023, 12:45:47 AM
Just wanted to say a big thank you for all you are doing!  My son is just getting started with exploring the D3 recruiting process and your interviews have been extremely valuable.  And love the "Field of Dreams" series too!

BTW, do you take any interview requests? ;)  There are a few coaches we would love to still see on the channel!

Thanks again and keep up the great work!

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 28, 2023, 10:18:34 AM
My first conversation on the West Coast!  Enjoyed this one and even got to speak Californian for a little.

A SimpleCoach to Coach Interview with Duncan Gillis, Head Men's Coach at CalTech (https://youtu.be/bTnqVcZ5-XQ)

Quote from: Kuiper on March 01, 2023, 12:40:41 AM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 28, 2023, 10:18:34 AM
My first conversation on the West Coast!  Enjoyed this one and even got to speak Californian for a little.

A SimpleCoach to Coach Interview with Duncan Gillis, Head Men's Coach at CalTech (https://youtu.be/bTnqVcZ5-XQ)

Nice to hear an interview from a coach in the SCIAC!  Unfortunately, Coach Gillis is too new, too polite, and Cal Tech is too sui generis for him to throw shade at other schools the way Dr. Jay Martin ignores Kenyon to @PaulNewman's utter annoyance.  ;D  Gillis could have at least agreed with you that CMS is currently a hot mess, right?

Seriously, though, it would be great for SCIAC and DIII soccer in Socal if Cal Tech found its footing and became more of a competitor.  From 2012-2016, Cal Tech didn't win a single game.  To beat LaVerne 2-1 on the last game of the 2022 season to end at 3-8-2 is a major accomplishment.  Three wins is the second most they have had in any season since 2006, which is as far back as I could find on their website, and this is the first year they have ever had more than 1 conference win going back to 2006.

Quote from: PaulNewman on March 01, 2023, 10:30:53 AM

Quote from: Kuiper on March 01, 2023, 12:40:41 AM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 28, 2023, 10:18:34 AM
My first conversation on the West Coast!  Enjoyed this one and even got to speak Californian for a little.

A SimpleCoach to Coach Interview with Duncan Gillis, Head Men's Coach at CalTech (https://youtu.be/bTnqVcZ5-XQ)

Nice to hear an interview from a coach in the SCIAC!  Unfortunately, Coach Gillis is too new, too polite, and Cal Tech is too sui generis for him to throw shade at other schools the way Dr. Jay Martin ignores Kenyon to @PaulNewman's utter annoyance.  ;D  Gillis could have at least agreed with you that CMS is currently a hot mess, right?

Seriously, though, it would be great for SCIAC and DIII soccer in Socal if Cal Tech found its footing and became more of a competitor.  From 2012-2016, Cal Tech didn't win a single game.  To beat LaVerne 2-1 on the last game of the 2022 season to end at 3-8-2 is a major accomplishment.  Three wins is the second most they have had in any season since 2006, which is as far back as I could find on their website, and this is the first year they have ever had more than 1 conference win going back to 2006.

I'm always stunned when reminded that Cal Tech has a program at all, which seems as improbable or more so than Reed having a program or almost as improbable as Deep Springs (OK, that's a stretch and yes I know Deep Springs is a 2 year deal involving a unique combo of Plato, Aristotle, livestock, and agriculture).

I'm gonna let the Dr. Jay Martin reference go as I lose every time and/or pick up more negative karma from the nostalgia elites.  I'll just note that I'm very comfortable with Kenyon's soccer history in the Great Lakes region and nationally, especially over the past decade dovetailing with the period of my greatest interest, and with the Owls #1 spot among US colleges and universities in terms of Fulbright awards, Ph.D.s, world class human beings, and #1 oldest US and college bookstores....No need for any fact-checks...just take my word for it.

I think we're long past overdue to learn a little more about our Kuiper friend who has masterfully and elegantly poked fun at a number of us or our schools and as far as I can tell has yet to feel the sting of wounded backlash.  For all of his excellent participation, all we know (unless I missed it somewhere) is that he resides in California (the warmer part) and is well versed about the college landscape in general and especially the upper tiers of undergraduate education.  He's shown some interest in GK topics but also has had keen insights across a range of topics.  He never dropped out of my top 5 of posters in 2022 and no one would have blinked had he won Newcomer of the Year (and perhaps he did from some publications).  At any rate, was he a GK?  Does he have a kid who is a GK?  A kid on the East Coast?  In the NESCAC or UAA?  Part of the burgeoning W&L industrial complex?  A branch of the Brandon Bianco social media blitz?  Or maybe in the Pac NW at Willamette or Whitman? No pressure at all, but would be interesting to hear whatever you're willing or able to share.

Quote from: PaulNewman on March 01, 2023, 03:22:15 PM
Lol, Kuiper.  If you're anonymous, how am I supposed to know who your older brother is...unless you are a Myers or a Barrera?  I assume you're a bit older than peers of my kid.  And now you're gonna drive me crazy trying to figure it out!

Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 01, 2023, 12:18:52 PM
The admissions process is dramatically different at Caltech than at MIT ... or at any other school in D3, for that matter, as far as I'm aware.

That's the reason why Caltech has been so spectacularly bad (as Hopkins92 aptly put it) at almost every sport for generations, aside from isolated instances in which they've hired a really gifted coach. The standout example is Oliver Eslinger in men's basketball, a coach so good that he can truly maximize whatever limited amount of hoops talent has somehow managed to slip in through the admissions process. He has actually brought the Beavers up to the level of mediocrity in a few seasons here and there, which is the Caltech equivalent of a Final Four appearance. Same with Caltech women's volleyball coach Tom Gardner, on a somewhat less dramatic scale than Eslinger.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on March 13, 2023, 06:48:25 PM
Another coach and program that truly impressed me.  Another one in Texas.

SimpeCoach to Coach Interview with Nick Mims, Head Men's Coach at Concordia University (https://youtu.be/dSOMTQ_exwI)

Quote from: Kuiper on March 18, 2023, 08:17:20 PM
Condolences SC.  Rough way to lose for Mount Union in the MBB national championship game.  At least they have men's soccer to look forward to, right?  ;D

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 14, 2023, 03:58:58 PM
This one I truly enjoyed.  Another great conversation for the books.  A SimpleCoach to Coach Interview with Tony Pacella, Head Men's Coach at Sewanee

A SimpleCoach to Coach Interview with Tony Pacella, Head Men's Coach at Sewanee (https://youtu.be/YI0hmoChwi0)

Quote from: Another Mom on April 15, 2023, 12:58:25 PM
I'm late -- how did Jackie do?

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 16, 2023, 07:59:15 AM

Quote from: Another Mom on April 15, 2023, 12:58:25 PM
I'm late -- how did Jackie do?

@Another Mom - Still recovering.  Had a rough couple days, mostly because of the anestesia, but seems to be on the mends.  Waiting on the biopsy, but hoping it is all good.

Thanks for asking!  She very much appreciates it!

SC.

Quote from: PaulNewman on April 25, 2023, 02:32:39 PM
SC, please ignore and excuse my faux pas if I am intruding on hypersensitive internal intel, but I'm curious at this juncture in the life cycle of the SC "Coach to Coach" phenomenon what % of your coach interviews are generated from....

A)  A personal, individualized invite from the Godfather of the D3 Soccer Media Industrial Complex

B)  A less personal but still very warm missive with a dollop of humor to a group (like a group of conference coaches)

C)  "Word of mouth" referrals whereby, as an example, coach at East Mechanicsburg State has good experience and suggests that coach at Southern Mennonite Utah Valley give you a ring

D) Coaches now initiating contact with you requesting to be interviewed based on seeing success with your interviews across the spectrum (men's and women's programs, national champs, nationally prominent programs, lesser known programs, excellent geographic diversity, etc) and hearing tales of some coaches experiencing upwards of a 5000% increase in recruiting inquiries

Quote from: PaulNewman on April 25, 2023, 02:32:39 PM
SC, please ignore and excuse my faux pas if I am intruding on hypersensitive internal intel, but I'm curious at this juncture in the life cycle of the SC "Coach to Coach" phenomenon what % of your coach interviews are generated from....

A)  A personal, individualized invite from the Godfather of the D3 Soccer Media Industrial Complex

B)  A less personal but still very warm missive with a dollop of humor to a group (like a group of conference coaches)

C)  "Word of mouth" referrals whereby, as an example, coach at East Mechanicsburg State has good experience and suggests that coach at Southern Mennonite Utah Valley give you a ring

D) Coaches now initiating contact with you requesting to be interviewed based on seeing success with your interviews across the spectrum (men's and women's programs, national champs, nationally prominent programs, lesser known programs, excellent geographic diversity, etc) and hearing tales of some coaches experiencing upwards of a 5000% increase in recruiting inquiries

QuoteDon't want for the content to get stale, or at least be a one trick pony, hence things like Around D3, and the Emmy Award nominated season surprise, The New Show.... Which is under union contract laws right now, so trying to work with the talent for a second season.  They only want red M&Ms in their dressing room.  Can you believe that?

Quote from: PaulNewman on April 27, 2023, 07:10:30 PM
Hey, congrats, my friend!  My in-laws are a big RPI family.

Thank goodness he picked a couple of easy majors.

And I can hear our LL fans cheering about the collateral media attention their schools (ummm...SLU) will be getting as a consequence.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 26, 2023, 07:00:15 PM
This one goes down as a Classic SC2C.  Where else can D3 Soccer, the movie Zulu and the Llangollen International Music Festival unite two strangers? 

An SC2C with Alun Oliver, Head Men's Coach at St. Mary's College if Maryland (https://youtu.be/uCgOlMPkN_Q)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 29, 2023, 07:40:20 AM
I enjoyed getting the opportunity to talk to Rod Lafaurie, Head Men's Coach at Occidental College.  Always interesting to get the perspective of a coach from the West coast.

Rod Lafaurie, Head Men's Coach at Occidental (https://youtu.be/uF8n99UMY9o)

Quote from: bubbabeans on April 29, 2023, 12:36:04 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 29, 2023, 07:40:20 AM
I enjoyed getting the opportunity to talk to Rod Lafaurie, Head Men's Coach at Occidental College.  Always interesting to get the perspective of a coach from the West coast.

Rod Lafaurie, Head Men's Coach at Occidental (https://youtu.be/uF8n99UMY9o)

Very exciting to see west coast schools getting the SC treatment. And I need to say that the Oxy ID Camp was by far the best experience my player had during the soccer recruitment process -- individualized feedback from coaches, a nice variety of schools represented, and fantastic weather. If things had worked out to where my player had picked Oxy, I would have been very happy. Coach Lafaurie was pure class throughout the whole thing.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on May 03, 2023, 06:47:32 AM
Another great program out west.... not to mention spectacular views from the soccer field... at least from what the pictures show... Really enjoyed this one with Coach Scott Palguta, Head Men's Coach at Colorado College.

Scott Palguta, Head Men's Coach at Colorado College (https://youtu.be/atz5bs1pU7Q)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on May 04, 2023, 03:14:57 PM

In this SimpleCoach to Coach, I speak with Tim Penrod, Head Men's Coach at SUNY Canton and cover the moon and the stars, from the last season, to youth soccer, Iceland and the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

A SimpleCoach to Coach Interview with Tim Penrod, Head Men's Coach at SUNY Canton (https://youtu.be/UsyCOk3A_ro)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on May 24, 2023, 08:57:57 PM
Never thought I would do this one, but don't you know, it happened.  Probably one of the more interesting discussions I have had ... and we really didn't talk soccer.

Hope you enjoy.... and yes... @EnmoreCat, it was for you.

An SC2C with Justin Serpone, Head Men's Coach at Amherst College - The EnmoreCat Edition (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avpGWJhJBfA)

Quote from: Martindale on June 06, 2023, 08:11:09 AM
As a Wabash graduate I was duty bound to heckle through the entirety of that last podcast.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on June 22, 2023, 03:36:27 PM
Had a great time talking to SUNY Cobleskill Head Coach, Joe Machado.  Another SUNY program with great academics.... and a beautiful soccer field.

SUNY Cobleskill Head Men's Coach, Joe Machado (https://youtu.be/p-X93vnGHz0)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on June 30, 2023, 03:33:51 PM
So this one was cool.  Enjoying talking to Assistant Coaches.  A SimpleCoach to Coach Interview with Ryan Shera, Assistant Men's Coach at Washington College

A SimpleCoach to Coach Interview with Ryan Shera, Assistant Men's Coach at Washington College (https://youtu.be/KymkA31Mzuk)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on July 26, 2023, 06:36:09 AM
So, pulled the trigger on an episode of Injured Time on some of my best theories about the game.  Hope you enjoy.

Injured Time, Episode 4 - My Top 11 Theories About the Game (https://youtu.be/xr90K2U7qfU)

Quote from: Ejay on July 26, 2023, 08:40:41 AM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on July 26, 2023, 06:36:09 AM
So, pulled the trigger on an episode of Injured Time on some of my best theories about the game.  Hope you enjoy.

Injured Time, Episode 4 - My Top 11 Theories About the Game (https://youtu.be/xr90K2U7qfU)

"Player Development, a made up term."  Remind me again of the name of the club you write checks to for Simple Player ;-).

Haven't watched the entire video yet, but definitely some good conversational material.

Quote from: Newenglander on July 26, 2023, 10:05:02 AM
Good discussion as usual - only comment is it seems like a long or flip throw in the final third is very similar to the dreaded corner kick to me.

Quote from: jknezek on July 26, 2023, 10:19:41 AM

Quote from: Newenglander on July 26, 2023, 10:05:02 AM
Good discussion as usual - only comment is it seems like a long or flip throw in the final third is very similar to the dreaded corner kick to me.

I agree. If you have someone who can throw to the back post area from anywhere near the 18, it's very much a corner kick situation, except I think the ball comes in softer on a higher arc. Slightly easier to defend, but also easier to get a clean head on it.

I don't like when teams only use long throws in that situation, too much of a 50/50 to lose possession in that area of the field, but I think if you mix it up with the same thrower you can catch defenders sleeping easier than you can with a corner since corners are an overly practiced situation.

Quote from: westroadsf on July 26, 2023, 10:52:44 AM
Agree, teams with a long thrower fall prey to being too predictable and too reliant on it. Match slows down while long thrower gathers ball, himself/herself, etc., lets defenses organize/setup. I never understand why teams don't switch it up more by letting the long thrower go short/quick (like a short corner) which forces defenses to make more hard decisions.

Quote from: Kuiper on July 26, 2023, 06:16:35 PM
A couple of quick notes about a fun episode of Injured Time.

1.  Player development

I agree with you that it is generally just a meaningless buzzword.  Clubs usually insist it means "we play a style of play that is not conducive to winning now, but will reap rewards in the long run."  More often, it is code for "we generally don't cut players even after a losing season; they're all invited back year-after-year," although that can also mean "we don't really have the ambition to actively recruit to replace a paying family who doesn't cause trouble, but we would gladly take a better player who walks through the door and sit the long-time player on the bench."  I do think players can learn technical/tactical/mental/physical things from every coach and club they are with over the years.  It doesn't only happen on their own or because of natural ability.  It's just not true, though, that some clubs have a magic formula for developing a player that is better than what other clubs do.  At most, there are clubs that are true clubs and offer additional training nights for all players that focus on some technical or tactical things while other clubs are just a collection of teams where if you don't get it from your coach it won't be provided.

2.  US Soccer Blueprint

I think your point here is that US Soccer doesn't have one and ties into your views that (1) it would better to apply a federalism approach where each state experimented with its own approach and (2) every team should be required to compete in their State Cup and then advance to a regional competition etc.

Both of these alternatives, while arguably sensible from a soccer policy perspective, are problematic for a reason that few diehard soccer fans -- and virtually no Eurosnobs -- seem to understand or accept:  US Soccer generally, and youth soccer in particular, including youth soccer organizing bodies, are all businesses (even if they are organized as non-profit organizations) and they, like clubs, are subject to antitrust laws.  There is an antitrust exception for the US Olympic Committee and its delegated governing bodies, including US Soccer, in its capacity as the selection body for national teams and the Olympics under what is now called the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act.  The only precedent on how much power that gives US Soccer held that it didn't apply to pro sports.  I think it's likely it also doesn't apply to youth sports except in limited circumstances (like player safety under the Safe Sport Act and other obligations undertaken as a voluntary trade association).  It probably doesn't extend to deciding that US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and MLS Next have to require that their teams participate in a common State Cup.  Indeed, we're already seeing state cups disintegrate in some states because the system we grew up with was one where there was only US Youth Soccer Ass'n and its delegated representative in each state organized a single state cup.  US Club Soccer even has some rival state governing bodies now, which makes the state-level experimentation more difficult.  Lawsuits against US Soccer currently in the courts could further reduce its power to provide any national direction and would likely limit state governing bodies as well.

In Europe and elsewhere, what distinguishes their leagues and youth system from an antitrust (competition) law perspective is that legislatures/courts have accorded sport special status and have generally provided some wiggle room with competition law.  It's not complete, which is why the limit on club control over player movement went away in the mid-1990s, and it is under attack (e.g., the lawsuits against restrictions on participants in the European Super League, a competitor to UEFA's Champions League).  The solidarity and training compensation payments that fund most of youth development systems around the world probably violate competition law as well, but they haven't been challenged to this point.

That's a more depressing take than people may want to hear, but it does suggest that if there are solutions to youth development, it is going to have to come from market demand rather than top down mandates. 

There are at least two legal and structural changes that could radically alter the market and are at least theoretically plausible:

1.  The breakdown of college soccer at the D1 level because of the breakaway of football and basketball from the NCAA.  If the money leaves the NCAA because football and basketball separate, that could reduce funding for the NCAA and imperil funding for postseason tournaments and that would reduce money colleges bring in an use to subsidize sports like soccer.  In theory, a lot of colleges could resort to a DIII or even club sports model where players foot the cost with their tuition.  That could reduce the draw of college soccer significantly, even from its currently weakened state, for those looking for scholarship money.

2.  If the recent Supreme Court case on admissions and the subsequent investigation of legacy admissions causes a re-examination of athletics recruiting as well (for political or legal reasons), that could take away the draw of college soccer for those using it as a springboard for admission to elite academic colleges.

If both events occur, my guess is pay for play becomes a lot less viable for a lot of parents.  There will still be players vying for elite status to see if they could make a pro men's or women's academy, but without the college hook, the business model for a lot of the rest of youth soccer breaks down.  That would naturally reduce the pressure for competing governing bodies and leagues, as well as for some of the national travel.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on July 26, 2023, 06:39:23 PM

Quote from: Kuiper on July 26, 2023, 06:16:35 PM
A couple of quick notes about a fun episode of Injured Time.

1.  Player development

I agree with you that it is generally just a meaningless buzzword.  Clubs usually insist it means "we play a style of play that is not conducive to winning now, but will reap rewards in the long run."  More often, it is code for "we generally don't cut players even after a losing season; they're all invited back year-after-year," although that can also mean "we don't really have the ambition to actively recruit to replace a paying family who doesn't cause trouble, but we would gladly take a better player who walks through the door and sit the long-time player on the bench."  I do think players can learn technical/tactical/mental/physical things from every coach and club they are with over the years.  It doesn't only happen on their own or because of natural ability.  It's just not true, though, that some clubs have a magic formula for developing a player that is better than what other clubs do.  At most, there are clubs that are true clubs and offer additional training nights for all players that focus on some technical or tactical things while other clubs are just a collection of teams where if you don't get it from your coach it won't be provided.

2.  US Soccer Blueprint

I think your point here is that US Soccer doesn't have one and ties into your views that (1) it would better to apply a federalism approach where each state experimented with its own approach and (2) every team should be required to compete in their State Cup and then advance to a regional competition etc.

Both of these alternatives, while arguably sensible from a soccer policy perspective, are problematic for a reason that few diehard soccer fans -- and virtually no Eurosnobs -- seem to understand or accept:  US Soccer generally, and youth soccer in particular, including youth soccer organizing bodies, are all businesses (even if they are organized as non-profit organizations) and they, like clubs, are subject to antitrust laws.  There is an antitrust exception for the US Olympic Committee and its delegated governing bodies, including US Soccer, in its capacity as the selection body for national teams and the Olympics under what is now called the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act.  The only precedent on how much power that gives US Soccer held that it didn't apply to pro sports.  I think it's likely it also doesn't apply to youth sports except in limited circumstances (like player safety under the Safe Sport Act and other obligations undertaken as a voluntary trade association).  It probably doesn't extend to deciding that US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and MLS Next have to require that their teams participate in a common State Cup.  Indeed, we're already seeing state cups disintegrate in some states because the system we grew up with was one where there was only US Youth Soccer Ass'n and its delegated representative in each state organized a single state cup.  US Club Soccer even has some rival state governing bodies now, which makes the state-level experimentation more difficult.  Lawsuits against US Soccer currently in the courts could further reduce its power to provide any national direction and would likely limit state governing bodies as well.

In Europe and elsewhere, what distinguishes their leagues and youth system from an antitrust (competition) law perspective is that legislatures/courts have accorded sport special status and have generally provided some wiggle room with competition law.  It's not complete, which is why the limit on club control over player movement went away in the mid-1990s, and it is under attack (e.g., the lawsuits against restrictions on participants in the European Super League, a competitor to UEFA's Champions League).  The solidarity and training compensation payments that fund most of youth development systems around the world probably violate competition law as well, but they haven't been challenged to this point.

That's a more depressing take than people may want to hear, but it does suggest that if there are solutions to youth development, it is going to have to come from market demand rather than top down mandates. 

There are at least two legal and structural changes that could radically alter the market and are at least theoretically plausible:

1.  The breakdown of college soccer at the D1 level because of the breakaway of football and basketball from the NCAA.  If the money leaves the NCAA because football and basketball separate, that could reduce funding for the NCAA and imperil funding for postseason tournaments and that would reduce money colleges bring in an use to subsidize sports like soccer.  In theory, a lot of colleges could resort to a DIII or even club sports model where players foot the cost with their tuition.  That could reduce the draw of college soccer significantly, even from its currently weakened state, for those looking for scholarship money.

2.  If the recent Supreme Court case on admissions and the subsequent investigation of legacy admissions causes a re-examination of athletics recruiting as well (for political or legal reasons), that could take away the draw of college soccer for those using it as a springboard for admission to elite academic colleges.

If both events occur, my guess is pay for play becomes a lot less viable for a lot of parents.  There will still be players vying for elite status to see if they could make a pro men's or women's academy, but without the college hook, the business model for a lot of the rest of youth soccer breaks down.  That would naturally reduce the pressure for competing governing bodies and leagues, as well as for some of the national travel.

What?  Nothing on the College/University Bookstore Industrial Complex?  That was some of my best work.

SC.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on August 04, 2023, 01:55:22 PM
Hey SC, I dropped this in another thread but wanted to put it here to be more direct:

I'd very curious to hear from a Landmark coach about the effect of going Pay Wall this fall. My conjecture is that it's not all that popular as it limits the ability of recruits (and their parents) to check out their team and get a feel for style of play and whatnot.

Quote from: Coach Jeff on September 06, 2023, 03:28:59 PM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on August 04, 2023, 01:55:22 PM
Hey SC, I dropped this in another thread but wanted to put it here to be more direct:

I'd very curious to hear from a Landmark coach about the effect of going Pay Wall this fall. My conjecture is that it's not all that popular as it limits the ability of recruits (and their parents) to check out their team and get a feel for style of play and whatnot.

I spoke to One of the Landmark coaches and he definitely was not for pay to view...it was a Conference decision...

Quote from: Hopkins92 on September 07, 2023, 11:35:44 AM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on September 06, 2023, 03:28:59 PM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on August 04, 2023, 01:55:22 PM
Hey SC, I dropped this in another thread but wanted to put it here to be more direct:

I'd very curious to hear from a Landmark coach about the effect of going Pay Wall this fall. My conjecture is that it's not all that popular as it limits the ability of recruits (and their parents) to check out their team and get a feel for style of play and whatnot.

I spoke to One of the Landmark coaches and he definitely was not for pay to view...it was a Conference decision...

Pretty short-sighted, IMO.

Honestly, I can see NESCAC and/or UAA pulling this, (don't feel like typing it all out in a PC way)... I just don't think the juice is worth the squeeze for Landmark.

I watch a lot of sports. There are only 2 teams on the planet where if you forced me to pay, I would. (USMNT and MI football) Other than parents of current players, and MAYBE hardcore alumni, I just don't see how the #'s($$) work here.

Honestly, if the CC goes paywall, I'm done. I have other stuff I can fill my time with (probably to my wife's relief.) The irony(?) here is that when I joined this board, streaming games was the exception rather than the rule. I highly doubt they are using the Amazon Prime/YouTube TV model of bringing you in at a low price point (free in this case) and then charging increasingly higher subs costs. But... Man, I sure hope this isn't the direction other conferences go.

Quote from: Hopkins92 on September 07, 2023, 11:35:44 AM

Quote from: Coach Jeff on September 06, 2023, 03:28:59 PM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on August 04, 2023, 01:55:22 PM
Hey SC, I dropped this in another thread but wanted to put it here to be more direct:

I'd very curious to hear from a Landmark coach about the effect of going Pay Wall this fall. My conjecture is that it's not all that popular as it limits the ability of recruits (and their parents) to check out their team and get a feel for style of play and whatnot.

I spoke to One of the Landmark coaches and he definitely was not for pay to view...it was a Conference decision...

Pretty short-sighted, IMO.

Honestly, I can see NESCAC and/or UAA pulling this, (don't feel like typing it all out in a PC way)... I just don't think the juice is worth the squeeze for Landmark.

I watch a lot of sports. There are only 2 teams on the planet where if you forced me to pay, I would. (USMNT and MI football) Other than parents of current players, and MAYBE hardcore alumni, I just don't see how the #'s($$) work here.

Honestly, if the CC goes paywall, I'm done. I have other stuff I can fill my time with (probably to my wife's relief.) The irony(?) here is that when I joined this board, streaming games was the exception rather than the rule. I highly doubt they are using the Amazon Prime/YouTube TV model of bringing you in at a low price point (free in this case) and then charging increasingly higher subs costs. But... Man, I sure hope this isn't the direction other conferences go.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 14, 2023, 11:58:43 AM
Here you go.  The Return of the New Show with @PaulNewman!

The New Show, Season Two, Episode One (https://youtu.be/UXYaCkpKJE8)

Quote from: JFPIV on September 14, 2023, 02:10:12 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 14, 2023, 11:58:43 AM
Here you go.  The Return of the New Show with @PaulNewman!

The New Show, Season Two, Episode One (https://youtu.be/UXYaCkpKJE8)

Great conversation!  You should watch "The Bear."

Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on September 14, 2023, 02:21:41 PM

Quote from: JFPIV on September 14, 2023, 02:10:12 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 14, 2023, 11:58:43 AM
Here you go.  The Return of the New Show with @PaulNewman!

The New Show, Season Two, Episode One (https://youtu.be/UXYaCkpKJE8)

Great conversation!  You should watch "The Bear."

Definitely, plus ditto as to "The Bear."  Very few shows where its very funny, sad plus tragic often all at once. On top of all it not preachy.

Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2023, 02:29:26 PM

Quote from: SierraFD3soccer on September 14, 2023, 02:21:41 PM

Quote from: JFPIV on September 14, 2023, 02:10:12 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 14, 2023, 11:58:43 AM
Here you go.  The Return of the New Show with @PaulNewman!

The New Show, Season Two, Episode One (https://youtu.be/UXYaCkpKJE8)

Great conversation!  You should watch "The Bear."

Definitely, plus ditto as to "The Bear."  Very few shows where its very funny, sad plus tragic often all at once. On top of all it not preachy.

Yes, I admit I was thrown a little and had nothing in my "break glass for awkward moments" bag when the Great One had no knowledge of The Bear....but then again I had never heard of it until like 3 months ago...and then binge-watched both seasons in two weekends. 

For those in know, gun to your head, Episode 6 (Jamie Lee Curtis) or Episode 7 (Richie), season 2?

Quote from: Hopkins92 on September 14, 2023, 02:59:57 PM
Richie episode is one of my favorite single shows of all time.

(Went with my wife to Chicago a couple of weekends ago... Al's Beef, Lou Malnati's and a Chicago dog from Relish. Touristy? Yes. Also delicious!!)

Quote from: Hopkins92 on September 14, 2023, 02:59:57 PM
Richie episode is one of my favorite single shows of all time.

(Went with my wife to Chicago a couple of weekends ago... Al's Beef, Lou Malnati's and a Chicago dog from Relish. Touristy? Yes. Also delicious!!)

Quote from: PaulNewman on September 14, 2023, 03:04:40 PM

Quote from: Hopkins92 on September 14, 2023, 02:59:57 PM
Richie episode is one of my favorite single shows of all time.

(Went with my wife to Chicago a couple of weekends ago... Al's Beef, Lou Malnati's and a Chicago dog from Relish. Touristy? Yes. Also delicious!!)

I enjoyed the Richie episode more....a much easier drink.  And he was phenomenal.  That said, the acting performance by JLC in 6 was next, next level..and imo the filming of the frenetic long scene with her extraordinary.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on September 14, 2023, 03:09:47 PM
I really can't believe that no one is talking about World at War.  Classic documentary on WWII.

Buehler?  Buehler?

SC.

Quote from: PaulNewman on September 28, 2023, 01:25:12 PM
I haven't been formally deputized to post SC's content but I feel like the fact that EnmoreCat features in Episode #2 is reason enough. In all seriousness, very glad you were able to be here for 3 weeks and drink in the experience with your son.  An incredible time in the lives of fathers and sons (and of course mothers too).

https://youtu.be/nwCSxfsX1zI?si=jvT1OrKzYjNxU3sb

Quote from: Freddyfud on October 17, 2023, 07:47:31 PM
Sorry for necromancing this thread but was out of town 2 weekends ago looking for a new series to watch.  The good news: I recalled this thread and started watching the Bear (just finished season 2 last night.). I think the reference to the Wire sealed it for me.  For those who recommended I want to thank you.  It was excellent.  The bad news:  I wasn't sure if we had a Hulu account so texted the wife to ask and told her I wanted to watch the series.  Her response "Yeah-I tried to get you to watch it w me"

Did I mention I'd like to thank those who recommended?

Quote from: PaulNewman on October 17, 2023, 09:46:22 PM
Nice work Freddy.  Thanks for sharing that.  So, episode six?  Or seven?  Season 2 of course.

Quote from: SKUD on November 15, 2023, 05:41:05 PM
SC's best interview ever with school president.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 15, 2023, 08:14:05 PM

Quote from: SKUD on November 15, 2023, 05:41:05 PM
SC's best interview ever with school president.

Thank you.  Definitely ranks.

SC.

QuoteThere's a great episode of the All Things DIII Soccer podcast, with Simple Coach interviewing Adrian College president Jeffrey Docking, author of the book The College of the Future.  He's not an uncontroversial figure, but that's mostly related to his plans for shared online courses (involving a for-profit company that he has a connection to) and not because of his work in expanding college sports teams.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fucnBDA0Fg

I think we all know by now that D3 schools (as well as small schools generally, whether JCs, NAIA, DII etc), are using athletics to help drive enrollment and save schools, but Docking started this back in 2005 and he openly embraces the strategy and its clear connection to admissions goals and quotas for coaches.  The most interesting revelation from the interview is his claim this isn't a situation where the sports gambit is no longer working because all DIII schools are doing it now.  According to Docking, it's being used to compete with the big publics for a few more students.  As he said, 85% of students are going to the big public universities in his state of Michigan (or maybe that was the national number).  If only a small fraction of that number go to DIII schools instead because of athletics, and he can get maybe a couple of dozen of them to go to Adrian, that's a massive difference to their bottom line over four years.

Quote from: stlawus on November 15, 2023, 08:17:52 PM
Is Joe Bergin the current title holder for most SC interviews right now?  Good stuff, always like the post season recap interviews.  Hope they keep coming!

Quote from: Kuiper on November 15, 2023, 08:46:49 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 15, 2023, 08:14:05 PM

Quote from: SKUD on November 15, 2023, 05:41:05 PM
SC's best interview ever with school president.

Thank you.  Definitely ranks.

SC.

I agree.  Since it really wasn't specific or unique to soccer and therefore would be of interest to people connected with many sports, I posted it about it in the "Future of Division III" thread on the "General Division III issues" on the main board a few days ago.  If you saw a spike in traffic, does that make me a "D3boards influencer?"  ;D

QuoteThere's a great episode of the All Things DIII Soccer podcast, with Simple Coach interviewing Adrian College president Jeffrey Docking, author of the book The College of the Future.  He's not an uncontroversial figure, but that's mostly related to his plans for shared online courses (involving a for-profit company that he has a connection to) and not because of his work in expanding college sports teams.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fucnBDA0Fg

I think we all know by now that D3 schools (as well as small schools generally, whether JCs, NAIA, DII etc), are using athletics to help drive enrollment and save schools, but Docking started this back in 2005 and he openly embraces the strategy and its clear connection to admissions goals and quotas for coaches.  The most interesting revelation from the interview is his claim this isn't a situation where the sports gambit is no longer working because all DIII schools are doing it now.  According to Docking, it's being used to compete with the big publics for a few more students.  As he said, 85% of students are going to the big public universities in his state of Michigan (or maybe that was the national number).  If only a small fraction of that number go to DIII schools instead because of athletics, and he can get maybe a couple of dozen of them to go to Adrian, that's a massive difference to their bottom line over four years.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on November 16, 2023, 06:50:44 AM

Quote from: stlawus on November 15, 2023, 08:17:52 PM
Is Joe Bergin the current title holder for most SC interviews right now?  Good stuff, always like the post season recap interviews.  Hope they keep coming!

Actually at this moment, he probably is.  Simply because he is the first coach I have spoke with to go over the season.  I always do enjoy speaking with him regardless.

SC.

Quote from: Another Mom on November 29, 2023, 07:54:54 AM
Ooh, yay! Will listen on my 2 hour drive this morning.

ETA except, it's not (yet?) posted as a podcast. (I'm a subscriber).

Quote from: PaulNewman on December 04, 2023, 06:39:45 PM
Putting this here because frankly we should be talking about St Olaf in the other thread.

I just watched SC's interview with Serpone.  I know I watched some of it before but not all of it.  What struck me after all the recent convos is that yes, he comes across as genuinely extremely bright, thoughtful, passionate, etc.  I got a vibe of a very talented youth minister or life coach.  Heck, I think he could help me with my anxiety and worrying too much about what others think in a way that distracts from staying focused and on task.  In that regard, I can respect what he says about his ONLY or primary obligation being to his 28-30 players and whoever else is most directly a part of the program. 

But what also struck me, and I'm sure I'm taking him partly out of context, was his take on his players only really needing him after losses/major disappointments (losing in PKs, breakup with a partner, family loss, etc).  That was great.  However, and I get what he was saying, he suggested that they don't need him for winning or after winning.  And that's where I disagree.  On the one hand, I have little doubt that they learn how to handle winning from him and take cues from him, and so he is implicated regardless.  Helping them figure out how to deal with winning (differently) should be part of a coach's job.  That seems like a life lesson too, as 'winning' long-term post-Amherst means being able to appreciate the world beyond the brotherhood of one's collegiate team (even if the alums already have booked tickets to Vegas).  I can understand trying to make Amherst soccer the means to an incredible life ahead, but not both the means and the end whereby all the energy gets directed back into itself in an insular fashion.  Claiming that folks just can't understand because we can't comprehend the love that they share for each other starts to sound a little cultish (and insulting).

Anyway, what I got out of the interview is that he is smart enough and self-aware enough to have his players commit to the Amherst passion without some of the antics and losing control, and without him berating officials and screaming on the sidelines constantly.  He knows better (or at least he gives that impression).

Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 17, 2023, 09:13:16 PM
Not about D3, but hey, I can opine on other things.

Injured Time - Playing Games with the US Open Cup? (https://youtu.be/cQHFgCjCWn0?si=_o-8JT-V34EIwOhW)

Quote from: Freddyfud on December 18, 2023, 01:50:26 AM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 17, 2023, 09:13:16 PM
Not about D3, but hey, I can opine on other things.

Injured Time - Playing Games with the US Open Cup? (https://youtu.be/cQHFgCjCWn0?si=_o-8JT-V34EIwOhW)

Fighting visions of sugar plums dancing so decided to give this a view.  Very interesting as I've been following this, thanks.  My first reaction to the news was to debate in my head yet again is this a symptom or a cause for US Soccer problems.  Add this decision to the list that already includes lack of promotion/relegation, sanctioned expansion that seems to favor the few rather than the masses, the moving target that is the US "pathway to pro" (whatever that means), etc., etc.  You touched on other aspects such as the Federation favoring a league that is becoming more and more international and MLS's financial progress.  I doubt 20 years ago US Soccer would have guessed the league could ever make a $250M TV deal as it just did with Messi Apple.  As for my internal debate with this latest news, I think I'll punt for now and wait and see.

I expected you to bring up one aspect in particular with the possibility of a second one but was surprised to hear neither.  Not to discredit what you did mention as again I found it interesting.  And perhaps the answer is there is only so much time which is obviously reasonable.  I'll start with the second less obvious one which is the influence of MLS on youth soccer.  I like your idea of decentralizing training centers but believe that scratches the surface.  I still believe identification of the best US youth soccer talent is fundamentally suffering and inadequate.  Expansion of opportunity such as USL tiers and now MLS Next Pro helps.  Unfortunately there is still the American way--it's not what you know it's who you know.  The ATL decision is likely an example as you say, but I believe this problem is much more pervasive.

As for the more obvious thought: the audacity when no other country would do this.  If he saw this news I imagine Klopp choked on his schnitzel laughing at up to 6 midweek schedule conflicts.  I get your points on fines and other monetary penalties.  But I wonder if the most effective path is to somehow make the US Open Cup as compelling as it is for the FA Cup or Copa Del Rey.  It will never be Michigan vs Ohio State, but surely there is a way to generate more interest for attendance and TV contracts.  Ten years ago there were 3K fans who showed up to watch the NASL Carolina Railhawks beat Landon Donovan and the the LA Galaxy in the Open Cup.  If there is a way to get that same game today with more hype, ticket sales and a legitimate content partner  MLS wouldn't have a choice.  How do we elevate the celebration of Coach Wilfried Nancy from just winning the MLS Cup to possibly winning a treble (Champions League notwithstanding?)

Quote from: Hopkins92 on December 19, 2023, 11:26:48 AM
Realistically, and I'm not some firebrand on this topic, just curious... If I buy the NextTownUp MLS franchise for... what are they going for these days? $500M?

And my team blows and gets relegated and I am no longer getting that TV money and other exposure. I'm not sure how that works, frankly. European and S. American teams have been around for longer than any of us have been alive. There's no "buying into" La Liga or Serie A or whatever.

I just wonder what people that say the US should have pro/rel are actually advocating. Would love to be convinced it can work, but over the years I've seen a lot of fiery posts on message boards that just aren't rooted in economic reality.

Quote from: SKUD on December 19, 2023, 01:17:51 PM
SC sounds like you're speaking from experience.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 17, 2023, 09:13:16 PM
Not about D3, but hey, I can opine on other things.

Injured Time - Playing Games with the US Open Cup? (https://youtu.be/cQHFgCjCWn0?si=_o-8JT-V34EIwOhW)

Quote from: Kuiper on December 20, 2023, 11:55:49 AM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on December 17, 2023, 09:13:16 PM
Not about D3, but hey, I can opine on other things.

Injured Time - Playing Games with the US Open Cup? (https://youtu.be/cQHFgCjCWn0?si=_o-8JT-V34EIwOhW)

US Soccer cleverly avoided having to rely upon any one of SimpleCoach's diabolical suggested punishments by characterizing MLS' announcement as a "request" and simply denying it.

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39154089/us-soccer-rules-mls-teams-participate-24-open-cup

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 26, 2024, 03:27:53 PMSo I put together a list of the best soccer playing programs.... at least in my mind.

The Best of the Best (https://youtu.be/IjSBgjluYV0)

Quote from: SimpleCoach on February 27, 2024, 08:57:37 AM@Enmorecat.

It may surprise you, but Amherst is on my list.  I think in the final third they are very good.  I just don't necessarily like how they get there.

And of course, their press is outrageous.

Nothing surprises me SC and all is good in downtown Enmore. 

Hope all is well in Enmore!

SC.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 23, 2024, 06:56:34 AMAlways interesting catching up with Coach Singleton.  Great conversation.

A SimpleCoach to Coach Interview with Mike Singleton, Head Women's Coach at Goucher College (https://youtu.be/lj7D2flRL80)

SC.

Quote from: Kuiper on April 23, 2024, 01:05:59 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 23, 2024, 06:56:34 AMAlways interesting catching up with Coach Singleton.  Great conversation.

A SimpleCoach to Coach Interview with Mike Singleton, Head Women's Coach at Goucher College (https://youtu.be/lj7D2flRL80)

SC.

Listen to this for a recap of the W&L season too and how they turned it around midseason!

Quote from: EnmoreCat on April 23, 2024, 03:39:21 PM

Quote from: Kuiper on April 23, 2024, 01:05:59 PM

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 23, 2024, 06:56:34 AMAlways interesting catching up with Coach Singleton.  Great conversation.

A SimpleCoach to Coach Interview with Mike Singleton, Head Women's Coach at Goucher College (https://youtu.be/lj7D2flRL80)

SC.

Listen to this for a recap of the W&L season too and how they turned it around midseason!

And then you hit the paywall!

Quote from: Kuiper on April 23, 2024, 07:41:35 PM

Quote from: EnmoreCat on April 23, 2024, 03:39:21 PMAnd then you hit the paywall!

The irony!  ;)

Quote from: EnmoreCat on April 30, 2024, 03:37:05 PMIn the less-than-elite circles I move in, I have heard you referred to now as Paywall Coach.

Quote from: SimpleCoach on April 30, 2024, 09:20:02 PM

Quote from: EnmoreCat on April 30, 2024, 03:37:05 PMIn the less-than-elite circles I move in, I have heard you referred to now as Paywall Coach.

Less-than-elite, @EnmoreCat?  I find that hard to believe....

Quote from: SimpleCoach on May 28, 2024, 03:40:52 PMI am jones-ing for the season to begin....


Around D3 - Looking forward to the Start of the 2024 Season (https://youtu.be/1JePVZn3BOI)