In this episode, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Adam Cooper, one of the most successful college soccer coaches in the country and the longtime architect of the powerhouse program at St. Mary’s College.

 Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Episode 17

02:05 – Falling in Love With Soccer

05:42 – The Youth Soccer Landscape Then vs. Now

09:10 – Getting Noticed by UCLA

12:45 – The Jump to High-Level College Soccer

16:28 – Becoming a Coach

21:20 – Choosing Coaching Over a Pro Career

25:55 – Staying at St. Mary’s

28:18 – Recruiting Today: It’s Complicated

33:14 – The Transfer Portal: “Free Agency Without Contracts”

38:05 – NIL Money and Mid-Major Programs

41:40 – What Coaches Look For

47:55 – Talent, Training, and What Kids Need More Of

53:20 – How Youth Clubs Should Handle Free Play

56:00 – Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup

01:04:10 – The Future of Soccer in America

01:08:00 – Final Thoughts & A Thank You to Adam Cooper

Connect With Us

Claudine: Instagram @ClaudineWongKTVU, Facebook

Alex: Instagram @thealexlobban

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