Discover College Soccer

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Regan from the Bradley Men’s Program in Peoria, Illinois. We talk about how he balances recruiting freshmen, transfers, and international players while focusing on long-term development. He describes the small, private university and its strong academics, supportive community, and family atmosphere. Lastly, we discuss his experienced coaching staff and how they adapt their style of play to fit their players.

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Rusty Oglesby from the Hardin-Simmons Women’s Program in Abilene, Texas. We talk about how the program stays ahead in recruiting and why he looks for strong students who are involved outside of soccer and will fit the culture at Hardin-Simmons. Coach describes the strong alumni network, impressive athletic facilities, and academic opportunities that allow student-athletes to compete at a high level while preparing for their future careers. Lastly, we discuss his possession-oriented style of play, the program’s approach to the spring season, and why he encourages recruits to be patient, trust their own journey, and find a school where they will be wanted and enjoy their college experience.

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Rolf Zersen from the Milwaukee School of Engineering Women’s Soccer Program in Wisconsin. We talk about the unique recruiting approach at a specialized STEM-focused school and why Coach Zersen casts a wide net across the country to find players who are the right fit both academically and athletically. He describes MSOE’s small, hands-on learning environment, its location in the heart of Milwaukee, and the academic support and career resources available to students pursuing demanding degrees in areas such as engineering, nursing, and computer science. Lastly, we discuss what a typical week looks like for his players, the collaborative coaching staff, and his game-focused approach to training that emphasizes decision-making and playing “possession with a purpose.”

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach and author Anthony Latronica, a longtime soccer coach and executive who is currently coaching at Bentley University. Anthony and I go way back to our time together at IMG, and we reconnect to talk about his new book, Leading From the Back: Lessons in Leadership, Legacy, and Life From Between the Posts. We discuss how his experiences as a goalkeeper influenced his approach to leadership, including communication, problem-solving, handling pressure, and seeing the game from a different perspective. Lastly, we talk about his return to college coaching, the rapidly changing recruiting landscape, and why he believes academics and finding the right degree should be a prospective student-athlete’s North Star.

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Stank from the Dakota State Women’s Program in South Dakota. We talk about the challenges of recruiting and building a newer program, including finding players who are the right fit and want to be part of creating something from the ground up. He describes the close-knit Madison community, Dakota State’s continued investment in athletic facilities, and the school’s strong technology-focused academic programs. Lastly, we discuss his defensive-minded coaching philosophy, how he prepares players to solve problems on the field, and why he believes the game ultimately belongs to the players.

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Borneo from the IUP Women’s Program in Pennsylvania. We talk about his transition to IUP and how he hit the ground running with recruiting, including what he looks for academically and athletically when finding the right fit for the program. He describes the strong academics, college atmosphere, and resources available to help student-athletes balance the demands of the classroom and competing in the PSAC. Lastly, we discuss his possession-based style of play, his approach to developing players during the offseason, and the program’s emphasis on confidence and mental toughness.

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Hakari from the Dakota Wesleyan Women’s Program in Mitchell, South Dakota. We talk about how he looks for players who are confident on the ball, competitive, and fit the team culture. He describes the school’s strong academic programs, impressive athletic facilities, and the close-knit community surrounding the university. Lastly, we discuss his possession-focused coaching style and why he believes players should view mistakes as opportunities to learn.

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Brad Ruzzo from the Mercer University Men’s Soccer Program in Macon, Georgia. We talk about the changing landscape of men’s college soccer recruiting, including the transfer portal, roster limits, and why Coach Ruzzo continues to put a premium on mentality, work rate, grit, and finding players who fit the culture of the program. He describes Mercer’s beautiful, walkable campus, strong academic opportunities, and the support systems in place to help student-athletes adjust to the demands of Division I soccer and college life. Lastly, we discuss his experienced perspective after nearly two decades at Mercer, his young staff of former players, and a style of play built around defending and attacking as a team, pressing high up the field, and winning important transitional moments.

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Johnson from the Dominican Women’s Program in San Rafael, California. We talk about how they recruit a mix of freshmen and transfers and what they look for in players both on and off the field. She describes Dominican’s beautiful campus, small class sizes, and supportive community. Lastly, we discuss their growing staff and a style of play that adapts to best fit their personnel.

On today’s episode, I speak with Coach Jim Blankenship from the Florida Gulf Coast University Women’s Soccer program in Fort Myers, Florida. We talk about how the Eagles are adapting to NCAA roster changes, the transfer portal, and evolving recruiting timelines while continuing to build one of the ASUN’s top programs. Coach shares why Florida Gulf Coast’s ID camps play such a significant role in recruiting, what qualities he looks for in prospective student-athletes, and why the university’s academics, campus, and support systems make it such an attractive destination. Lastly, we discuss the program’s high-energy style of play, the resources available to student-athletes, and Coach Blankenship’s advice for recruits on taking ownership of their recruiting process.

See all our interviews. Check out college soccer ID camp listings. Get valuable free college recruiting resources, all at https://discovercollegesoccer.com/ 

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