Our guest for today, Colorado Rapids Goalkeeper Coach, Chris Sharpe and my name is Omar Zeenni, Welcome to the Life through Sport Podcast. 

As mentioned in the introduction, Chris discusses how players can consistently demonstrate their value week after week to make it harder for the coaching staff to make a decision about who should start. And throughout the episode, he drops gems on topics like: specific character traits that he looks for in players, reflects on his own meaningful failures, and discusses how his experience as a #2 for much of his career has given him a unique perspective as a coach. Chris is not just a highly knowledgeable and respected figure in the goalkeeping world, but also a top footballing mind with valuable insights on life. I am thrilled for you to have the opportunity to learn more about him and his personal journey.

0:00 Intro

Life

3:28 How are you really doing?

5:04 What has fatherhood taught you?

6:29 What did your father teach you?

8:24 Book title for this current stage in your life

Player Advice

11:34 Scouting: What are some of the tangible character pieces you look for?

15:34 What do you look for in an “emotional profile” of a player?

18:54 What are your thoughts on retention levels; with regards to learning ability?

21:34 How do we instill these character pieces into our players?

24:54 How can a player make it difficult on you throughout the week to influence your team selection?

29:34 How does a player “build their case” to be the starter? Soundbite

32:54 One final piece of advice for players?

Coach Advice

37:04 What are failures that you cherish?

42:34 Feeling the vulnerability to fail

44:19 Detail your immediate feelings when the Rapids signed Tim Howard?

48:04 What was a bad habit that you had to let go of?

51:09 Processing failure

54:34 What do you think is the meaning of all this?

57:34 Building strong relationships with players