Several years ago, a referee told one of Lee Jarrell’s players to remove the beads from her new hairstyle. Jarrell appealed, but the official stood firm. Sorrowfully, the girl’s mother stripped all the beads out. Jarrell never forgot that “awful” incident. In February – in her new role as United Soccer Coaches’ first-ever high school […]
high school boys
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Staci Wilson on coaching high school boys, her winning formula, and recalling her mentors
Staci Wilson ticks off the names of coaching mentors, during her career as a University of North Carolina star, U.S. defender, and member of the 1996 Olympic team: Anson Dorrance, Bill Palladino. Jac Cicala. Bill Bragg. Tony DiCicco. April Heinrichs. Lauren Gregg. But not until she joined the Carolina Courage – with Marcia McDermott and Susan Ellis […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Realizing the splendor of soccer amid the pain of defeat
We outshot our state tournament semifinal opponent 17-3. We had nine corner kicks; they had one. But the only statistic that counts is this: Farmington High School 1, Staples High 0. In the aftermath of the season-ending, crushing defeat, a player turned to me – his coach – and said, “I can’t believe how bad […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Improvised scheduling creates unique season amid the pandemic for New England high school
South Kent runs one of the top prep school boys soccer programs in the country. Top Drawer declared them national champions three times in the past six years. The Cardinals have captured nine New England titles since 2006. In 2019 – often playing much larger schools — they finished 19-0-0. This fall, most opponents canceled […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Coaching through COVID: An unexpectedly glorious experience
Far fewer matches, with few traditional rivalries. No league or state tournaments. No spectators, no film sessions, no banquets. It was a high school soccer season unlike any I’ve seen, in over 40 years as a coach. It was also one of the most impactful, inspirational and fulfilling experiences of my life. Last March, as […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Return to play: Oregon moves soccer from fall to late winter
The Oregon School Activities Association became the latest high school association to shut down fall sports when its executive board voted Wednesday to move fall sports, including boys and girlssoccer, to a March start. The new schedule follows that of other states shifting seasons: high school sports will be jammed into six months: winter sports […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
High school comeback guidelines raise complex questions (Part 2)
The soccer coach came off the field, soaked in sweat. It was hot.He’d just run a unique session, training a small group of players who remained six feet apart at all times. Afterward, he wiped down cones. He could not have been happier. It washis first time on the field with his club team – […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
How will high school soccer proceed? The NFHS provides three-phase guidelines (Part 1)
No one yet knows if there will be high school soccer this coming year. But if there is, one thing is certain: It won’t look anything like the high school soccer of years past. The National Federation of State High School Associations – the body that governs public school sports in the U.S., through 51 […]
Posted inStory, Youth Soccer Insider
The high school view (Part 2): How coaches can raise their game during the pandemic interruption
Spring high school soccer seasons are over before they began. Fall seasons seem increasingly imperiled – at least the way we’re used to. What’s a high school soccer coach to do? Plenty. Although the loss of high school soccer has devastated coaches and players around the country, COVID-19 provides a few opportunities for coaches to […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
The high school view: Some COVID-19 consequences are clear, many others are not
In the best of times a high school soccer coach is a trainer, tactician, teacher, psychologist, nutritionist, guidance counselor, mentor, parent, friend and guide. These are not the best of times. COVID-19 has swept through the world. No part is untouched – not even a place as seemingly safe as the soccer field. Coaches and […]