Tales From the Trail by MatchPlay

In this episode, Justin Chezem, head men's coach at Christopher Newport University and I welcome Angela Hucles Mangano. Angela is the General Manager of Angel City FC of the NWSL. As a player, Angela was a 4-year all-ACC player at the University of Virginia and remains the career leader in goals, game-winning goals, and total points. As a member of the US Women's National Team, she won two Olympic gold medals and finished third in two World Cups. She played professionally in the W-League, WUSA, and WPS. She has served in various roles as an ambassador and leader in sports. Angela is a legend of US Soccer and it is an honor and privilege for us to have her as a guest. Thank you Nataki Corneille for making this happen!

Eric Manuel, MS of expertmindsetcoaching.com

Eric Manuel, MS of expertmindsetcoaching.com explains how a gratitude practice can change and improve perfromance.

Coaches from the University of Mary Washington, Hampden Sydney College, Christopher Newport University and the College of William & Mary field questions from participants of the Discovery ID Camp on 7.24.24

In this episode, Eric and I continue our conversation regarding gratitude. Find Eric at expertmindsetcoaching.com

We welcome back head men's soccer coach Phil Kroft discusses the upcoming season and recruiting.

We continue to discuss the role of gratitude. Check out Eric at expertmindsetcoaching.com

Justin Chezem and I are joined by Brian Plotkin, Head Coach of Men's Soccer at the US Military Academy and Mark Plotkin head coach at DePaul University Men's Soccer.

Hear Mindset Coach Eric Manuel, MS discuss the importance of gratitude. expertmindsetcoaching.com

Dr. Brad Miller of soccerresilience.com joins us again to continue the conversation where we left off last time. Alway enlightening to have Dr. Miller on the podcast!

In this episode, Justin Chezem, head coach of Christopher Newport University Men's Soccer and I welcome Emily Kwok. In an effort to discuss the pathways and habits of high performers, Emily is highly qualified to bring that to our podcast. Emily was a world champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and now works as a Peak Performance consultant with Josh Waitzkin. Their clients include professional sports teams, tech innovators, impact-oriented finance groups, and enterprises that are redefining their respective industries. There's a lot to learn from Emily and this discussion! Thank you to Adam Benayoun for the introduction!

Sticking with it. Persistence. Discipline. Staying in the Process. Finding the love of training. expertmindsetcoaching.com

Lisa Valentine, Head Coach of CNU women' lacrosse www.cnusports.com/sports/womens-lacrosse

Eric Manuel, MS of Expert Mindset Coaching discusses the importance of trusting the process during skill development. expertmindsetcoaching.com Book recommendation: Chop Wood, Carry Water

Emory & Henry Women's Soccer Coach

In this episode, Justin Chezem, head coach of Christopher Newport University men's soccer and I welcome his counterpart for the women's team, Jamie Gunderson. Jamie, as head coach, has a national championship under his belt and is perennially in the hunt for a second. This episode gives great insight into how these two coaches have nurtured nationally prominent programs through tireless recruiting and great culture.

In this episode, Justin Chezem, head coach of Christopher Newport University men's soccer and I welcome back sports psychologist and founder of Soccer Resilience, Brad Miller. In honor of Mental Health Month we discuss mental health in college sports and the challenges faced by coaches in addressing the mental well-being of their athletes. Our discussion highlights the importance of creating a safe and open environment for athletes to talk about their feelings and emotions. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and guidance for coaches and parents in supporting the mental well-being of young athletes. Thank you Dr. Miller!

Eric Manuel, MS, discusses the importance of a growth mindset while developing skills. Visit expertmindsetcoaching.com for more.

In this episode, Justin Chezem, head coach of men's soccer at Christopher Newport University and I welcome Andy Fleming of Andy Fleming Recruiting. Coach Fleming was the head coach of Xavier University men's soccer for 12 years and worked as an assistant coach at prominent programs prior to arriving in Cincinnati. His coaching and recruiting experiences bring a truly unique perspective to assisting student-athletes become college athletes. Make sure to check him out on Instagram @andyflemingsoccer for more information. Thank you Coach Fleming for being a great guest!

In this episode, Roshan Patel discusses the launch of the new soccer-centric card game - Give&Gohttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/give-and-go/giveandgo-the-footy-drinking-game/comments

The latest episode of Mindset Monday with Eric Manuel, MS of expertmindsetcoaching.com discusses the importance of having specific goals during training and being present to achieve.

In this episode, Justin Chezem, head coach of men's soccer at Christopher Newport University and I welcome 3 men's soccer head coaches: Chris Norris of William & Mary, Emmett Rutkowski of Stetson University, and Tommy DiNuzzo of Hampden-Sydney College. The discussion revolves around different approaches to recruiting, including the use of the transfer portal, international players, and domestic high school players. We also touch on the importance of culture and finding the right fit for each player. Among many other topics, we shift into the offseason and the advice given to incoming freshmen and rising seniors on how to prepare for the upcoming season. The coaches emphasize the importance of staying fit, playing with older and more experienced players, and attending ID camps to showcase your skills.

Hear Eric Manuel, MS discuss the mindset necessary for developing skill through intentional training

In this episode, I welcome Jason Simms. Jason is currently the Associate Athletics Director for Student Engagement, Alumni Relations, & Recruitment at the College of William and Mary. Additionally, he is the Athletics Department DEI initiatives liaison. Simms is the sport administrator for Men's & Women's Swimming, Men's Soccer, and Women's Lacrosse. Jason does a great job describing the college student-athlete experience and what it takes to be successful as an athlete and excelling as a student as well. We should all be so lucky to have a Jason Simms in our lives.

In this episode Justin Chezem, head coach of Christopher Newport University men's soccer and I welcome Matt Bevins, the Chief of Staff of Auburn University Football. Matt was originally a youth soccer player before becoming a standout kicker and eventually place kicking in college at Liberty University where he put his name in the record books. He stayed connected to athletics at Liberty and when the head coach, Hugh Freeze took the head coaching position at Auburn, he took Matt with him. We're grateful to Matt for his time and insights into college football and the ever changing landscape of college athletics.

Mindset coach, Eric Manuel, discusses achieving flow state through your mindfulness practice. Visit expertmindsetcoaching.com to learn more about Eric and his mindset coaching practice.

In this episode, I welcome Kelly Conheeney assistant coach of the Manhattan College Jaspers women's soccer team. Prior to starting her coaching career, Kelly played at Virginia Tech, the NWSL for Sky Blue FC, the Houston Dash, and Hammarby in Sweden. She also trained with the U20 and U23 USWNT programs. Additionally, she worked with Coaches Across Continents to coach and mentor young athletes in Southeast Asia and Africa. All of this experience in bringing a unique perspective to her role as coach and leader for the student-athletes at Manhattan College. Thank you Kelly!

In this episode, Justin Chezem, head coach of men's soccer at Christopher Newport University and I welcome Kevin Wardlaw of MidAmerica Nazarene University men's soccer. Last fall, Coach Wardlaw's side won the NAIA national championship. This is an important discussion to hear in order to understand what the NAIA is and how recruiting and competing works in that association. Coach Wardlaw does a great job of illustrating how competitive the NAIA is and what it took to win the last match of the season. I think you'll agree after listening that Kevin is part of what's great about college soccer. Thank you Coach Wardlaw!

Eric Manuel of expertmindsetcoaching.com discusses Flow State

In this episode Justin Chezem, the Christopher Newport University head men's soccer coach, and I welcome his former coach and boss, Steve Shaw. Coach Shaw brought the CNU men's soccer program to the national scene when he took over in 1996. His team was the first in school history to reach a number one national ranking; he continued winning until he retired in 2018. More importantly, Coach Shaw has impacted lives globally through youth coaching and charity work around the world. This episode is filled with great anecdotes from a great man. Thanks Coach Shaw!

In this episode I welcome a living legend, Al Albert. Al's accomplishments in soccer over a 33 year career at the College of William and Mary are too numerous to list. To provide a glimpse into his success as a head men's soccer coach, he had 29 consecutive winning seasons, 5 CAA tournament championships, 5 regular season CAA titles and several great runs in the NCAA tournament. The 4-time CAA coach of the year is in multiple halls of fame, coached several future pros, and published a book about the history of men's soccer at William & Mary, with the forward written by Jon Stewart of the Daily Show, perhaps his most famous alum. In further service to the game and his community, Al started the Community Partnership to provide elementary school students a place to play soccer no matter what their socio-economic status is. He rallied the Williamsburg, VA community to make donations, found funds through grants and encouraged people to volunteer. The program is now over 20 years old. Finally, as a testament to his impact on American soccer as a whole over his career he was elected the 60th president of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, which is the largest single sport coaching organization on Earth. Many owe thanks to Coach Albert, my regret with this podcast is that I didn't bring on a few of his former players to enrich the discussion. Next time.

Mindset Coach Eric Manuel discusses how to start a mindfulness practice.

In this episode I welcome human nutrition professor, Amy Rains. In addition to teaching several courses at the College of William and Mary, Amy is a published cookbook author and healthy recipe guru. We delve into the damage sugar does in our diet, the importance of protein and nutrition as it relates to sports performance. Amy also discusses timing of nutrition and supplementation. This is a great primer on nutrition and a great start to understanding how it impacts how we perform athletically. For more information, visit wholesomelicious.com and check out Amy's website.

Mindset Monday #20 - Mindset Coach discusses the benefits of a mindfulness practice when facing exhaustion. expertmindsetcoaching.com

In this episode, Justin Chezem of Christopher Newport University Men's Soccer and I welcome Mark Plotkin. Mark is the head coach of DePaul University men's soccer in Chicago. Mark does a great job of describing his recruiting process, what it's like to be a student athlete at DePaul and be a member of the men's soccer team. He also reflects on growing up in Chicago with a group of kids who loved the game including his brother Brian who is the head coach at the US Military Academy. Listen to episode #96 for more on Brian. Thank you to Mark for a great chat and we look forward to bringing on the Plotkin brothers in the near future.

In this episode I welcome back UFC athlete Carlos Vera and his mindset coach and co-host of our Mindset Mondays, Eric Manuel of Expert Mindset Coaching. In his UFC debut in February, Carlos sustained a shoulder dislocation, torn labrum and grade 5 separation with a broken collarbone in the first minute of the bout. Despite the injury, Carlos persevered and continued to fight until the end. He describes where his mind went in the moment so that he could deal with the immediate adversity he faced. Along with his experience and innate grit and resilience, Carlos discusses with Eric the work they have done together to develop his mindfulness which played a big role in him overcoming such a gruesome injury. Thank you to Carlos and Eric for sharing so much of their work together.

Eric Manuel discusses the benefits of growing your mindfulness practice

Hi I'm Scot Cooper and this is the Tales From the Trail Podcast by MatchPlay. In this episode I welcome Asia Mape the founder of I Love to Watch You Play. She discusses her experiences as a parent of athletes and the lessons she's learned from along the way. I Love to Watch You Play has the motto helping sports parents raise healthy, happy athletes- the name says it all, young athletes repeatedly express that what they want to hear from their parents is ‘I love to watch you play'. Check out Asia's podcast at ilovetowatchyouplay.com.SummaryAsia Mape, a former sports television producer and founder of I Love to Watch You Play, shares her journey in the sports industry and the importance of supporting young athletes. She discusses the pressure parents often put on their children in youth sports and the need to remember the true purpose of sports. Asia also opens up about her own experience with her daughter quitting sports and the lessons she learned as a parent. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for balance, communication, and trust in youth sports. In this conversation, Asia Mape discusses the importance of mindfulness practice for both parents and young athletes. She shares her personal experience of realizing her attachment to her children's sports performance and how mindfulness helped her find balance. Asia also emphasizes the significance of positive behavioral contagion in creating a supportive and positive team environment. Lastly, she offers insights into the college recruiting process and highlights the importance of character in standing out as an athlete.TakeawaysParents should remember the true purpose of youth sports, which is the process of learning, character development, and personal growth, rather than focusing solely on outcomes.Putting pressure on young athletes can have negative effects on their enjoyment of sports and overall well-being.Parents should prioritize supporting their children's interests and goals, rather than imposing their own agendas.Building trust and open communication with children is crucial in understanding their needs and desires in sports. Mindfulness practice can help parents find balance and avoid becoming overly attached to their children's sports performance.Creating a positive team environment through positive behavioral contagion is crucial for athletes to thrive.The college recruiting process can be unpredictable, and it's important to keep all options open and focus on character development.Character and personal qualities can make a significant difference in the college recruiting process.Chapters00:00 Running into Chris Brown at UCLA01:14 Asia Mape's career in sports television04:00 The behind-the-scenes of sports broadcasting04:50 Starting I Love to Watch You Play08:11 Remembering the why in youth sports10:15 The effects of putting pressure on young athletes11:38 Transition from enjoyment to pressure in youth sports13:11 Effects of pressuring instead of supporting21:09 Building trust with your child23:25 Repairing the parent-child relationship25:19 Recognizing when a child is ready to quit28:08 Reflecting on the parent's role in youth sports29:17 Mindfulness Practice38:16 Positive Behavioral Contagion48:39 College Recruiting Process56:26 The Importance of Character

Eric Manuel of Expert Mindset Coaching discusses practicing mindfulness and the benefits it provides in competitive athletics and life.

In this episode, Justin Chezem, head coach of Christopher Newport University men's soccer and I welcome LEAD Monrovia Football Academy products Blessing Kieh and Abraham Monsee who left Liberia to become students and soccer players at Westminster School in Connecticut. They describe their experiences as students, soccer players, moving halfway across the world and the journey to continue their playing careers in college here in the United States. Thank you to Sona Traore the Executive Director of LEAD Monrovia Football Academy and Will Smith the founder of LEAD EDU. Check out Episode 92 to hear Will's story.

In this episode, I welcome back Jimmy Conrad and Jay DeMerit. The two former US Men's National teammates enjoyed catching up and reminiscing about playing with each other, playing in the TST Tournament, their thoughts on development, and much more. There are some great stories they share and fantastic insights as well. We discuss the experience participating in the TST tournament, including the emotional component and the unique atmosphere. They also talk about the physical demands of the tournament and the importance of athletic trainers. The hosts highlight the camaraderie and loyalty among the teams and the fun off-field activities. They also reflect on reuniting with old teammates and the importance of shared experiences. The conversation concludes with funny moments and bonding experiences. In this part of the conversation, Jay and Conradinho discuss their experience playing together, being late bloomers in their careers, preparing for the national team, and giving advice to young players. It also discusses the four areas of player development, coping mechanisms, and building resilience. The role of mentorship and experience in personal growth is highlighted, along with the need for better systems and products in youth development. The conversation emphasizes the importance of practice, self-actualization, self-awareness, consistency, and allowing players to be themselves. It concludes with a focus on creating good habits and discipline, and the potential for personal growth through self-evaluation.The TST tournament provides a unique and emotional experience for the participants.The camaraderie and loyalty among the teams contribute to the enjoyment of the tournament.Reuniting with old teammates and sharing experiences creates lasting memories. Playing with teammates who have similar work ethic and determination can lead to success.Late bloomers can bring a unique perspective and appreciation to their careers.Emotional and mental preparation is crucial when getting called up to the national team.Understanding oneself and having a clear why can help navigate challenges and make better decisions.Designing jerseys can be a fun and creative way to engage with the team and fans.Sponsorship and costs can be challenging for teams, and not all teams are able to pay players.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Tournament Overview00:30 The TST Tournament Experience01:24 The Emotional Component of the Tournament02:45 The Unique Atmosphere of the Tournament04:14 The Magic Hands of Jay Demerit05:19 The Loyalty and Camaraderie of the Teams06:08 The Expansion of the Tournament06:19 The Prize Money and Entry Fee Debate07:16 The Fun and Off-Field Activities08:02 The Sideline Crew and Team Spirit08:58 Reuniting with Old Teammates10:42 The Importance of Shared Experiences12:26 Playing Together in MLS and the National Team14:32 Funny Moments and Bonding Experiences20:15 Late Bloomers23:12 Preparing for the National Team27:13 Advice for Young Players29:57 Understanding Yourself38:24 Investing in Players39:03 Creating a Positive Environment40:23 Understanding Players' Why41:44 Helping Players Work Through Adversity42:13 Four Areas of Development43:08 Coping Mechanisms44:28 Building Resilience45:14 Mentorship and Experience46:41 Creating Better Systems and Products47:41 The Importance of Practice and Application49:21 Self-Actualization and Self-Awareness51:12 Consistency and Discipline54:15 Allowing Players to Be Themselves57:24 The Importance of Self-Evaluation58:15 Creating Good Habits and Discipline01:01:10 Self-Actualization and Personal Growth

Hi I'm Scot Cooper and this is the Tales From the Trail Podcast by MatchPlay. In this episode I welcome Gabriel Bayona Sapag and Roshan Patel of ClubEleven, a digital media publication connecting soccer audiences across North America. They have the mission to highlight unique, personal stories in soccer in an effort to grow the game and through storytelling and a feeling of connection between those in the game. Check them out at clubelevenmag.com and make sure to subscribe to their newsletter which provides great content every Tuesday, for free! Thank you to Gabe and Rosh for all you're doing!SummaryIn this conversation, Scot Cooper speaks with Gabriel Bayona Sapag and Rosh about Club Eleven's photography contest and their mission to highlight the diversity and uniqueness of soccer in North America. They discuss the categories and judging process of the contest, as well as the winners and community support. The conversation also touches on the growth of USL Two clubs and the importance of grassroots soccer. Gabriel shares his personal soccer journey, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the sport. They conclude by emphasizing the need for accessibility and the power of informal play in soccer development. Club 11 is focused on growing grassroots awareness and telling the stories of players and characters in the soccer space. They started by profiling players and expanded into long-form editorial stories and video content. The team believes that storytelling is their most impactful way to make a difference. They have a clear strategy and are building a strong team to execute their vision. The team hosted an event that brought together people from different generations and backgrounds to share and enjoy soccer stories. They are passionate about preserving the history of soccer in the US.TakeawaysClub Eleven's photography contest aims to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of soccer in North America.The contest features categories such as growing the game, match action, and soccer fandom.The judging process involves a panel of talented photographers from the soccer community.The contest winners receive recognition and support from their communities.USL Two clubs, like Vermont Green, have passionate fan bases and contribute to the growth of soccer in North America.Club Eleven focuses on grassroots soccer and aims to tell the stories that resonate with everyday soccer fans.The founders of Club Eleven have a personal connection to soccer, which drives their passion for the sport.Accessibility and opportunities in soccer are important issues that need to be addressed.Informal play, such as futsal in parks, can play a crucial role in soccer development.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:57 Photography Contest and Its Purpose04:27 Winners and Community Support07:14 USL Two Clubs and Fandom07:35 Selection of Categories10:34 Growing the Game and North American Soccer14:41 Personal Soccer Journey29:02 Importance of Play and Informal Soccer29:51 Growing Grassroots Awareness31:09 Starting to Profile Players34:25 Telling Editorial Stories37:14 The Impact of Storytelling39:25 Building a Strategy and Team50:36 The Importance of Events57:06 Preserving Soccer History

Eric Manuel of expertmindsetcoaching.com discusses strategies for coping with defeat.

In this episode, Justin Chezem, head coach of Christopher Newport University men's soccer and I welcome 2 women's soccer student-athletes. Delaney Brown just completed her career at the University of Miami and Berkley Mape is in her first year at the Ohio State University. Thank you to Asia Mape of I Love to Watch You Play and Chris Brown of Student Athlete NIL for helping to make this happen!SummaryThey reflect on the impact of early commitments and the importance of mental and physical preparation. The conversation also highlights the differences between youth soccer and college soccer, as well as the significance of overcoming challenges and seeking support from loved ones. The conversation explores the challenges and experiences of college athletes, focusing on mental health, identity, and life beyond sports. The athletes discuss the importance of finding the good in difficult times and leaning on relationships and support systems. They also reflect on the role of mental health in sports and the need for athletes to have outlets outside of their teams. The conversation highlights the process of discovering one's identity beyond being an athlete and offers advice on making the most of off-time. Additionally, the athletes discuss career paths and opportunities, as well as the impact of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.TakeawaysThe recruiting process for college athletes can be challenging, and it is important to take the time to make informed decisions about the right fit for both academics and athletics.Early commitments in youth sports can lead to unforeseen challenges and may not always result in the desired college experience.The transition from high school to college athlete requires mental and physical preparation, as the level of play and expectations increase significantly.Facing adversity and seeking support from loved ones can help athletes overcome challenges and continue to pursue their passion for the sport. Find the good in difficult times and focus on the positive aspects of your experience as a college athlete.Build strong relationships and lean on your support system for guidance and reassurance.Prioritize mental health and seek professional help when needed. It's important to have someone outside of your team to talk to.Explore your identity beyond being an athlete and engage in activities and hobbies outside of your sport.Make the most of your off-time by participating in other campus activities and pursuing personal interests.Prepare for life after college sports by considering career paths and opportunities.Take advantage of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals to create additional income and build your personal brand.02:20 Transitioning from Playing to Post-Playing Life04:26 Recruiting Process and Commitment Decisions06:31 The Impact of Early Commitments10:06 The Transformation from High School to College Athlete13:30 Berkeley's Recruiting Story16:21 The Importance of Mental Preparation20:59 Delaney's College Soccer Experience24:11 Overcoming Challenges and Regrets26:29 Facing Adversity and Seeking Support29:04 Finding the Good in Difficult Times30:09 The Importance of Relationships and Support Systems33:53 The Role of Mental Health in Sports38:38 Identity Beyond Sports41:44 Making the Most of Off-Time45:09 Transitioning to Life After College Sports48:33 Exploring Career Paths and Opportunities50:13 The Impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Deals

Eric Manuel of expertmindsetcoaching.com continues the discussion about coping with defeat.

In this episode I had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of soccer.com in North Carolina. I also had the privilege to meet Mike and Brendan Moylan who generously agreed to sit down and chat about the origins of soccer.com in 1984 and the journey they've been on for 40 years while building a hugely successful business. Beyond selling soccer gear, they've been a big player in growing our game in the US by not only bringing equipment the rest of the world was using but also telling stories of the international game through their catalog. Congratulations on 40 years of bringing the equipment the world has to offer to us and to being such a huge part of the growth of the beautiful game in the United States. Thank you!

In this episode, Justin Chezem, head coach of Christopher Newport University men's soccer, and I are privileged to welcome Jackson Meyer and Jubril Bamgbala, Cadet Student-Athletes from the United States Military Academy at West Point. SummaryIn this conversation, two West Point soccer players, Jubril Bamgbala and Jackson Meyer, discuss their experiences at West Point and the transition from high school to college soccer. They talk about their expectations versus reality, the leadership lessons they learned during the recruiting process, the preparation required before entering West Point, and their post-graduation plans and requirements. They also discuss the unique challenges and rewards of playing soccer at West Point. They talk about the unique challenges of balancing academics and athletics, the intensity of the Army-Navy rivalry, and the opportunities for off-season training. They also share insights into the academic year and breaks, the possibility of studying abroad, and the expectations and opportunities after graduation and commissioning. The conversation concludes with advice for high school students and a discussion about the potential for playing professional soccer.TakeawaysThe recruiting process for West Point involves meeting with senators, getting letters of recommendation, and understanding the type of school West Point is.Expectations versus reality: West Point is designed to humble and develop individuals, and failure is seen as a building moment.Leadership lessons from the recruiting process include the importance of respect, holding others to a standard, and caring for their well-being.Preparing for West Point involves physical training, packing, and spending time with loved ones before reporting.After graduation, West Point graduates are required to serve five years in the Army and have various opportunities for further education and career paths.Transitioning from Beast (basic training) to soccer involves getting back into the flow of the game and receiving support from the team and staff.Soccer at West Point is similar to other Division 1 schools, but the schedule and team dynamics create a unique and fulfilling experience. Balancing academics and athletics at a service academy requires discipline and time management skills.The Army-Navy game is a highly anticipated and intense rivalry that holds great significance for both teams.Off-season training is crucial for individual development and team improvement.The academic year at a service academy includes breaks and holidays, but the schedule is rigorous.Studying abroad is a possibility for service academy students, with popular destinations being Germany and Italy.Summer training and internships provide opportunities for further development and exploration.It is important to start developing good habits and leadership skills early on in high school.After graduation and commissioning, service academy graduates have the opportunity to become platoon leaders in the Army.Playing professional soccer after graduation is possible, but the financial implications and opportunities vary.06:37 Expectations vs Reality18:19 Leadership Lessons from the Recruiting Process20:46 Preparing for West Point26:10 Post-Graduation Plans and Requirements34:05 Transitioning from Beast to Soccer37:16 Soccer at West Point39:41 Balancing Academics and Athletics42:01 The Intensity of the Army-Navy Rivalry44:06 Off-Season Training46:36 The Academic Year and Breaks51:15 Summer Training and Internships53:22 Advice for High School Students56:49 Life After Graduation and Commissioning58:46 Opportunities in the Big Army59:12 Playing Professional Soccer01:01:24 Closing Remarks

Eric continues the discussion about coping with defeat and being cautious not to attach your identity to your sport.

Hi I'm Scot Cooper and this is the 100th episode of the Tales From the Trail podcast by MatchPlay. In this episode, Justin Chezem of Christopher Newport University Men's Soccer and I welcome Craig Appleby. Craig is the head coach of men's soccer at Johns Hopkins University. Coach Appleby has been highly successful at a prestigious university and recruiting the right type of student-athlete is the lifeline to that accomplishment. This is a great conversation with two leaders of perennial tournament teams who recruit and compete at the highest level. SummaryThe conversation covers various topics including missing a convention, getting into high academic schools, financial aid and affordability, recruiting camps and events, the timeline for admissions and decision-making, and a thrilling game against Babson. The discussion also touches on the stress and academic rigor that student-athletes face. The conversation covers various topics related to soccer gameplay, strategy, outlook for the next season, spring training, coaching relationships, recruiting, and transfers.TakeawaysConsider the location, content, and commitments when deciding which conventions to attend.Getting into high academic schools requires maximizing test scores, taking rigorous classes, and maintaining high grades.Financial aid and affordability play a significant role in the college decision-making process.Attending recruiting camps and events can provide valuable opportunities for student-athletes.Understanding the timeline for admissions and decision-making is crucial for prospective college athletes.Student-athletes at high academic schools face unique challenges and must manage their time effectively.Thrilling games and comebacks can create unforgettable moments in college sports.Student-athletes must navigate the stress and academic rigor of high academic institutions. Gameplay and strategy play a crucial role in the success of a soccer team.Spring training provides an opportunity for tactical development and introducing new concepts.Coaches often have friendly relationships and collaborate on recruiting players.Transfers can be challenging due to admission requirements and limited availability.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Convention03:00 Missing the Convention06:00 The Comedy Store in LA09:00 Getting into High Academic Schools16:00 Financial Aid and Affordability21:00 Recruiting Camps and Events26:00 Timeline for Admissions and Decision-Making36:00 The Exciting Game Against Babson45:00 Dealing with Stress and Academic Rigor46:05 Gameplay and Strategy47:49 Outlook for Next Season49:30 Spring Training and Tactical Development51:59 Coaching Relationships and Recruiting53:14 Transfers and Admissions55:45 Closing Remarks

SummaryIn this conversation, Scot Cooper and Eric Manuel discuss coping with defeat in sports and life. They explore the importance of the groundwork that can be done before encountering defeat, such as accepting the inevitability of failure and adopting a growth mindset. They also discuss coping skills for dealing with setbacks, including seeking social support, practicing positive self-talk, and practicing optimism. The conversation emphasizes the need to separate athletic identity from personal identity and the negative impact of perfectionism. They also touch on the influence of external expectations and the importance of investing in the groundwork to better manage the ups and downs of sports.TakeawaysAccepting the inevitability of failure and understanding that defeat is part of the journey as an athlete.Adopting a growth mindset and viewing failure as an opportunity for growth and improvement.Managing emotions and practicing self-compassion to bounce back more quickly from defeat.Separating athletic identity from personal identity and finding fulfillment in other areas of life.Avoiding perfectionism and unrealistic expectations, as they can hinder coping with defeat.Seeking social support, practicing positive self-talk, and practicing optimism as coping skills for setbacks.Letting go of external expectations and focusing on personal growth and development.

Hi I'm Scot Cooper and this is the Tales From the Trail podcast by MatchPlay. In this episode, Justin Chezem, head coach of Christopher Newport University men's soccer and I welcome Pat McStay of the ECNL's Heritage Project and the Richmond Strikers. Along with his duties at the Strikers, Pat has taken on the role of developing the Heritage Project which connects youth soccer players in the U.S. with the countries of their heritage to potentially play for those countries' national teams. Pat describes it as: With the overwhelming success of the 2023 Women's World Cup, featuring dozens of ECNL alumni, the ECNL has decided to launch The Heritage Project. The project's underlying motive is to provide additional pathways and opportunities for players currently playing in the ECNL (and alum) who may have ties to other countries based on parents and/or grandparents' place of birth or other factors (heritage players). The project's overall goal is to help connect high level players with Federations they may not have access to otherwise. It will be an extensive, time consuming journey, but both the ECNL and partnering Federations feel that this could be a very important part of their scouting future.SummaryPat McStay discusses the Heritage Project, a program in partnership with the ECNL that aims to connect youth soccer players in the United States with their heritage countries' national teams. The project seeks to provide an alternative pathway for players who may not be selected for the US youth national teams but have eligibility for other countries. Pat explains the process of identifying eligible players, reaching out to federations, and facilitating connections between clubs and national teams. He emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness about the project and encourages support from the soccer community.TakeawaysThe Heritage Project aims to connect youth soccer players in the US with their heritage countries' national teams.The project provides an alternative pathway for players who may not be selected for the US youth national teams.The process involves identifying eligible players, reaching out to federations, and facilitating connections between clubs and national teams.Spreading awareness about the project is crucial for its success and support from the soccer community is encouraged.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Background03:10 The Heritage Project08:28 Connecting Clubs and Federations13:40 Eligibility and Evaluation Process18:29 Success Stories and Closing the Gap21:14 Reaching Out and Getting Involved25:26 Focus on Women's Soccer27:31 Expanding Beyond ECNL30:54 How to Support the Project32:43 Closing Remarks