In my last post I talked about my top 5 moments/experiences while playing college soccer at Olivet Nazarene University and how special those moments were for me. This next post will be about what I believe to be the 5 most important aspects of succeeding at the college soccer level.
1) Off Season
There is nothing more important than what you do during you're off season. I use to believe all your development whether physically or mentally was done during the season, and the off season is your time to relax and recoup...AND THAT IS DEAD WRONG! Although it is important to recovery during the off season (because everyone needs a break), the summer is when you need to be putting in the work to get better. If you're an incoming freshman, use the the summer to get as in-shape as possible so that you don't fall behind when preseason starts, and try to play with players that are above your skill level so that you can get a taste of what you'll be experiencing in the Fall. If you're a substitute player off the bench, use the summer to work on improving your technical and fitness development so that you are pushing for a starting position next season. Lastly, if you're a starter, use the summer to improve on something that will make you an even better player next year (because everyone needs to work on something, and don't think that spot is guaranteed next year).
2) So, You're Not Starting (Especially for GKs)
Trust me, there is nothing more devastating than you're name not being in the starting line-up while your friends are out there on the field, especially if you're a goalkeeper. Usually, you think the decision is political or because the person in front of you has seniority. However, if you play for a good coach they won't care who or what you are, the best players will play. Sometimes it isn't about being more skillful, but maybe someone has better chemistry with their person they're playing next to, or the coach just might not think you're experienced enough yet. I know many times my own players had come up to me during warm-ups or at practice the next day with the same statement, "Why aren't you playing? You should be the one starting." As a top player though, you have to learn how to deal with those decisions and work harder in practice and during the off season to show that coach why you should be playing. Trust me, the coach wants nothing more than to have a hard decision on who to start, because that means he is comfortable with whoever he puts out on the field. And when it comes to coaching, confidence in your players is key.
3) You're Diet
I learned this one the hard way. Preseason came and went and I wasn't the starting choice at first, so I decided eating McDonald's and pizza everyday would be okay since I wasn't going to play anyway. However, during the beginning of the season my freshman year I was named starting goalkeeper 5 games in and I was not at my best at first. I had to work hard to get back into somewhat shape, because getting in shape during the season is difficult because you are playing, practicing, and going to school every day. Over the last three years of my college career, especially during season, my diet wasn't the best but it wasn't pizza and McDonald's and it showed in my performance. You will be surprised how much quicker you are physically and mentally if you're eating right.
4) You're Attitude
It doesn't matter how good or talented you are, attitude is everything on and off the field. I have played with some talented players over my four years, but some of them had pretty bad attitudes, and in my opinion it is even worst to have a bad attitude if you do not already get regular play time. As much as players don't think coaches notice, they do! Poor attitudes on the field hurt team chemistry whether you're playing or on the bench, because negativity brings others down. So, have a good attitude even if you're mad about play time, because it is not your teammates fault that you're not being selected. So, make sure you lift them up because coaches notice that and you will see how much it improves your game.
Attitude off the field and in the classroom is just as important. My freshman year there were times when I was more focused on soccer and hanging out with friends which caused my grades to suffer which did affect my game. Because instead of worrying about playing, I was having to worry about getting a good grade on the next test/assignment because otherwise I would be ineligible. So, make sure you have a positive attitude about all aspects of college, especially on what you're going to school for like soccer, sports, and the classroom.
5) Freshman Preseason
Obviously as a freshman you have more or less of an idea of what to exactly expect going into your first preseason. I think my freshman year preseason is what set me up for a successful career at ONU, because I worked hard and made an effort to get to know my teammates. That first preseason leaves an impression on your teammates and coaches, and will probably determine whether you get the nod or not your first year. And if you're able to get that play time as a freshman and keep working hard to keep it, then it will be hard to take away from you. If you're working hard and confident your coaches will see that, and your teammates will also see that and will trust you more on the pitch. Lastly, make an effort to get to know your teammates. I'm not saying to go and bug them, but make a conscious effort to talk to them, ask them questions, and let them get to know you. If you're too shy or too quiet it might be hard to build relationships which does affect team chemistry, so make an effort.
I hope you enjoyed these last two posts. Again, now that I finally finished college I was able to give my breakdowns from a player's point of view on how to be a successful college soccer player. I would love to do one from a coach's point of view in the future (as I am currently the assistant/head GK coach at ONU), but that will be later down the road. See you next time!
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