Meet Coach Matt S! Coach Matt coaches soccer with CoachUp. He specializes in offensive soccer skills, footwork, and shooting and passing techniques, and he has experience playing soccer in a DI school.
Tell us about yourself:
I’ve played both school and club soccer since age 6 and I also played in various indoor leagues in the winter. I played collegiate soccer at Lipscomb University, an NCAA Division I school in Nashville, TN. I coached an elementary school age league during my four years at Lipscomb and then continued coaching at a private high school in Franklin, TN once I graduated. I am currently coaching high school at Lipscomb Academy.
Why did you decide to become a private coach?
I’ve been passionate about soccer since I started playing when I was six. Other sports came and went, but soccer remained a constant. It’s a sport that not only takes physical prowess, but mental astuteness as well. I’ve had good coaches, and I’ve had bad coaches. In retrospect, I can see the different effects of both. Coaching isn’t only about teaching the technical side of soccer, although that is a large part; it’s about building the confidence necessary to perform at the highest level possible. While I do love teaching kids the proper technique, I also love teaching kids how to succeed off the field as well as on it. It’s this passion for overall well-being and success that has driven me to become a coach.
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Shaping the attitudes of players and being a positive role model.
What can a client expect from private lessons with you?
A client can expect a progressive set of exercises per session. I like to establish the basics and build on those to make sure proper form is instilled. My lessons aren’t extremely physically demanding; I focus more on proper technique and mental awareness.
What is your coaching style or philosophy?
Athletes do their best when they’re in a comfortable environment that’s conducive to learning. I try to create this environment through building a personal relationship with the player along with positive reinforcement.
What is your favorite moment in your athletic career?
I scored my last goal at Lipscomb University on Senior Night (my Senior year) at our home field while my parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle were all present.
Did you participate in your sport in high school and college (if so, where)?
Yes. I played soccer at Marshall County High School in Benton, KY and then I played at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. I also played for the Kentucky ODP (Olympic Development Program) team in middle school.
What other sports or activities do you enjoy playing or practicing?
In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis, golf, volleyball, and darts.
What team do you root for most enthusiastically?
Tottenham Spurs
Do you have any special talents or a surprising thing someone might not know about you?
I play guitar.
Coach Matt books private soccer coaching sessions on CoachUp, and his profile can be viewed here.
