13. Dani Gunderson of Muskingum University & Jamie Gunderson of Christopher Newport University

I welcome siblings who are both head coaches of women’s collegiate soccer teams. Dani Gunderson is the head women’s soccer coach at Muskingum University in New Concord Ohio. Her brother, Jamie Gunderson is the head coach of the Christopher Newport University women’s soccer team in Newport News, VA. Our discussion delves into some deeper topics as well as recruiting.

Summary

The conversation covers topics such as favorite teams in the World Cup, empowering young women, representation in the LGBTQ+ community, developing leadership and confidence, assumptions and myths in recruiting, and the transfer experience and finding the right fit. In this conversation, Jamie and Dani Gunderson discuss their experiences as college soccer coaches and offer advice to recruits. They emphasize the importance of doing thorough research and making sure the school is the right fit academically and socially. They also highlight the value of the college experience beyond soccer, such as building lifelong friendships. When evaluating players, they look for those who stand out on the field and demonstrate good character and teamwork. Overall, the Gundersons stress the significance of finding the right balance between athletic and personal development.

Takeaways

The US women's team is a favorite in the World Cup, but England, France, and Australia are also strong contenders.

Coaches play a crucial role in empowering young women and helping them develop confidence and leadership skills.

The US women's team has been vocal about social issues, including equal pay and LGBTQ+ rights.

Creating a supportive and inclusive environment is important in sports programs to help athletes feel valued and confident.

In the recruiting process, it is important for athletes to find the best fit for themselves, considering factors such as team culture, coaching staff, and academic programs. Do thorough research and make sure the school is the right fit academically and socially.

Consider the value of the college experience beyond soccer, such as building lifelong friendships.

Stand out on the field and demonstrate good character and teamwork to catch the attention of coaches.

Find the right balance between athletic and personal development.

Chapters

00:00 Favorite Teams in the World Cup

03:06 Empowering Young Women

10:12 Representation in the LGBTQ+ Community

15:22 Developing Leadership and Confidence

22:13 Assumptions and Myths in Recruiting

29:28 Identifying Competitiveness in Players

42:30 Transfer Experience and Finding the Right Fit

46:56 Advice for Recruits

49:12 Considerations for Choosing a School

52:16 The Value of the College Experience

54:44 What Coaches Look for in Players

58:30 Closing Remarks