15. Emmett Rutkowski, Stetson University, Tommy DiNuzzo, Hampden-Sydney College, Glenn Gray, Richmond Strikers

I’m privileged to welcome 3 former college teammates who remain involved in soccer. Emmett Rutkowski is the head coach of the Stetson University Men’s Soccer team, Glenn Gray is the College Advisory Director at the historic youth club, the Richmond Strikers in Richmond, Virginia. I also welcome back Tommy DiNuzzo the head coach of the men’s team at Hampden Sydney College in Virginia. It’s an enjoyable conversation among 3 old friends with a ton of useful information as well. Please remember to share this podcast and send me your questions and comments through matchplayrecruit.com.

Summary

The conversation explores the coaching connections and unique paths in soccer, particularly at Mary Washington. The guests discuss the importance of finding the right fit in college and the role of connections and recommendations in the recruiting process. They also provide insights on navigating the recruiting process, including first contact and catching a coach's attention. The conversation concludes with a discussion on considering different playing styles and dealing with parents in the recruiting process. The conversation covers various aspects of the college soccer recruiting process, including evaluating families and club coaches, assessing players' attitude and behavior, the importance of being yourself in the recruiting process, the significance of on-campus visits, and evaluating different styles of play.

Takeaways

When evaluating families and club coaches, it is important to observe how they handle different aspects of the recruiting process and whether they align with the values and goals of the college program.

Assessing players' attitude and behavior is crucial in determining their fit within a team and program. Coaches pay attention to body language, reactions to game outcomes, and how players interact with teammates.

Being authentic and true to oneself is essential in the recruiting process. It is important for both players and coaches to evaluate if there is a genuine fit between the player and the program.

On-campus visits provide an opportunity for prospective student-athletes to experience the team's culture, training environment, and campus life. It allows them to assess if the program and campus align with their preferences and goals.

Different styles of play exist in college soccer, and it is important for players to evaluate and understand the style of play of the programs they are interested in. This includes considering the tactics, formations, and playing philosophy of the team.

Chapters

00:00 Coaching Connections at Mary Washington

01:01 Longevity of Head Coach at Mary Washington

02:15 Unique Connections and Paths in Soccer

03:06 Introduction and Background of Guests

04:00 Importance of Finding the Right Fit in College

05:09 First College Experience and Meeting

09:01 Importance of Connections and Recommendations

10:04 Role of College Advisory in the Recruiting Process

12:44 Navigating the College Recruiting Process

17:06 First Contact and Catching a Coach's Attention

20:47 Navigating the Recruiting Process for Different Schools

26:43 Considering Different Playing Styles and Fit

28:49 Dealing with Parents in the Recruiting Process

44:58 Evaluating Families and Club Coaches

49:04 Evaluating Players' Attitude and Behavior

56:07 Importance of Being Yourself in the Recruiting Process

59:10 Importance of On-Campus Visits

01:02:07 Evaluating Different Styles of Play