96. Brian Plotkin - Head Coach, Men's Soccer, U.S. Military Academy at West Point

 Summary

Justin Chezem, head coach of Christopher Newport University men’s soccer and I Brian Plotkin, head coach men’s soccer coach at West Point, discuss the unique recruiting process and player development at the United States Military Academy. He highlights the importance of finding players who are not only talented in soccer but also have the right mindset for the challenges of West Point. Brian shares success stories of former players and emphasizes the pride and esprit de corps that cadets experience at West Point. He also discusses the relationship between athletics and ROTC and the recruiting timeline for the academy. Brian concludes by sharing his own soccer journey and the differences in the recruiting process today. Brian Plotkin discusses his playing career, transition to coaching, and the impact of his mentors. He shares how he blends the coaching methods of Indiana and Notre Dame, and the importance of lifelong friendships in the coaching world. Brian also highlights the development of cadets at West Point and the emphasis on mental health and support. He discusses the future of the Army's culture and offers advice for recruits. Finally, Brian talks about upcoming recruiting trips and his plans for the future.

Takeaways

Recruiting at West Point focuses on finding players with the right mindset for the challenges of the academy.

Success at West Point goes beyond soccer and includes personal development, leadership skills, and service to the country.

The relationship between athletics and ROTC is harmonious, with both programs emphasizing discipline, accountability, and competitiveness.

The recruiting process at West Point involves educating potential recruits about the unique aspects of the academy and providing opportunities for visits and interactions with current players.

The Army-Navy game and the Army-Navy Cup are highly anticipated events that showcase the pride and camaraderie of the cadets. The influence of mentors and the impact they have on a coach's career.

Blending coaching methods from different programs to create a successful coaching style.

The development of cadets at West Point and the emphasis on mental health and support.

The future of the Army's culture and the role of college athletics in developing future leaders.

Advice for recruits on making decisions and trusting themselves.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Bears Fan Discussion

01:17 Recruiting and Player Development

04:15 Success Stories of Former Players

06:38 Recruiting Process and Daily Routine

09:10 Understanding the Demands of West Point

12:24 Recruiting in Obscure Places and Potential Military ID Camps

15:18 Pride and Esprit de Corps at West Point

17:19 Impressive Qualities of West Point Cadets

20:49 Importance of the Prep School

23:07 Relationship Between Athletics and ROTC

26:36 Recruiting Process and Timeline

30:54 Army-Navy Game and Army-Navy Cup

36:27 Brian Plotkin's Soccer Journey

37:59 Brian Plotkin's Playing Career and Transition to Coaching

39:55 Mentors and Lessons Learned

41:50 Blending the Indiana and Notre Dame Coaching Methods

43:12 Lifelong Friendships and Growth as Coaches

46:49 Developing Cadets at West Point

47:17 Mental Health and Support at West Point

50:18 The Future of the Army's Culture

51:34 Advice for Recruits

52:12 Recruiting Trips and Future Plans