Episode 16: Impact of Coaches on the College Soccer Experience

In this episode, Haley & Shelby talk all about college coaches in women’s soccer and the huge role they play in shaping your experience as a player. From team culture to confidence, the relationship between a player and their coach can have a lasting impact—both on and off the field.We chat about how college coaching is different from youth coaching, especially since for college coaches it’s not just a passion project—it’s their full-time job and livelihood. That dynamic can influence everything from expectations to decision-making.We also share some of our own experiences with the coaches we had throughout our college careers—what they did well, how they impacted us, and the moments that stuck with us the most. Along the way, we talk about what it’s like to have the same coach for your whole career versus going through a coaching change, and how those transitions can shape your journey as an athlete.A big theme in this conversation is confidence—how much it matters when a coach believes in you, and how that belief can completely change the way you play and experience the game.It’s an honest, reflective conversation about the good, the challenging, and everything in between when it comes to college coaching.