THE Soccer Dad-Pod

Soccer Mom Sunday | Shawn Morrison McAteer

If you are a soccer player in St. Louis, there’s a good chance you’ve played with or against, OR have been coached by Shawn Morrison McAteer. AND, you could be currently playing WITH her somewhere on the pitch, because she’s not done just yet! On this episode of Soccer Mom Sunday, host Jennifer Siess from Mine To Define catches up her former opponent and teammate to chat about the never-ending dance with The Beautiful Game. “Shawnee” shares her own journey in the game from club to Mehlville High School to college … then teaching/coaching at Marquette High School. Listen for the wisdom and perspective of a special teacher that comes from not only the love of the game itself, but what it teaches our young players … if we let it.
#highschool #coaching #failure #growth #collegesoccer

Ep 129: Jim Tietjens | "SAVES"

This is one of those episodes that reminds you there are bigger things in life. Jim Tietjens joined us and talked about his incredible journey on the pitch, and an even more surreal one off. A literal lifetime of medical ailments, transplants, and more, Jim keeps it all in perspective. An inspiration both on and off the field.
#nasl #slu #transplant #family #perseverance

Soccer Mom Sunday: Laurie Kaminski | SLU | Lindenwood

Sometimes soccer gets a hold of you and never really lets go, as has been the case for soccer player-turned-coach, Laurie Kaminski. On this episode of Soccer Mom Sunday, host Jennifer Siess from Mine To Define catches up with “Ski” to chat her soccer journey from club to Mehlville High School to the St. Louis University Women’s Soccer program as a Billiken. Not quite done with the game, she went onto become “Coach Ski” with the Women’s Soccer Program at Lindenwood University, becoming one of LU's longest-serving coaches, helping to produce successful athletes on and off the pitch. Listen in for her perspective on where the game has come from, where it’s going, and how it still lures her into play from time to time.

Ep 128: AJ Cochran

Top Class! Simple as that. A love affair with soccer from Busch, to SLSG, to Wisconsin, to MLS, and a workhorse career in the USL... with his #1 fan, his dad by his side. We had a blast with this one, AND it is a must listen for those young competitors wondering where they should play, what path they should take, from a guy that understood the assignment!#ncaa #wisconsinBadger #mls #usl #cbchighschool

Soccer Mom Sunday: Nikki Thole | Mizzou Soccer

MIZZOU Women’s Soccer started in 1996. On this episode of Soccer Mom Sunday, host Jennifer Siess from Mine To Define visits with one of its OG’s, Nikki Thole. The Black-n-Gold devastating Striker won several All-Big 12 Tournament Team honors, set school records for most single-season goals (23) and points (55) en route to Mizzou earning its first NCAA Tournament berth, and became its first All-American. Thole is STILL Mizzou's career record holder for points (151) and goals (61), and was the first soccer player inducted into MU's Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame. Known by peers as a WAY-too-humble, gifted, hard-working athlete, Nikki talks the soccer journey with her parents supporting her all the way to professional ball in England.

Ep 127: Ryan Helfrick | Tampa Bay Rowdies

Newly appointed Tampa Bay Rowdies club President, Ryan Helfrick! Ryan joined us from Tampa and gave us an update, rundown, and some insight on the USL Championship's OG squad, the upcoming season, the growth of USL, and some Open Cup opinions!!! We also had a great segment discussing the club's role in supporting Jim Harte, Perry Van Der Beck, and the Tampa Bay Top 10 Champions League, geared towards shining a light on the High School's in the region!
#uslchampionship #usl #tampabayrowdies #soccer #tampabay #tampabaytop10

Ep 126: Travis Thomas | "Live Yes, And"

Travis Thomas, author, improv guru, mindset coach, and Stevie Yzerman super fan (he's from Flint), joined us for an incredible conversation touching on the USMNT 22' WC buildup, how cold mailing a book to Berhalter got him there, and provides a "confidence" break down that ROCKED Jarod to the core!!!
#mindset #usmnt #qatarwc22 #worldcup #confidence #advocacy #development

Soccer Mom Sunday | Jenn Houston

There’s something about catching up with a person you not only admired as a player, but looked up to as a person! Host Jennifer Siess from Mine To Define caught up with Jennifer Houston. Former teammates at Lindenwood University, “Siess” and “House” talked about what “the old days” looked like in college soccer recruitment, campus life, 3-a-day trainings, and multiple national championship appearances. The Jen’s also chatted about the the almost non-existent options available for female players after college back then, to the now ever-growing paths for our girls and young women players today - YET, despite growth, the large disparities that still exist in terms investment and exposure.
#lindenwooduniversity #womenssoccer #equality #advertising #taylorswift

Ep 125: Jeff Davis | SLSG Boy's Director

Jeff Davis joined us from St. Louis Scott Gallagher as the Director of Boy's soccer. We chat all things club, high school, development, and more. We even get a secret little story out of him regarding Landon Donovan. Check out the episode and please kick in a follow and review! We'd certainly appreciate it!
#SLSG #Academy #MLSNext #ECNL #CollegeRecruiting 

Episode 124: Kris Bertsch | Lindenwood University

Kris Bertsch's relationship with the game is deep! From his hometown in Jersey winning 2 national championships at the club level with #FCDelco, to #americanuniversity as a player, and now a coaching career that has taken him to #UCONN #Xavier #Louisville #SLU #ATLUAcademy and now... the head coach role at #LindenwoodUniversity, he's seen a lot. His focus on character, and culture is front and center, with an incredible breakdown of the recruiting process and expectations.
#podcast #collegesoccer #ovc #pathway #Recruiting