THE Soccer Dad-Pod

Episode 89: Ralph Richards (ECNL Commissioner)

Ralph joined JB & Zach to chat his path from Northeast England to Indianapolis, his successes (back to back national championships) at SLSG, and his new role as Commissioner of the Girls ECNL program! 
#podcast #soccer #football #ECNL #Academy #PlayerDevelopment #nationalchampions

Soccer Mom Sunday: Wendy Dillinger

THE Soccer Dad-Pod likes to talk to “Hammers” and we got one of our own for Soccer Mom Sunday! Host Jennifer Siess from Mine To Define was joined by Wendy Dillinger, another local legend in STL soccer - STILL holding records at most places she’s played - CYC turned competitive youth player, St. Charles West HS, Indiana University - then onto the Pro level with Indiana Blaze, Fredericksburg Boldklub, Atlanta Beat, St. Louis Archers. With Collegiate coaching at all levels, Wendy brings her vast experience to the STL youth club landscape, setting the bar high for her those she coaches and her own talented soccer kids, while also emphasizing the importance of personal experience fit for the individual player.
#soccer #podcast #soccermom #parenting #coaching #Development

Episode 88: SLU (John Klein) vs MO State (Kyle Hiebert) ”Live”

We sat pitch side at the SLU vs Missouri State D1 Soccer battle and had two of the more recent, more famous alum join to chat about St Louis City, City 2, Golf, Bryan Adams, and more!!! We also had a guest appearance from Mason Artime, the leading post game Jersey collector in City Park history!!!
 
#missouristate #slusoccer #ncaad1 #mls #messi #canadian #golf

Episode 87: Lu Perez - Miggy’s Dad!

A true "Soccer Dad." Lu Perez joined us to talk about his families experiences, Miggy's path, his  mom's heart shout, and his brothers loyalty and pride. A simply great experience getting to hear and enjoy the path of a dreamer, a grinder, and a future standout!!!
#mls #stl #soccer #family #dreams 

Soccer Mom Sunday: Jen Brooks - Ursuline Athletic Director

Jen Brooks has been the Athletic Director at Ursuline Academy for 27 years. Her insight and stories regarding her role as AD, as a woman, and the importance of student advocacy, highlight this episode. Tremendous insight that is a must listen for parents of High School athletes and beyond!
#podcast #equality #athleticdirector #soccer #basketball #volleyball #Ursuline #stlouis #minetodefine

Episode 86: Marcelo Balboa

Our forever #17!!! Marcelo Balboa... the master of the bicycle... posesser of incredible hair... and an #MLS & #USMNT Hall of Famer! We had an incredible time chatting with the World Cup veteran and his play by play partner from Apple TV+'s MLS SeasonPass crew Jorge Perez-Navarro! 
Bottom line, it was a blast! 
#soccer #podcast #worldcup #ussoccer #AppleTV #MLSSeasonPass #Messi #coloradorapids

Soccer Mom Sunday: Kelley Nelson (3 Boys & A Lot of Soccer)

Kelley joined the show to chat all things "Soccer Mom," and with Ben, Charlie, and Zagk's paths all being different... there were stories!!! It was a fresh conversation that touched on that fine balance between our expectations as parents, the clubs expectations for players, and the child's happiness.
#soccer #parenting #academy #clubsoccer #empathy #organization

Episode 85: Steve Ralston

Steve Ralston's path is worth the listen alone. The focus, grind, and perseverance is simply unmatched. From getting cut at the club level and missing starts his senior year, Steve ends up leaving the MLS after a storied career as the leader in games, minutes, and assists. Add on top of that 36 caps for the #USMNT and you end up having a story that is impossible not to love. 
#Soccer #Grind #MLS #NERevolution #TampaBayRowdies #CarlosValderama #StLouis

Episode 84: Joe Ahearn

Joe Ahearn's experiences are simply incredible. From DeSmet to DePaul to US Soccer to D2 Coach to D1 Coach and now MLS Academy director... he get's it. Not only does he dish some goods on some of US Soccer's best players of all time, he talks about some of the insights pertaining to his recruiting experience and process that is simply free "nuggets" for players and parents about to go through the process!
#NCAA #Soccer #mlsnext #Jaguars #recruiting #USMNT #USSoccer #training #pathway

Episode 83: Matt Bettlach

Matt Bettlach... once a Griffin, who played for Busch and beyond, knows soccer. With a family spread out all over our country having played and coach at the highest levels, thanksgiving tables were soccer first, turkey & stuffing second! The current head coach of the Triad Women's program, Coach Bettlach has 4 state titles to date, and a pipeline that is continually being filled with talent!
#HighSchool #Soccer #Coaching #StateChampionships #Pathway #BigPimpin