Advice From A Hall Of Fame Soccer Coach
September 15, 2008
Have you ever had a coach that really challenged you to be something more than you thought you could be? Do you struggle to impress them? Do you excel beyond their expectations? Well, no matter what your answer may be, a special coach like Howard Patterson brings out the best in you which is why he’s a College Soccer Hall of Fame Coach. With a career record of 395 wins, this was the most wins of any coach in NAIA history at his retirement. Given HP’s accolades and having played for him, I am honored to share with you a little about Howard in this Q&A feature.
What do you feel has been the most influential impact you have made being a soccer coach?
There are probably a few things, but I hope that I helped provide students with a means to get a college education; stay in school and graduate, using soccer as a motivator. Also, helping students learn self-respect, the value of hard work, dedication and team work.
What would you say was the most important lesson you learned from the game?
The game is not always fair, but you tend to get out of it what you put in to it.
What advice do you have for young college coaches just starting their careers?
Be organized and network. Seek situations, such as coaching schools, where you can gain coaching skills. Realize where soccer fits in higher education. It is not THE most important thing at the school or in life, but it can be very internally rewarding. Coach a youth team for free.
As a college coach, what did you look for in the players you recruited?
Integrity, intelligence, drive, soccer skills, and fitness.
What advice would you give to a young player aspiring to play college soccer?
Develop your skills at every opportunity. Maintain your integrity. Seek out those who will make you a better player, not just those who want you to play because you are talented. Do extremely well in school and make good decisions on and off the field!
What effects do you think a highly successful professional league could have on the college game in America?
It would help, but not make THE difference. Players should attend college to get a marketable degree. If they can play pro soccer after college for a few years, great, but make sure you have that degree for the day when you no longer are part of the team. Often times pro soccer, and pro sports in general, provide bad examples, such as overly aggressive fouls, fighting, acting and disrespecting others. Strive to walk of the field so your children are proud of who you are.
How important is the performance of US National Team for continued growth of the game in America?
People will play soccer regardless of what our national teams do. I’d dare say the vast majority (99%) of today’s young players can’t name two players on any of our national teams, but they can tell you who some top basketball and football players are!
Hank Steinbrecher once stated that “the US would win the World Cup by 2010” as he laid out specific plans to accomplish this goal. Since then leadership has changed and with the 2010 World Cup quickly approaching, what do you think the US chances are given this goal?
Hank is a great man with a vision for the future, but I am not sure the US will win a World Cup this decade or next, and the way things are going in the world, we may not make it past this century.
Lastly, if you were leading Major League Soccer today what do you think would be your most important strategy for the next ten years?
Sorry, but I would not want that job. The future of our country is in its youth, not the pro leagues. Working with the future is the life for me.
My Thoughts & Reactions
Well, I thought Howard provided some very interesting perspective to the conversation. And, you can certainly see where his values and beliefs are and you have to respect that. Having an education and being able to learn from the game and having the capability to apply such lessons learned to life are crucial. I really like the importance that HP thinks should be placed on youth development. The strength of the grassroots organically raises the competitiveness of the professional leagues is something worth noting. Now, I’m interested to hear your thoughts.
What did you think about this interview?
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