Q: What is your favorite part about being a coach at BHS: I don’t have a favorite part rather I have a lot of them. I grew up playing a ton of soccer at high levels from college to professionally to internationally and after all of these miles I’ve put on my legs, I can’t play at the level I would like to. With that said, I’m a very competitive person and coaching allows me to remain a part of the game in that sense. So, I would say my top favorites are coaching our amazing players we are fortunate to have in Baldwin and preparing them for success on the field. I also have two excellent coaches alongside me that help bring our success.
Q: How long have you been coaching Soccer for: I have been coaching soccer for 8 seasons at Baldwin High School, but believe it or not I started my Vinland Soccer Academy when I was only 14 years old to pay for a plane ticket to Europe to play soccer.
Q: What made you want to coach at BHS and what has been your inspiration to keep coaching: I live in Baldwin and am an alum. We didn’t have soccer when I went to school here. As a middle schooler and high schooler I plauyed club soccer in KC and on a US Youth National Team squad and for some reason I got teased a lot by my peers and even staff members for playing soccer. So, that has really fueled my desire and drive to always put the best product on the field, whether as a player or a coach. I like the fact that I can take those sour memories of ignorant comments towards me and turn them into wonderful memories for others and show people that soccer is force to be reckoned with.
Q: What is your favorite memory of coaching: When I had the opportunity to coach my son and daughter. Also when we took the boys to Minnesota for a week and did all sorts of fun things while having our team camp. Then last summer we spent a week in Colorado playing and beating some tough teams while hiking and whitewater rafting. But, of course my memories of winning all of our Regional Championships, 2023’s dominating undefeated league championship run, and playing for the 2022 State Championship. It has been a blast accomplishing all of these things with Coach Cox and Coach Ben, two great coaches and great men.
Q: Where did you play soccer before you started coaching: I grew up playing soccer in the KC area and played in college as well as internationally and had some opportunities with a couple of professional teams. I finished my playing career playing semi-professionally for KC United for five years from 2006-2011.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not coaching: I enjoy travelling and seeing the world as well as exploring places and the great outdoors. I also enjoy spending time with my family and dogs or writing.
Q: What was your favorite season of coaching so far: I don’t really have one because every team has been such a thrill to coach and watch grow and build and mold the future of the program.