Each month we feature one ASA coach to learn more about his or her background and personal story and this month (July 2019) we’re featuring Coach Will!
What programs do you coach at ASA and how long have you been coaching with our club?
I have coached in ALL of our programs—Tots, Summer Camps, Ball Mastery, Futsal and Academy—for the past four and a half years.
When did you begin coaching? What got you interested?
I started coaching my junior year in high school and continued into my senior year as a student assistant coach at StoneBridge School for the women’s varsity team. We won two straight district championships, the first and only in school history for the women’s program.
I watched my dad coach my brothers from a young age. By the time I was seven, I was telling my family that soccer would be my career. I did not understand why everyone else was not pursuing the same dream.
What is one of your favorite things about coaching for ASA?
The players and the support from the coaching staff is my favorite aspect. If you are a part of Alexandria Soccer Association you know that you are a part of a family. This is an incredible environment to coach in and I can not imagine working for any other youth club in the country.
Where did you grow up and what’s your favorite soccer memory from your childhood?
I grew up in Virginia Beach and played for Beach FC and VA Rush. My freshman year of high school I was was home schooled and playing on the Varsity home school soccer team. My brother Peter was the coach and my brother Josh was a senior and the captain. We beat Manteo High School for the first time in the team’s history at their home field. I had grown up watching my dad coach the home school team who had lost to Manteo for 10 straight years. I had the game winning assist to my brother in the 75th minute.
When you’re not coaching what do you like to do in your free time?
I like to play the drums. I like to be outside in nature—swim, climb and mentally prepare for the next championship.
Who’s your soccer hero(es) and why?
My brothers (Josh, Peter and Clay). They taught me to train, and to train harder than anyone else.
Will works full time for ASA as Director of Futsal ID. As a long time ASA coach and staffer we’re thrilled to have him on our team. Thanks Coach Will!