A Summer with Head Men's Soccer Coach Matt Spear
8/14/2013 2:21:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Sights and Sounds from a Davidson Preseason Practice (Video)
Leading up to the first preseason game, we've been conducting weekly Q&A's with members of the Davidson men's soccer team. Our final edition is with Wildcat head coach Matt Spear, who is entering his 13th season at the helm.
Matt Spear Q&A
Describe your summer path:
When the students go home in mid-May, the campus buzz is very different. But this also allows everyone space and time to reflect, to learn, and to rejuvenate. We went on an awesome family trip to Santa Barbara to celebrate my niece's high school graduation. I went straight from there to northern Virginia to run my 1st ultra-marathon, a 31 mile trail race along the Potomac River not too far from DC. I direct two youth camps here on campus in June and two more in mid-July. Between the camps I was in Dallas recruiting and our family loved the week of July 4th on Martha's Vineyard.
Why trail running?
For me, running is the purest and most natural form of exercise. You don't need a group or equipment and you can do it anywhere, any time. It's universal. I am fortunate as I have good running genes. My sister was a state champion miler and ran in the Olympic Trials. My father was a long-time cross country coach (and English teacher) and he did 17 marathons – one of which at 2:47 around my current age; way faster than me. I have a photo at age 7 running a 7 mile race, so I got the bug early. I have done road marathons but have now focused my affinity to trails. Got tired of the pavement, the cars and the full sun. On a single-track trail in dense woods I feel like I could go on forever. Trail running allows me to disconnect – no phone, no watch, no map – and to feed off nature. Locally there are 4-5 good sets of trails – the best of which are at the US Whitewater Center and the closest is 100 yards outside the back door of my office in Baker. And when I travel, I love to run the local trails – they are always unique.
What does the summer offer in terms of recruiting?
The biggest event of the year, in my opinion, is the US Soccer Development Academy Playoffs/Showcase in late June. This year was no exception – in Dallas, or Frisco to be more precise. Not all of our players come through Academy teams, but most are because it is the best overall level and environment our nation currently offers in club soccer. Our three-day Senior ID Camp in July was once again an important opportunity for us to work with more good players. And then of course, the summer includes tons of recruiting emails, phone calls, watching video footage, and interaction with coaches. Recruiting never stops and the classes overlap, so as we are finishing up one class we are already well on the way working on the next.
How do you engage in the game during the summer?
The summer offers more opportunity to read, to watch, and to ponder. I am always learning, and the game is always evolving. There are several web sites that I follow constantly. On TV, there are games year-round, with World Cup Qualifying, the Confederations Cup, U20 World Cup, and MLS as this summer's primary entrees. It is hard to deny that soccer is the world's biggest phenomenon. I get chills being an active part of it.
How do you stay connected with the players during the summer?
When I am reading about, watching, or thinking about the game that is more than just as a fan of course. I am constantly wondering how it can connect to my methodology, to our players, and to our program. So the players get a lot of emails from me throughout the year with quotes, articles, video clips, recommended games to watch etc. The team also had a summer reading book about mental/emotional toughness, specifically for soccer. Coach Tony and I did a conference call with the Captains Coleman O'Neill and Chris Pettiglio every three weeks. And Coleman and Chris read and discussed a book about captains' leadership. Our players do a good job to motivate each other and to stay connected; for example they have their own private Facebook page and text distribution list separate from the coaches.
What are your thoughts and feelings leading in to your 13th season?
It does not seem like 12 years in the rear view window! Time has flown, a sign I am loving it. My philosophy, mindset, style and methods have remained fairly consistent. But as I said earlier, the game is always changing – and so should the coaches. I am in a different place of life – now married with three kids – than when I started. The players change too in terms of their soccer backgrounds, expectations, how they learn – plus technology, Davidson and NCAA Soccer have evolved. I am not a coach that says we have to play the exact same way in the same formation every year. Soccer is definitely a players' game and I believe that the game is the best teacher. The players need a strong, challenging, supportive environment along with personal mentoring. But ultimately, the players have a massive role and the game is won or lost inside the white lines. The game is more art than science, and I sense that at times soccer can be over-coached. We as coaches must embrace the fluidity, creativity and improvisation soccer affords.
How about this 2013 team and season?
Each time around is unique and I am always upbeat – my mom calls me the eternal optimist. The guys have chosen Brotherhood as a mantra, and that underlines our emphasis on connection, relationships, and of course team work. Recent seasons have also focused on toughness, sacrifice, desire and belief. As important as athleticism, fitness, skill and talent (we can call that the hardware) are, I am a huge believer in the powers of communication, work ethic, motivation, mindset, and spirit (we can call that the software). For me, Davidson Soccer is not just about one season – it's about a bond and a way forward. The current group is very tight and led by the seven Seniors. There is a conviction and potential that can become special. I look forward to going to battle with them. I am here for them. It is not about me or my record, but rather about the players' dreams, experiences and growth.
