Coach Alex Switzer and Coach Zane dive into the challenges of “leveling up” in sports, discussing what it takes for players to transition to a new team or higher level and establish themselves as standout contributors.

Our guest is Coach Jessica Maddox, a former NCAA D1 goalkeeper from Troy University who transitioned her passion for soccer into a successful coaching career. Jessica shares her journey from player to mentor, emphasizing technical and mental growth in soccer development. She also talks about:

• Balancing intensity and recovery during tournaments.

• How video analysis enhances player development.

• Tips for young athletes navigating the shift to higher levels of play.

• Finding and fostering goalkeepers in youth soccer programs.

Jessica provides practical advice for players and coaches alike, with actionable strategies to elevate their game. Whether you're a coach, parent, or player, this episode is packed with wisdom and motivation.

💡 Learn more about Coach Jessica Maddox’s work or book a video review with her on OnCallCoaches.com. Happy listening!

Episode Timeline

00:00 – 02:24:Introduction to the podcast and today’s topic: transitioning to higher levels in sports. Alex and Zane discuss key takeaways from morning hockey practices.

02:25 – 04:47:Breaking into a new team—establishing work ethic, earning respect, and avoiding common mistakes.

04:48 – 06:57:How long it typically takes to rise to the top of a team after leveling up. The importance of patience and preparation.

06:58 – 09:07:Coaches' perspectives: integrating new players into a team’s culture and improving decision-making.

09:08 – 11:25:Interview introduction: Jessica Maddox’s career as a D1 athlete and her coaching journey.

11:26 – 13:47:Jessica on transitioning from high school to college sports and the importance of structure in development.

13:48 – 16:10:Standing out in a competitive environment—Jessica’s approach to setting and achieving goals.

16:11 – 18:36:Advice for athletes transitioning to higher levels: balancing fun with discipline.

18:37 – 20:57:Mental health and resilience as a goalkeeper: learning from failures and staying focused under pressure.

20:58 – 23:20:Developing young players and identifying goalkeepers in youth soccer.

23:21 – 25:44:Coaching philosophy: fostering independence and decision-making in players.

25:45 – 28:05:Jessica’s approach to season planning and periodization to prevent injuries.

28:06 – 30:21:Weekly training breakdown for high-level athletes, balancing fitness, technical, and tactical work.

30:22 – 34:41:Recovery and video analysis—managing fatigue while using video to improve skills.

34:42 – 39:17:How private coaching differs from club training and its role in player development.

39:18 – 41:35:The unique demands of goalkeeping and teaching players to self-correct.

41:36 – 45:53:The benefits of video analysis and specific angles for optimal feedback.

45:54 – 48:18:Jessica’s coaching rates on On Call Coaches and final thoughts on athlete development.

48:19 – 50:00:Closing remarks: insights on overuse injuries, recovery, and reaching your full potential in sports.