Today's Play: David Harbin shares his path from playing soccer at Winthrop University to coaching high school and middle school soccer and basketball. He emphasizes the importance of creating a positive team culture, highlighting practices like ending practices with a "joke of the day" and introducing the "warrior belt" to recognize players for their contributions beyond on-field performance. David also discusses the emotional challenges of the college recruitment process and the importance of finding joy in every aspect of being part of a team.

Today's Coach: David Harbin is the Assistant Director of Activities and Athletics at Decatur High School in Decatur, GA. He is a Certified Athletic Administrator, recognized by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, and serves on the Board of the Georgia Athletic Directors Association (GADA). He has taught various classes with the GADA on Middle School Athletics and has served as the Middle School Liaison, as well as the Chair of the Technology Committee. Prior to becoming a full-time Athletic Director, David taught Middle School Social Studies and coached high school and middle school soccer and basketball, working primarily as the Boys' Varsity Soccer Coach for eight years. His team competed in multiple Final Fours and won the 2016 state championship. He was recognized by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America as the Small School State Coach of the Year, as well as the Small School Coach of the Year for the Southern Region of the US. In college, David played soccer for Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

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Picking Teams: A Playbook for Parents is produced by: Amy Bryant and Sasha Melamud

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Today's Play: Our guest reflects on his experience speaking to MLS Academy 8th and 9th graders about the slim chances of making it to the professional ranks and the importance of prioritizing academics for college recruitment. The discussion delves into the role of social media in recruiting, advising players to be mindful of their online presence. They explore alternative divisions and governing bodies like NAIA, NJCAA, and community colleges, highlighting the financial advantages and competitive opportunities they offer. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of finding a balanced college experience that fosters academic, athletic, and personal growth, rather than just chasing a Division 1 dream.

Today's Guest: Kyle Gookins is a former Division I Head Men's Soccer Coach who currently is the Director of My College Soccer, a college soccer recruiting consulting agency. He has over 23 years of coaching experience at every level of youth and amateur soccer and has also been a US Soccer Scout for the USSF Youth national teams.

To note: The "head count" and "equivalency" scholarship models discussed in this episode are currently in flux as the NCAA determines roster limits in the aftermath of the House v. NCAA settlement.

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To learn more about Bryant College Coaching, click here or go to www.bryantcollegecoaching.com

Picking Teams: A Playbook for Parents is produced by: Amy Bryant and Sasha Melamud

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Today's Play: Our guest discusses the differences between coaching young athletes and college players, emphasizing resilience, teamwork, and the mental side of softball. She also provides valuable insights into the recruiting process, including what coaches look for in players beyond athletic ability, and offers advice for parents on how to best support their children’s sports journey.

Today's Guest: CJ is the owner of CJ's perfect practice, a baseball and softball hitting instruction company. In college, CJ was the starting catcher for Western Washington's NAIA national championship team. After college, she was the assistant coach and head hitting instructor at University of Virginia for five seasons. During her time there, UVA hitters were ranked 15th in the nation among all NCAA division one schools. CJ was inducted into Western Washington's Hall of Fame in 2011.

Send us your feedback!

To learn more about Bryant College Coaching, click here or go to www.bryantcollegecoaching.com

Picking Teams: A Playbook for Parents is produced by: Amy Bryant and Sasha Melamud

Facebook| Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Linkedin