Carrie Taylor Reflects: What I know Now That I Wish I Knew Before
Soccer News: SoccerToday Series on What I Know Now shares advice and wisdom from former soccer professionals and high-level soccer coaches.
Enjoy the moment: Looking back at my time within the game, it has gone by fast. It seems that while I was coming up in the game and through the ranks, I was always focused on “what was next?”. So one thing that I wish I knew then was to focus on the here and now a bit more and not be so concerned about what my next step was career wise.
Learn from everyone: There were times where I was so worried about proving myself that I didn’t take the time to learn from everyone around me. Now, I try to pick something up from everyone, maybe my eyes are more open to new ideas instead of being focused on my way.
Karma comes around: Those people that you encounter that lie, make promises, or cheat to win, ultimately get found out in the end. Staying true to your philosophy and beliefs even when surrounded by people that do things the wrong way-is key. The good guys do prevail. Don’t compromise your beliefs or standards. Stay true to yourself. Be honest with people. Know what you are about, and stay strong. In the long run things will work out.
It is not about the soccer: When I was young I was so concerned about winning and the X’s and O’s and always tried to out coach the person/team I was going against. Coaching is not about the soccer really and truly-it is about the impact you have on someone. I have won a national championship for club, and been to the NCAA tournament 3 times as a coach. But it is not the winning or the medals/trophies that matter. What matters most are things like having a former player want to interview you for a college class, or getting a text from a player wanting to meet you for lunch while she is home on spring break. The X’s and O’s are trivial once the game is over. The medals get dusty and the trophies end up in the garage. But, how are you remembered by your players when they leave you lasts a lifetime. I haven’t been a perfect coach, and there are players that probably disliked me over the years, but I know in my heart that in my coaching life I can look back and say that I have developed into a coach of positive significance.
Carrie Taylor is the current Laguna United FC Director of Coaching . A former college (University of Michigan) and professional (United States Women’s Independent Soccer League and Women’s United Soccer League) player, Taylor has coached every level from club soccer to the USL W-League. She holds a USSF ‘A’ License and a US Youth Soccer National Youth Coaching License and in fact teaches the course to other Directors of Coaching. She has also been involved with the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program for more than fourteen years.
