New Jersey Youth Soccer Coaching Alumni
SoccerToday’s Women In Soccer Series: Krissy Turner started playing soccer when she was five-years-old and has since kept both feet in the game as a player and coach.
Krissy Turner has served as an assistant coach and head coach in the New Jersey Youth Soccer Girls Olympic Development Program (ODP) where she won multiple U.S. Youth Soccer Region I ODP Championships.
Turner enters her 18th season as the head coach at Monmouth University Women’s Soccer program and has led the Hawks to 3 NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2013 and 2014, the Hawks won the MAAC regular season title as well as the conference championship.
This year she was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Association coach of the year; her fifth time receiving a conference coach of the year honor. Turner, who is pursuing her PhD in performance psychology, resides in Pennington, N.J., with her husband, Bob, who is an assistant women’s soccer coach at The College of New Jersey.
SoccerToday interviewed Turner to explain what she looks for when recruiting and to shed some light on the in’s and out’s of the game.
Diane Scavuzzo: How did you get started playing soccer and when did you know it would play a key role in your life?
Krissy Turner: I started playing soccer at the Westfield Soccer Association when I was five years old. I enjoyed many sports growing up but gravitated towards soccer and basketball in high school. Soccer has always played a major role in my life and I am sure it always will.
Diane Scavuzzo: What character attributes has contributed to your soccer success?
Krissy Turner: Hard work and a relentless attitude to give my best.
Diane Scavuzzo: Can you describe a hard lesson you’ve learned from the game?
Krissy Turner: A team can dominate a game in all phases but still not get the result they feel they earned. The game can be cruel, sometimes. But it is also a game that on any given day, any team can win!
Diane Scavuzzo: What are three key attributes you look for when you’re recruiting college players?
Krissy Turner: Attributes I look for are a positive attitude, athleticism, and work ethic.
Diane Scavuzzo: What is some advice for collegiate athlete recruits?
Krissy Turner: Recruits should be realistic about who they are as a player and be honest with themselves about their abilities.
Diane Scavuzzo: What do you hope your players get from their experience as college athletes?
Krissy Turner: My players would say that I want them to succeed both on and off the field. But, in order to do this they must give their best.
Diane Scavuzzo: How does community service and soccer play a role in your life?
Krissy Turner: It is very important for our players and program to represent themselves with class and professionalism. Younger players in the community look up to our team as role models. In the community, we are involved with Team Impact, TOPSoccer, Read across America, and other local events near Monmouth University.
Diane Scavuzzo: What value does the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) offer female players in New Jersey?
Krissy Turner: ODP offers female players the opportunity to be in a competitive training environment with a team comprised of the top players in a particular age group that receives excellent coaching.
Diane Scavuzzo: What advice would you give to someone who is interested or has just started playing organized youth soccer?
Krissy Turner: To enjoy the game and be a passionate player and fan. It is critical to watch the game either in person or on television, to not only to support the growth of the sport, but also to learn.
