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Management Spotlight: Edition One

10/02/2018, 4:27pm EDT
By SYL Staff

Northern Virginia SC's Schweitzer among individuals featured

Thousands of coaches and administrators put in the hard work to make each and every Super Y League season a success, including the 2018 campaign.

In our Management Spotlight series, we highlight three individuals who were exemplary in their work on and off the field, as they aim to help improve the lives of their young athletes.

Here are the featured coaches and administrators for the first edition on Oct. 2, 2018.

Marie Schweitzer

Northern Virginia SC, Technical Director of Coaching

Q: What do you enjoy most about coaching in the Super Y League?

A: I like coaching the Super Y League because our players become a soccer family and support each other’s teams throughout the summer months. It creates an environment where players that want to play year-round can continue their development with club teammates, as well as outside club players that want to compete throughout the summer.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories or experiences in the Super Y League?

A: One of my favorite memories with the Super Y League is seeing one of our club players, Meghan Cox, start at the youngest age group. Her college coach said he started watching her when she was 13 at the North American Finals. She played throughout her college career starting at James Madison University and transferred to University of Virginia. She was able to reach her lifelong dream to be a professional soccer player with the Portland Thorns in 2017.

Q: Why do you think it is important for players aged 12-19 to play in the Super Y League?

A: I feel like if players have set goals to play at a higher level, it is important to continue to play year-round soccer. The Super Y League also gives players the opportunity to play for different coaches and see how coaching styles and philosophies vary.

Q: What do you enjoy most outside of soccer and why?

​​​​​​​A: All I pretty much do is soccer. I play in coed and women’s league, train, coach and watch soccer. I guess if I had to select one thing, it would be to go on vacations to the beach or mountains. Being outdoors creates a positive mind set for me.

Q: What hobbies do you have outside of soccer?

​​​​​​​A: I like to go hiking and hang out with friends and family.

JD Cochran

Austin Texans, Director of Coaching

Q: Why did you decide to become a soccer coach?

A: I have been coaching full-time since I was 17 years old. I have always wanted to either play soccer or be around the game. I cannot explain my passion for soccer; it just has always been a part of my life even while growing up in a small town.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges of being a soccer coach?

A: I believe the two biggest challenges of coaching are time and parents. Parents want their kids to develop like a sprint. Unfortunately, every player is different, and it’s more like a marathon, even for the greatest of players.

Q: What do you enjoy most about coaching in the Super Y League?

A: Coaching in the Super Y League is a great way for the Austin Texans to play teams we would never play during the regular season. This is important for the development process.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite moments from the Super Y League season?

A: We have had some spectacular moments since joining the Super Y League, but one moment sticks out to me the most. This year our 01/00 team was invited to head the Super Y League National Finals! What a great opportunity for the players in the club and their families.

Q: What do you enjoy most outside of soccer and why?

A: Outside of soccer, I have five little boys and a great wife that keep me busy. I love to get together with the rest of my family and hang at the lake or just cookout and relax.

Novi Marojevic

Indiana Elite, President/Director of Coaching

Q: Why did you decide to become a soccer coach?

A: After being long-time pro player, I decided become a coach for various reasons. Mainly, I love the game, and I want to bring my soccer experience to another generation of players.

Q: What advice would you give players looking to raise their game to potentially make the pro ranks?

A: My advice to all young players is work hard, enjoy the game, have patience and a desire for the game, listen to your coach and focus on yourself during practice.

Q: What do you enjoy most about coaching in the Super Y League?

A: The Super Y League is giving every player and coach experience to compete in a high level of soccer. It's a very well-organized league with great competition. Also, kids are able to compete for national championships.

Q: What are your expectations for your team at SYL Finals?

A: Every past year, our goal was to win the national championship, but this year, we expect a lot more because we are bringing a good number of teams to the finals. So, our expectations this year will be higher than previous years.

Q: What do you enjoy most outside of soccer and why?

A: My kids and wife!


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