In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone interviews Dave Barrett, head coach of Fairfield University women's soccer team. Dave discusses his insights and strategies as a college recruiter and coach, emphasizing the importance of athleticism, character, and transparency in the recruitment process. He shares experiences from his coaching career, talks about the blend of technical ability and character he seeks in players, and highlights the critical nature of fit for both the program and the athlete. The discussion also covers the importance of managing expectations, handling rejection, and the evolving role of social media in recruitment. As Fairfield prepares for another competitive season, Dave expresses optimism about the team's prospects and reflects on the significant emotional moments in his coaching journey.

Topics

00:45 Recruiting Insights and Philosophy

04:58 Handling Rejection and Thick Skin

13:03 Geographical Recruitment Strategy

15:03 Social Media's Role in Recruitment

19:21 The Importance of Live Interaction in Recruiting

19:50 Evaluating Player and Family Dynamics

20:46 The Initial Contact Process

21:44 Challenges with Player Parents

24:01 Goalkeeper Perspective in Coaching

25:48 Program Expectations for 2024

29:15 Extra Time: Fun and Insightful Questions

38:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts