Jody Lingafeldt
Head Coach
Colorado Mesa University
Women’s Soccer
Who or what inspired you to pursue coaching?
This is a tough question to narrow down. To be honest I never wanted to play soccer. My father drove me to my first soccer practice and he had to peel me from his truck as I hung on to the side of the door for dear life screaming I hate soccer. Fast forward to today, minus the knee high socks, denim shorts and plastic white cleats – I am still involved in soccer. I can’t narrow down a “who” inspired me to pursue coaching as I have met many people and have had loads of experiences along the way that have inspired me in one way or another.
How has being a United Soccer Coaches member benefited you?
There are many ways being a United Soccer Coaches member has been a benefit for me personally, but the top reason would be the learning tools United Soccer Coach provides its audience. No matter your level of experience and knowledge of the game, United Soccer Coaches provides a platform for coaches that provides new information, new sessions, new approaches to learn to enhance our craft to succeed in today’s game. The coaching community is very small yet we barely have enough time for a quick hello to fellow coaches on the recruiting trail – this is where United Soccer Coaches Journal helps bridge that timeline. The variety of topics and coaches who contribute to the Soccer Journal provides an opportunity to learn from friends and colleagues and introduce their POV on soccer IQ, concepts, mental health, etc…
What do you feel has been the hardest part of coaching?
To date, the hardest part about coaching has been evolving with the generations. How we were coached versus how we coach this generation is very different these days. Creating an environment that showcases your authentic self and values as a leader is an ongoing project, but how to incorporate that concept and connect with this generation should be a PHD. No joke. As a leader/coach in this day and age, I take the approach of being a River Guide. My River Guide theory is this; every year we coach a group of players through a season striving for success by the end of the season. Same theory a river guide takes – the same boat, on the same river, but each ride down that river has different people, different water levels and temperatures but it is the same river. As a River Guide we are there to provide knowledge on how to successfully navigate the current group down the river. We have been down the river a million times, and some of the people in the boat have too, but the ride is never the same. Each season is never the same. Adapt to the new players in the boat.
How do you measure success with your team?
So many common ways to measure success but for me it’s all about the well-rounded experience. Success will naturally develop by looking beyond the numbers on the scoreboard. Creating an environment that is highly competitive, guides players to become more empowered women on and off the field, teaches players the lessons within the team environment that can translate into life and career and most importantly the relationships that are built while navigating the emotional rollercoaster of college life…aka beginning concepts of adulting. We have a buzz phrase at Colorado Mesa that we use often to prepare for success for the moment – Put in a shift.
If applicable, what has been your favorite United Soccer Coaches activity and why?
To be honest, the convention has been the most memorable United Soccer Coaches education course. The ability to choose to sit in on a variety of topics from watching sessions, to how to navigate your career path, to how to build a team culture, all by learning from people within the industry and their experiences along the way, resonates more than any other education course provided. Networking, idea swapping and catching up with old and new friends is worth more than any narrowed down coaching course.