Mark Lange
Matthew C. Perry High School
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan
United Soccer Coaches Veterans, Active Military, & Affiliates Coaches Community
“Something that has really helped me as I navigate teaching and coaching for a Department of Defense Dependents School overseas in Japan, is to simply fly the plane. Don’t let all the distractions get in the way of your passion.”
What keeps you inspired to coach and be a part of the soccer community?
I have had many mentors over the years, and I feel that it is now my turn to share the knowledge and passion those individuals shared with me. I have been coaching since I was 18 years old. Time flies — it is hard to believe that I have been a high school varsity coach for 37 years!
Observing others coach and work with young players continues to inspire me. I hope to share what I have learned from them, as well as from my own experiences, with others in the soccer community.
How does United Soccer Coaches fit into that equation?
Being a United Soccer Coaches member has benefited me both personally and professionally. In addition to attending the convention and having access to a wealth of coaching materials, I have been able to network with like-minded individuals who share my passion for the game.
Beyond that, United Soccer Coaches has helped me celebrate my military-connected student-athletes. Perry High School has been recognized with 10 straight United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Awards, as well as recognition for sportsmanship and ethics. Perry High School has also produced 12 All-Americans and Scholar All-Americans. This is remarkable, as our students are navigating the unique challenges associated with living overseas on a U.S. military base.
In short, the impact has been tremendous. I am also honored to serve as the OCONUS Affairs Committee Chair for the VAMA Coaches Community.
What one piece of advice would you give to other coaches at this point in your career?
Something that has really helped me as I navigate teaching and coaching for a Department of Defense Dependents School overseas in Japan is to simply “fly the plane.”
With the many responsibilities that come with coaching, don’t let outside distractions get in the way of your passion, inspiration, and dedication to developing players. There will be storms, flocks of birds, lightning strikes, and other challenges along the way — but keep sight of the mission.
Fly the plane.
How do you measure success with your team?
I mainly look for growth in players, both on the pitch and off, as they develop into their future selves. Of course, winning is important, but it is not the only measure of success — or even the ultimate one.
Success in the classroom, worthy of the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award, and success on the pitch, worthy of the United Soccer Coaches Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award, are always among the top goals for my teams.
We have gone from being “the cones” that other teams ran around to becoming the record-holders for DoDEA Pacific D2 teams, with seven stars on our crest. I have had to adjust and grow with each of my teams. Setting goals at the beginning of the season, along with healthy doses of reflection, is key.
What are some of the goals and aspirations you bring to the table as the VAMA Chair?
I hope to double membership in the United Soccer Coaches Veterans, Active Military, & Affiliates Coaches Community. More than that, I hope to bring people together as we share the same passion for the game.
However, I know I will need the help of many people to make that happen. I hope to grow into the position and serve as a catalyst for building and strengthening this community.