Shigeyoshi “Sugar” Shinohara
USC Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach
United Soccer Coaches API Coaches Community Member
Who or what inspired you to pursue coaching?
My father. He comes from the countryside in Hiroshima and has always been a good soccer player and was even on the regional team. Still today, at the age of 78, he is involved in soccer and coaches! My father was a great coach and mentor throughout my life. When I was in high school, I got injured and couldn’t walk for 6 months and my father let me join the coaching staff when I was 17. I had the responsibility of coaching my father’s youngest team (U10-12). Another mentor of mine is Patricia Hughes. She helped open the door for me in terms of coaching college soccer. Patricia is currently the new college programs officer at United Soccer Coaches.
How has being a United Soccer Coaches member benefited you?
It has benefitted me by giving me an opportunity to coach any age group. Coming to the US, United Soccer Coaches gave me a chance to do an advanced diploma course in 2005 and meet people from different states and different countries. From 1997-to 2002 i was in England and tried to become a football coach but it is very difficult to get into a coaching environment. I am ecstatic and delighted to be a part of the APICC and honored to join-it’s a privilege.
What do you feel has been the hardest part of coaching?
I do not like to say hardest, but instead more challenging parts. It has been a challenge for me and I am sure for the other APICC members, to establish ourselves in the soccer community. All I can say is you can’t be complacent. It’s a challenge you have to face yourself. You will be tested a lot. You cant put your ego first and what you do needs to be humbling. You have got to challenge yourself and keep moving forward.
How do you measure success with your team?
Every day, every game you have a chance to measure success. When we prepare for the opportunity and when we know we did our absolute best, I think that is considered a success.
What has been your favorite? United Soccer Coaches education course and why?
My Premier Diploma course!