Jess Nash grew up in Illinois before playing collegiate soccer at Buena Vista University in Iowa. From there, she decided to get her Master’s degree at Iowa State University where she worked with college students. Her husband then got a job in Madison, Wisconsin and she moved there and got started at Rush. Coach Nash is going to tell us about her journey into coaching, what the rush mentor program is all about, and more! You don't want to miss this! 

Coach

Jess Nash: Director of Coaching and Program Outreach at Rush Wisconsin.

Topic 1: Rush Mentor Program

Coach Nash tells us about her experience being both a mentee and a mentor with the Rush Mentor Program, and how life-changing it has been for her. She has been able to travel the country for different networking events and will be traveling to Italy soon with the program to learn from AC Milan’s Academy.

Topic 2: Journey Into Coaching

She knew she wanted to coach as soon as she finished undergrad. While she was getting her masters at Iowa State University, she was also a graduate assistant for the soccer team. In addition, she helped build the foundation at Iowa Lakes Community College with their women's soccer team. She says how cool it was to start from scratch, and contribute to their success as a start up team. Before landing her position now at Wisconsin Rush, she had coaching stints at various camps with UW-Madison and Wisconsin ODP.

Topic 3: Intangible & Mental Factors

Coach Nash says she likes to challenge players to seeing how they respond to different information and challenges. She does this to see how coachable each player is. Coachability is huge at every level according to Coach Nash. Coach Nash also mentions for players trying to find a new club, researching the area and club’s goals is an important factor in trying to find a club that will provide a more challenging atmosphere. 

Topic 4: Returning to the Soccer Field

Coach Nash encourages players to do as much as they can at home, just like preparing for a pre-season. She also encourages teammates to stay in contact with their teammates. She goes on to describe Rush’s unique accountability partner system during these unprecedented times. 

Topic 5: The Glory Days

Coach Nash would chose to relive her high school glory days on the varsity team. The community support was unmatched, and there were always people at the games. She enjoyed the traditions and rivalries they had, of course she had a good time playing in college, but her high school team specifically comes to mind.

Topic 6: Road Trip Food Stop

Iowa predominantly loving the Casey's general store market, Coach Nash opposes and chooses Culvers as her favorite road trip food stop. While she was in Iowa for her undergrad and masters, she never understood the hype around Casey's general store. Culvers all the way!

Topic 7: Mt. Rushmore

Coach Nash’s top 4 players are Michelle Akers, Julie Ertz, Rose Lavelle, and Mia Hamm. Julie Ertz is her favorite current player, Rose Lavelle because she played at UW, and Mia Hamm because she is legendary and Netflix is currently in the making of a documentary about her team. Coach Nash also mentions her love for sports documentaries, as she felt 'lost' when Micheal Jordan's show, "The Last Dance" documentary came to an end. 

Coach Nash's story is an exciting one, and she is just getting started. 

Full Transcript:

Chris Gordon  

Hello and welcome to another edition of exact club experts. Today we are joined by Jeff Nash, the director of coaching and program outreach for the Wisconsin rush. In our conversation, we talked about the rush mentor soccer program. We also mentioned Hello and welcome to another edition of exact club experts. Today we are joined by Jeff Nash, the director of coaching and program outreach for the Wisconsin rush. In our conversation, we talked about the Russian soccer Mentor Program, and how that has benefited just as coaching development. We talked about making the transition from rec to travel soccer, and we also talked about some intangibles that are seen in successful players with a few tie ins to the last dance documentary. You can check out our entire conversation at exact sports comm slash blog or on our social platforms, you Instagram or Twitter with the tag add exact sports and the Facebook page exact soccer. I'm excited to share with you guys and I hope you enjoy Alright, just appreciate you coming on and talking to us a little bit more about your your coaching journey and given us some great advice. So let's let's start off by hearing a little bit more about you and what led you to your current role at rush?

Jess Nash  

Yeah, well, thanks for having me. Um, so currently, I'm the director of coaching with the youth academy and director of program outreach Outreach at Rush Wisconsin, in Madison, Wisconsin. And I've been coaching the last 11 years. I grew up Rockford, Illinois and not too far away from you playing and went to play college at university University in Iowa. And it was really there that I decided that I really want to get into coaching. I couldn't imagine myself being anywhere else after college but kind of helping others through there. achieve their goals figure out what their goals were work through those goals, but on a soccer pitch, or something related to soccer and so I decided to go on and get my master's and become a graduate assistant through Iowa State University. And actually I was while being in the graduate program there I was actually a graduate assistant with the Iowa lakes Community College women's soccer program where we started the program from scratch there, which is pretty neat experience to be able to set a foundation you know, with a brand new program so while there and getting my master's I was also coaching club and high school, soccer there and from there moved on to work at a club in Davenport, Iowa or Bettendorf Iowa, the Quad Cities area and worked as is an age group coordinator and the girl side. And while simultaneously working at St. Ambrose University, and because I kind of missed working with the college athlete, it was a great experience for me to work in the first year experience department on it was really housed under academic side. But I helped freshmen transition to college and, you know, pursue their goals in in over the course of the next four years. And And then from there, my husband got a job in Madison, we've been kind of looking at medicine for a while and it's a good in between spot for both of our families, and we kind of had our eye on and so he had a good opportunity in medicine. And when we moved here, I contacted everybody that I that I knew and landed a great position with Russia, Wisconsin and been here ever since. So I've been here the last three and a half years, almost four, so

Chris Gordon  

novel, it's quite the journey and looks like you're, you're kind of checking off off the boxes around the Midwest, in terms of where you've where you've coached in the States. So that's cool that you sell them with rush now, I read that you're part of the Russian Mentor Program and you started off as a mentee. Now you're a mentor. It seems like a really cool thing. So can you talk a little bit more about your experience with the program and how that's helped with development of you as a coach?

Jess Nash  

Oh, yeah, it's a fantastic program. I was. I think it was one of the second the second cohort to go through it. And what it is, is basically rush is a club that's part of a national club. So there's nearly one at least one in every state.

And it's pretty neat because you get to you know, Claire pass And through that you can create recreate regional teams and national teams and compete abroad. And it's really cool. But one of the one of the cool features for coaches is that you have like a huge network of coaches to learn from. And so they started this mentor program where you apply and they have, you know, anywhere from I Gosh, I would be guessing but they have quite a few applicants every year of coaches that apply and they choose six or seven every year, and they pair them with a veteran coach within rush. And that that partnership is there for I think nine months to a year, close to a year and with that, you you get weekly conversations or whatever you set up whatever schedule you set up with your mentor, mentee, weekly, bi weekly, whatever and then there's you get exclusive like Google Hangouts with awesome people, you know, just experts around the world and, and then also you you are expected to attend certain Russia events, national events. So you're on staff for the National select program as just like an assistant assistant during that first year, which is great exposure to hopefully make staff you know, the actual national staff, hopefully in the future, which is what happened with me. And then you also attend rush Fest, which is an event for our youth 13 teams across rush, the rush network that's in Colorado. And then I got a specific opportunity because I was paired with the President and CEO of rush Tim Schultz. He was actually taking a trip to Italy with a with some other directors to look at AC Milan 's Academy and watch a few games and talk to talk to some other soccer people and He invited me to that as a trip since we were just recently paired as a mentor mentee. And so I had that opportunity that was kind of unique to that I wouldn't have had that opportunity otherwise. And obviously, I mean, I loved it. Fantastic. I learned so much in that year. It really propelled me to want to pursue more and learn more and ignited my reignited my passion for learning and since then I've gotten my my B license and grass, grassroots instructor license and I'm planning to go for my a whenever they back up again, and have been invited back to to become a national staff, regional staff coach, and then also a mentor in the program now so it's really, really amazing to be able to give back to the program. I feel like I've gained so much from it. And so that's just one aspect of one of the benefits Have with such a large network? Is that program?

Chris Gordon  

Yeah, absolutely. You know, it seems like a really awesome experience and coaches give so much of their time to the players. And, you know, it's only fitting that the coaches should should get a little bit back as well. And it seems like this is a really cool way for you to gain some valuable experience. And, you know, obviously, to take some trips over overseas and see some of the best clubs in the world train and see how they do things. I'm sure that's a teta serve as a big benefit as well. So appreciate you sharing a little bit more on the program. Now, you've been involved obviously with with all various sides of the development chain from from college to high school. Now, I think you're a little bit more involved on the youth side. So you're seeing the development at a pretty long young age. And there's always a debate, you know, when is a time for a player to go from rec soccer to travel and start really, you know, playing high level competition within clubs. Now I know there's not a specific age that you're supposed to make that turn. But you know, from your experience and your conversation with families, how does what's the best way to approach that? And how have kind of you've seen that play out through through the years?

Jess Nash  

Yeah, we get a, you know, we're one of the two competitive I would say, in my opinion, one of the two competitive clubs in the area. And we get a lot of kids from, you know, rec clubs or community clubs in the area come over. And it really is, you know, every age group, you know, from what I oversee that 10s and unders and we get kids transferring over at that age, all the way up to our high school age groups. What I tell parents is that, you know, really do your research because I've seen bad coaches at great clubs and prestigious clubs and I've seen great coaches at it. clubs and community clubs. But it's what you're looking for is, you know, you're looking for competition, good coaching and a good atmosphere. And if those three things, aren't there, where you currently are, that's probably when you should be looking elsewhere. But like I said, you should do your research on. Okay, well, you know, my son or daughter is going into, you know, you 13 age group, what were the were the coaches in that age group? What tournaments do they go to what leisure they plan? What is the club philosophy? What opportunities are given to them? You know, if I'm, if my athlete, my players, or my child is interested in playing long term, you know, what do those do? The high school teams typically get placed into colleges, how do their high school athletes fare and I think those are all really important things that everybody has to do a little bit of their own research on. To make the best decisions for themselves, but I think it really does come down to competition, coaching and atmosphere. And if those things aren't right, then you should be kind of looking somewhere else.

Chris Gordon  

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. It's almost like a precursor to selecting, you know, college to play for I feel like you do a lot of the same things when it comes to the background research on the school, the coaches, the philosophy and everything, and I feel like, you know, when you're selecting a club, but there's a lot that that kind of goes into it. It's a family decision. So yeah, that's a good that's a good way to look at it. Now you've also coached at some pretty high levels, I know you've coached ODP, you've coached some varsity high school teams, and obviously played at the college level. So you've kind of seen all sides of the spectrum. And you know, as you get into the more talented levels, the the intangibles become very important. So you're your mindset your your mental toughness, if you will, it becomes a big, big part of success. Can you talk a little bit more about these components and what you've seen successful players over the years?

Jess Nash  

Oh yeah hundred percent i would say coachability um, you know, just the willingness to take on a challenge mentally show so much to a coach. You know, I work with with currently with the with Wisconsin ODP, I work with the youngest age group that well not the youngest, but the youngest 11 side, which is you 13. And typically those girls, I've worked with them the last four years and was Wisconsin in a year in Illinois prior to coming here, Illinois, NDP and you see a lot of the same thing where where they're just starting to gain that confidence of having a voice and feeling confident in saying something on the field to their teammates. But, but when what I look for, in a lot of those players is if I tell them something, how do they take that information? And without EP two we tried to challenge players by playing them in different positions and you know if they're if they're fantastic board we pray, we try to put them in the center midfield spot and see what they do with you know, 360 space and how do they adapt to that challenge take on that challenge. But coachability is is huge and I know that's at every level. Because I mean, we I you want to discuss a little bit about position, position, versatility and you look at you know, personally in high school I started I was four and then got pushed back to defense and then in college played mid and then defense and so you have to be willing to take on whatever your team needs, whatever your coach sees in you, if you want to play and but taking on that taking off that mental block And saying, Yeah, I'm gonna figure this out. I'm gonna work my hardest is is invaluable on any team. And yeah, I would I would say that I don't Did I answer your question I kind of rambled on,

Chris Gordon  

guys great and I think you know, like you said, I mean these are the things you can't coach right you kind of have to have an open mind and accept failure. I feel feel like at the highest levels, you're going to fail more because you're mature and positions more to fail. And if you're able to accept that and ultimately become a better player from those failures, I think that's what makes a player really successful long term. So yes, you did answer it very well. I appreciate that.

Jess Nash  

Yeah, ya know, like kids are going to peak at different times, you know, you know, I mean, the last dance is really popular right now the series on ESPN about my

Chris Gordon  

Chicago guy gotta go Yeah, so some love there.

Jess Nash  

Of course. Well, you know, the history you know, he got cut is what is freshman year of high school or something, and you just don't know, when an athlete's gonna it's gonna click for them or it's gonna all work, you know, your body's going through changes through puberty and everything is, you know, for those who peak, you know, really young and they get it and then they go through puberty and then they're all out of sorts. You know, there's just different times when it clicks for players and, and when they get it and when their body is, is lined up with what their technical abilities are and what they've developed. And so I think those things will come, you know, with, with with dedication, with practice with self discipline, but the mental aspect is something that, that you have to really pull from within. And that's like I mentioned that that work ethic that coachability that, that idea that I'm going to take on a challenge and that's what I think that a lot of coaches that I've worked with, at the highest levels look for is that difference maker in a player's if I if I challenge them here, what are they going to how are they going to respond? That's, that's one of the biggest factors I see.

Chris Gordon  

Definitely, yeah, that make that makes a lot of sense. Now, unfortunately, right now, we're not doing much coaching with, you know, being on the field with our teams or our coaches. So we're kind of, on our own to, I guess, state stay fit. And there's obviously a lot of ways that we've been, we've been doing that with our zoom sessions, I'm sure. Most clubs, especially big clubs, like rush are putting together online, you know, weekly training courses to, to coordinate with players. So that's obviously a way we can stay engaged. But I think mentally is the biggest, biggest component where you can't really teach it. And with tryouts coming up, whether it be this summer, early, early fall, there's obviously going to be a lot of nerves when we get back on the field, our teams and our coaches. If you if you could give one piece of advice for players, you know, for when they do step back on the field with their teams, what would it be and how can they prepare for that first, that first touch that first practice or session?

Jess Nash  

Yeah, I think As much as you can do at home, obviously do it. You know, just like when you're training, you know, in summer season, preparing for college season that's on your own. You have to kind of put that mental aspect in your mind of somebody competing against me for my spot. And so you kind of have to make up you know, just like the last dance, Michael Jordan always trying to compete with something, you kind of have to play those games with yourself in order to motivate yourself and if it's hard to motivate yourself. But personally, as a coach, like, I mean, this time is unprecedented. And I'm not going to look at one of my players and say, she hasn't been working. He hasn't been working. You know, this this time is unlike anything we've ever seen that I think that there. There's going to be in there should be a bit of forgiveness and empathy with the players right now with you know, this isn't Normal and so, yes, do the best you can and got home but, and and work hard at home but I'm not gonna, you know, I don't think anybody's going to be saying while they really slacked you know what I mean? Does that make sense? No, it's Yeah,

Chris Gordon  

absolutely. I think you know, obviously, when you're not with your teams you're not you're obviously not going through the same session, same drill. So there's going to be some rocks that I think what we've been trying to at least hear from our coach and I think everyone kind of has the same messages. It's just keep an open mind and, and stay keep the passion for the game. I think that's kind of the hardest part because you know, that we all love celebrating a goal or celebrating a win with our teams. And when we don't have that connection, it's hard to keep the passion so I think just trying to find Be creative find trying to find ways to, to keep the love for the game so that you know, do get out there. You're you're excited and you're ready for you know, you know To be involved again?

Jess Nash  

Oh, yeah, we've I mean, we've we've tried to get creative a little bit, you know, in our home club of, you know, we have weekly zoom meetings as a team, my team that's zoom social to keep it because soccer is a team sport. It's not like this is cross country where you're used to training by yourself really. So you're used to relying on others to, to reach a goal, really, as a team. And so one of the things we've tried to do, too, is is assign accountability partners, where, you know, you got to check in with your partner on your team this week, every week, are you doing the practices we've given you? If not, how can how can I help you as a teammate? And so it puts a lot of responsibility and leadership on each individual but also keeps them self accountable to like, Oh, my partner's gonna be calling me I better get my stuff done. So that's one way in which we've tried to be a little bit creative of, of providing that support. network without physically being able to be there.

Chris Gordon  

Yeah, absolutely. And I like that accountability, I think is is the biggest thing and, you know, you can't continue to progress and or maintain unless you know, you're not you're keeping track. So I think that's a good, good way to do it. And yeah, having a partner. That's awesome. I like that idea a lot. Well, hopefully we don't have to do too much longer. And I know the back weather teams, you know, obviously, certain places might have been easier restrictions and others, but we won't get into that. Well, and we'll end this conversation with some fun questions. And on a lighter note, the first one I did prepare you for the other two. I didn't so we'll see what so the first one I had was, if you could play one more game competitively, what team would you play for and And where would you play

Jess Nash  

I've had a blast and every time I've been on college through youth, but I think I'd go back to my high school varsity games. Those were such a blast just because of the community around people showed up for the games. It was a huge community support, and it was we had some pretty good traditions and rivalries. So I think I would go back to that. Just a lot of fun. Not that I didn't have fun anywhere else I'd blast but that specifically comes to mind. off the bat.

Chris Gordon  

Yeah, I hear ya. those are those are some fun, fun days to play with your friends. And, you know, it was a little less stakes. Yeah. All right. So you you've spent some time you obviously spent some time in Iowa as a coach. Now you're living in Wisconsin, so I have to ask you to choose one spot on a road trip to grab a bite to eat. Would you go Casey's market or coffers?

Jess Nash  

Oh, hundred percent Culver’s

Chris Gordon  

No, it's a big deal on the cases market. I haven't really figured it out. Yeah, but some some swear by it.

Jess Nash  

I know it's, they just, I'm gonna get in trouble by saying this, but they just don't have a lot to look forward to over there

where the restaurants and stuff I mean, everything's fair iif you're not in Des Moines, or the Quad Cities, really, I mean, it's everything is so spread out. So I guess you could say that about every state, but Casey's is really big. They're, they're really big on the pizza, but definitely covers all the way.

Chris Gordon  

Right on. Yeah, we have some coffers down here in Chicago. I do love the cheeseburger. So that's a good choice. All right, last question. So we've been asking coaches to give us their Mount Rushmore of soccer players. This could be past players, current players, or even teammates. If you were naming your top four soccer players who would they be?

Jess Nash  

Well, for sure Michelle Akers, um,

Jess Nash  

then I'd probably I mean, I'm my biggest. I'm a big fan of Julie ertz as a current player right now, I probably say Roosevelt and she's, you know, played at UW, up and coming player for the user's national team. And then you got to go with me a ham, I guess. Right. You know, legendary. So

Chris Gordon  

I saw that they're making a Netflix is making a movie on that team

Jess Nash  

nine. So I'm so happy. I'm moving through all my sports documentaries on netflix, and I am like, I was starting to think what am I gonna do after this last episode, this Sunday of last dance? I don't know. And then I saw that announcement. And I, it gives me hope again.

Chris Gordon  

Yeah, that would be awesome. I'm looking. Yes. I agree that the sports documentaries, it's cool to relive some of those moments. Oh, yeah. So definitely. Well, Justice has been great. I appreciate you, giving us Some advice and sharing some great stories and, you know, hopefully you'll be back on the field soon with your teams and maybe we'll see you someday and Exactly.

Jess Nash  

Yeah, hopefully I really appreciate the time, Chris and and same to you. I hope you're able to get back on your camp soon and keep in touch.

Chris Gordon  

Absolutely, we'll do. All right. Take care. Thank you. That's all for the conversation today with Jeff Nash. We appreciate her coming on, and telling us some great stories and giving us some great insight. Coming up on exact club experts. You know the drill we'll be talking to more coaches and if you have questions to be answered, please feel free to shout us out on our social media platforms, Instagram or Twitter. Exact sports is the tag Facebook page is exact soccer. And please check out the blog at exact sports comm slash blog. We will catch you all again soon.

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