During this pandemic, advice on at home videos and highlight videos can go a long way when reaching out to coaches. Our coaches give their top advice, along with what they look for in each video. As an athlete, standing out from the rest will only further your success in finding the perfect college for you. Enjoy!

Coaches

Nicholas Petrucelli: Director of Operations for the Women’s Soccer Team at University of Miami.

Maryn Beutler: Director of Operations for the Women’s Soccer Team at University of Oregon.

Van Taylor: Former Men’s Head Soccer Coach & current Director of Development at Lander University.  

Kevin Doyle: Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at United States Air Force Academy. 

Rod Lafaurie: Elite Program Director at Los Angeles Surf.

Nicholas Petrucelli

Nick says he doesn't do much on the recruitment side of things, but he does like to go back and watch the team’s old game footage. He says that he enjoys athletes that are very technical players, and aren't afraid to make big moves in a game - fearless.

Maryn Beutler​

In addition to an athletes highlight video, Maryn says that the coaching staff would love to see what you’re doing right now (during the pandemic) to stay active. She also talks about what she looks for in highlight videos. She says that most coaches are looking for simple videos that showcase a players best skills and assets. 

Van Taylor

Van says most coaches prefer different videos, so he believes it's important that you find out what that particular coach is looking for. Van personally prefers to watch highlight videos, along with some clips of continuous playing for 30 minutes or so. For goalkeepers, Van likes to see some training videos as well as footage of them in a game. 

Kevin Doyle​

Kevin says when it comes to watching athletes play, he tends to feel like he ‘knows it when he sees it.’ He recommends three minutes of highlights, where you showcase all of your best moments. Kevin says that if a highlight video catches his attention, then he will reply to the athlete and ask to see the full game. 

Rod Lafaurie

Rod talks about the importance of this time to maximize the connection piece, with video being the main focus. Some of the main takeaways are making sure the first clip is the best one, being easy to identify, and keeping it simple. Rod also mentioned how the level of competition is important and to differentiate the opponent throughout.

As an athlete, take all of this advice into consideration when it comes to putting together your highlight videos, or at home videos. Making the most of this current situation, will only maximize your full potential.