Coach Alex Switzer and Coach Zane dive into the challenges of “leveling up” in sports, discussing what it takes for players to transition to a new team or higher level and establish themselves as standout contributors.
Our guest is Coach Jessica Maddox, a former NCAA D1 goalkeeper from Troy University who transitioned her passion for soccer into a successful coaching career. Jessica shares her journey from player to mentor, emphasizing technical and mental growth in soccer development. She also talks about:
Balancing intensity and recovery during tournaments.
How video analysis enhances player development.
Tips for young athletes navigating the shift to higher levels of play.
Finding and fostering goalkeepers in youth soccer programs.
Jessica provides practical advice for players and coaches alike, with actionable strategies to elevate their game. Whether you're a coach, parent, or player, this episode is packed with wisdom and motivation.
💡 Learn more about Coach Jessica Maddox’s work or book a video review with her on OnCallCoaches.com. Happy listening!
Episode Timeline
00:00 – 02:24:Introduction to the podcast and today’s topic: transitioning to higher levels in sports. Alex and Zane discuss key takeaways from morning hockey practices.
02:25 – 04:47:Breaking into a new team—establishing work ethic, earning respect, and avoiding common mistakes.
04:48 – 06:57:How long it typically takes to rise to the top of a team after leveling up. The importance of patience and preparation.
06:58 – 09:07:Coaches' perspectives: integrating new players into a team’s culture and improving decision-making.
09:08 – 11:25:Interview introduction: Jessica Maddox’s career as a D1 athlete and her coaching journey.
11:26 – 13:47:Jessica on transitioning from high school to college sports and the importance of structure in development.
13:48 – 16:10:Standing out in a competitive environment—Jessica’s approach to setting and achieving goals.
16:11 – 18:36:Advice for athletes transitioning to higher levels: balancing fun with discipline.
18:37 – 20:57:Mental health and resilience as a goalkeeper: learning from failures and staying focused under pressure.
20:58 – 23:20:Developing young players and identifying goalkeepers in youth soccer.
23:21 – 25:44:Coaching philosophy: fostering independence and decision-making in players.
25:45 – 28:05:Jessica’s approach to season planning and periodization to prevent injuries.
28:06 – 30:21:Weekly training breakdown for high-level athletes, balancing fitness, technical, and tactical work.
30:22 – 34:41:Recovery and video analysis—managing fatigue while using video to improve skills.
34:42 – 39:17:How private coaching differs from club training and its role in player development.
39:18 – 41:35:The unique demands of goalkeeping and teaching players to self-correct.
41:36 – 45:53:The benefits of video analysis and specific angles for optimal feedback.
45:54 – 48:18:Jessica’s coaching rates on On Call Coaches and final thoughts on athlete development.
48:19 – 50:00:Closing remarks: insights on overuse injuries, recovery, and reaching your full potential in sports.
