Life through Sport: The Omar Zeenni Show: Recent Episodes
Omar Zeenni
Omar sits down with athletes and coaches to discuss their personal journey's, and examines how they've translated those experiences into their daily lives.
Life:00 Intro:45 What has fatherhood taught you?3:20 Any similarities between your coaching and fatherhood?5:00 How are you REALLY doing?7:00 Title for the current chapter in your book?______________________Player Advice9:30 Scouting: What are you looking for in a College goalkeeper?11:35 What are players missing that would make their pro transition easier?15:10 Working with Canada #1 Kailen Sheridan18:55 What is something you learned during that process?20:15 Key traits in Carly Telford and Kailen Sheridan?24:00 Taking into account a players’, as well as your own journey ______________________Coach Advice26:30 What is your training environment like?29:50 What is the emotional attention you would give to each player?32:35 What is your confidence (re)building process like?36:00 What was a bad habit that you had to get rid of?41:25 Sacrificing: a small opportunity that gave you the best ROI?47:10 Are you proud of yourself?48:35 Outro
Our guest for today, Colorado Rapids Goalkeeper Coach, Chris Sharpe and my name is Omar Zeenni, Welcome to the Life through Sport Podcast.
As mentioned in the introduction, Chris discusses how players can consistently demonstrate their value week after week to make it harder for the coaching staff to make a decision about who should start. And throughout the episode, he drops gems on topics like: specific character traits that he looks for in players, reflects on his own meaningful failures, and discusses how his experience as a #2 for much of his career has given him a unique perspective as a coach. Chris is not just a highly knowledgeable and respected figure in the goalkeeping world, but also a top footballing mind with valuable insights on life. I am thrilled for you to have the opportunity to learn more about him and his personal journey.
0:00 Intro
Life
3:28 How are you really doing?
5:04 What has fatherhood taught you?
6:29 What did your father teach you?
8:24 Book title for this current stage in your life
Player Advice
11:34 Scouting: What are some of the tangible character pieces you look for?
15:34 What do you look for in an “emotional profile” of a player?
18:54 What are your thoughts on retention levels; with regards to learning ability?
21:34 How do we instill these character pieces into our players?
24:54 How can a player make it difficult on you throughout the week to influence your team selection?
29:34 How does a player “build their case” to be the starter? Soundbite
32:54 One final piece of advice for players?
Coach Advice
37:04 What are failures that you cherish?
42:34 Feeling the vulnerability to fail
44:19 Detail your immediate feelings when the Rapids signed Tim Howard?
48:04 What was a bad habit that you had to let go of?
51:09 Processing failure
54:34 What do you think is the meaning of all this?
57:34 Building strong relationships with players
Time Stamps0:00 Intro1:50 How was your first season at USC?2:35 Any doubts after starting 0-2?3:15 What did you learn from the staff at UCLA?4:05 What lessons transitioned w/ you from your teaching days?6:10 How do you think people would describe you?7:30 OZ: Scouting presentation that was completely wrong7:55 How have you managed presentations so the they’re not taken literally? Soundbite “we like to do less talking than the players”9:00 Guided Discovery9:15 What are some misconceptions about you?11:10 Creating a training environment — story about old club environment / how everything was scripted12:45 John Cohn helping set training 13:20 Advice to young coaches on how to create the right training environment14:24 “you keep it or you attack”14:40 Goal scoring expert mark Simpson15:00 How often are you revisiting your team principles? 16:00 Adapting and reinventing yourself18:10 Steve Cherundolo quote18:40 Did your club days help you as a HC support your Asst. Coaches’ ideas / growth?20:00 “Clear Objective, Loose Instruction”22:05 Early days of Jane24:50 Jane’s first game as a young coach25:40 Where does your emotional intelligence come from?27:00 Working hard for players28:35 What were you like as a player?29:10 Getting invited to USYNT’s30:00 Were you the leader for you HS team?30:50 “who combines the best”32:15 Supporting your assistant coaches34:10 How do you challenge people?35:00 What were the habits that young Jane had?36:20 Creating a safe space for players 37:00 Going to Duke38:20 Being named team captain39:10 How do you create a sense of urgency with your players?40:00 Dealing with the last man on the roster?41:10 Cabral Story 42:55 How do you deal with failure?45:00 How much value do you hold in the awareness that you don’t know everything?47:15 Angel City game47:50 Early days at UCLA as a young volunteer assistant49:50 Job responsibilities as a volunteer assistant 52:22 Is UCLA where you formed your own game model?53:10 What has been the proudest moment of your career?55:55 What kind of a player just Jane look for?l
Our guest for today, 99 World Cup winning goalkeeper, Saskia Webber.
Before the NWSL, and before the likes of Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Carly Lloyd, you had the 99’ers.
Saskia and the 99’ers captured the imagination of the American public, and what soccer could be in the United States, after they famously defeated China in the World Cup final in front of 90,000 fans. Winning the World Cup would become the cultural moment and narrative shift that many on the team had fought for their entire careers. And as we dive into Saskia’s story throughout the episode, you will realize that the 99 team was not only composed of some of the greatest players in the history of the game, but they also included courageous women who were powerful advocates for women's rights and equality in sports.
In today’s episode, I’m going to share 2 stories from the 9 month period from my playing career that would shape me as a player, a person and how I coach today. I guess you could say that this time was a driving force behind why I started this podcast. Because as I reflect, it taught me everything I needed to know about adversity, discipline and the realities of life. Here were a few of my takeaways and things that I try to communicate to my goalkeepers today:
- Your confidence MUST stem from a proper structure of training habits, nutrition, gym and mental training. . . Achieving this takes thankless work, with the awareness that, self doubt is inevitable but, even at your lowest, this foundation will give you a sense of identity, and trust, that you’ve done the work … and that shot to your confidence is merely a minor setback vs a fatal one.
- The second takeaway is that bad habits have a way of creeping up at the most inopportune times.
- If you lack the discipline to correct them, they can create a level of doubt that has you playing off fear versus instinct.
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So don’t wait until you’re hit with adversity to address them, be proactive and stubborn about getting this done.
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Lastly, is that everything in life has a process attached to it. And while it’s difficult to know exactly when you’ll be faced with adversity, it’s crucial to have a structure in place that can be used to rebuild yourself.
- Each process will ask a different level of patience but, as long as that foundation is there, you will have the clarity needed to guide you through it.
Now, let’s get into the first story where, my lack of foundation and trust in my own process would turn into a continued spiral that would cost my starting job with the LA Galaxy academy. It was through this time that I felt a sense of isolation and lack of identity . . . but, as I came to understand, it was my first really test with adversity and one that would prepare me for the rest of my career.
Once again, you’re listening to the life through sport podcast, Enjoy the show.
Our guest for today, UCLA Goalkeeper Coach, Juan Cervantes.
As you heard in the intro, Juan is all about the investment when it comes to developing his goalkeepers. He believes that it’s not only our job as coaches to tell you what you’re missing, but to also then provide you with the necessary tools to help you find success. And it’s through his collective experiences as a player that have shaped this approach.
For evidence of this, look no further than the investment from his father. Working long hours and still showing up at every training, at every game, at every gym session. Making sure that Juan had the gloves, the shoes, and the equipment needed for him to succeed. To Big Joe, another father figure . . . taking the time to shape Juan into the goalkeeper they both knew he could be; both in the gym and on the field.
It’s through investments like these that Juan understood the value of sacrifice when it came to mentorship.
And throughout the episode, you’ll hear all about how he transferred these experiences into his coaching methods.
Once again, you’re listening to the life through sport podcast,
My name is Omar Zeenni, enjoy the show.
For this weeks episode, we changed it up a bit. I had the pleasure of being a guest on the @footballxbeyond podcast, where we discussed everything from my start as a coach, to if Arsenal can hold on in the title race, to breaking down my top 5 saves of all time! I had such a great time sitting down with Leon and Jorgio, who both do an amazing job with their show. If you haven't already been following them, be sure to give them a follow on Instagram and YouTube so that you won't miss any of their future drops! For now, enjoy the episode with the football and beyond crew and we’ll be back with our regular interview setup next week! once again, this is the life through sport podcast, enjoy the show.
Instagram:@footballxbeyond@jorgioblamo @theleandre
Our guest for today, former Left Back for LAFC, Jordan Harvey.
Jordan’s path has been filled with obstacles. For examples of this, look no further than when he didn’t make the final cut for his Olympic Development Program team at 13 OR when he went undrafted in the MLS Superdraft. For most, these setbacks would have forced many to reconsider or be more realistic with their career plans. Instead, he saw these bouts with adversity as them happening for him, and not to him.
That small shift in perspective would push him to not only make his ODP team, but to forge forward where, he’d eventually captain the United states U-17 side at a World Cup and, turn that super draft snub into a 16 year professional career. His story is one of perseverance and persistence and Im super excited for you guys to hear share it.
Our guest for today, LAFC 2 Head Coach, Enrique Duran, and my name is Omar Zeenni.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Enrique for 2 seasons now and that intro soundbite is one of the many topics we’ve discussed in the office. Setting objectives that aren’t only tied to results is key … this helps you see if your system of play is working. The key phrase there being, “system of play”. Throughout the episode, he shares where his philosophy came from, the mistakes he made along the way and provides a general framework for any coach looking to establish theirs.
And if you’re new to the podcast, Enrique has already been a guest on the show. I’m going to provide a quick recap from that episode so that you can better understand some of the topics we discuss. In episode 7, we start with his time at FC Barcelona’s La Masia, and how this provided him with a template from which he built his coaching Philosophy. And, just a few years later, he would find himself in South Africa looking to implement this style of play while serving as the Technical Director for the Mamelodi Sundowns for 4 years. Here, Enrique would come to understand 2 things:
- The first, was to take the proper time to assess player & coaching profiles to better understand how to adapt his philosophy to the needs of the project.
- And the second was that, to maximize the development of the players, you must first maximize the development of the coaches
This would be a valuable experience for Enrique when, in 2017, he would make the move to LAFC’s Academy and become the Director of Coaching, where he would help build the coaching curriculum from scratch. It’s these experiences that have helped fine tune his sharpen his methods. For any coach that’s struggling to find their identity and style of play, my hope is that this conversation provides a framework to kickstart that process.
Joe is someone that leaves no grey area and doesn’t sugar coat his messages. That’s because, from a young age, Joe understood that in this world, there were real life repercussions for your actions. This was most evident when his mom moved him to Guatemala when he was only 15 years old because he was getting mixed up with the wrong crowd. Joe goes on to share that this experience, although he didn’t understand it then, helped him realize the meaning and true value of tough love. And that’s exactly how one would sum up Joes coaching style, Tough Love.
He’ll cut through the BS and tell you what you don’t want to hear, to get you to where you want to go. It was an absolute pleasure interviewing Joe. He’s been one of my mentors for quite some time now, and I know that once you hear his story, you’ll look to find someone just like him in your coaching or playing journeys. Once again, you’re listening to the life through sport podcast, Enjoy the show!
That was our guest for today, Head of Global Goalkeeping for Red Bull soccer, Thomas Schlieck. Welcome to the life through sport podcast.
As you heard in the intro, Thomas doesn’t mess around when it comes to development.
From his 12 years with Armina Bielefeld, to his 5+ years as the head of Goalkeeping Development for Borussia dortmund, to now, where he is the head of Goalkeeping for Red Bull Internationally, Thomas is diligent with his process and shrewd in his execution.
To see that in action, look no further than the recruitment process of Hungary and Red Bull Leipzig #1, Peter Gulasci, where, throughout a full season, he and his team watched 20 full matches and 5 more live before deeming him the best U-21 Gk in Europe. They repeated this process with a handful of goalkeepers until they decided that Gulasci was their guy. He has since played 10 seasons under Red Bull and close to 300 for Leipzig, leading the team as far are the Champions League Semi-Finals in the 2020 season.
And that is Thomas in a nutshell, and I’m super excited for you guys to hear him tell his story!
Lastly before we get into it, this episode was recorded during covid and when Thomas was still with Borussia dortmund.
He has since moved to Red Bull … Just something to keep in mind as you’re listening.
Our guest for today is former LIGA MX goalkeeper, Peter Prieto, Like many of our guests, Peter often found himself looking to capitalize on an opportunity with the slimmest of outlooks. You’ll hear all about how he turned a trial with a second division team, into contract after a single match, to only a few months later be called up to Under 23 Mexican National team for their Olympic trials, to an eventual 10 year career in Mexico, playing in the countries top league, Liga Mx. Peter saw preparation as imperative to success. He believed that, although it wouldn’t instantly change his situation, it could ultimately determine if he made the most of an opportunity. I’m excited for you guys to hear him tell his story, as he looks back on some of the best and most difficult moments in his career.
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
0:30 Early influences
7:30 Leaves college early to start his pro career
8:20 “If we go back, we may never get this opportunity again”
9:10 “That 1st year, I only played one game – you have some regrets”
10:00 Tryout for Tecos Guadalajara — “I had to go back – I told myself I was going to do it for 2 years”
13:05 Scrimmage vs Chivas
14:30 “I negotiated my own contract with Tecos”
18:15 “9/10 players have to go through a killer process to make it”
19:28 First year with Tecos – “trained with the 1st team & played with the 2nd”
20:50 Call Up – Mexican U-20 National Team
22:18 “You’ve got to be prepared…You’ve got to be ready”
23:20 Being Mexican / American in Mexico – “people began to respect my game”
24:10 “the process is tough … imagine the all the talented players that could have made it”
25:20 Mexican U-23 Olympic Team
28:25 “Oswaldo Sanchez told me not to say anything about my knee injury”
29:20 Olympic Trials – Making the team
29:30 “Oswaldo was the best”
30:10 Getting cut from the final roster
31:10 Working with Osvaldo & Conejo Perez
32:40 “I had 12 coaches in 7 years”
34:10 My opportunity: Tecos sold their best players & went young
35:00 Liga MX: 2 seasons in one
36:20 “I felt that I proved I could be the #1”
37:30 “I should be playing over him”
39:30 Osvaldo & Conejo: Did you think you’d have the same career as them?
40:10 2nd Division “no ego”: Going down to get playing time
40:50 Moving to Queretaro
43:20 Losing motivation for the game
44:10 Favorite memory from tecos
45:15 “A parent told me to give up goalkeeping”
47:10 Final piece of advice
Our guest for today, LAFC Midfielder, Danny Crisostomo. Danny’s career has led him through a roller coaster of emotions. From being told that having 100% passing accuracy in a game was ‘not what the coaching staff was looking for’ — to working a second job all while balancing his professional responsibilities, to getting called in to train with LAFC, only to be offered a contract just a few days later. Danny has seen and experienced it all. Nonetheless he, along with the support of his wife and family, has been able to capitalize on his opportunities. You’ll hear him tell his story — a story about betting on yourself, trusting the process, and taking criticism in stride.
Danny Crisostomo
0:00 What did you off-season priorities look like?
2:10 Early Years 4:34 Danny’s Dads passion
5:38 Reflecting on those early years, when did you say, “Oh, I could do something with this.”
7:25 1st Year at UC Irvine
10:15 College: Working with 2 different Head Coaches
12:40 “One saw me as a 6 and the other an 8 – so learning how to fit into each coaches philosophy”
13:20 Soundbite “Yossi let me be me”
13:45 College Adversity – “I gave myself 2 options: either back out or grind through it. I chose to grind through it.”
15:25 Soundbite
17:10 UCI JR & SR Year – Becoming the leader
17:55 “You can’t take days off as the leader”
18:50 SR Year – Are there aspirations to go pro?
20:30 “It pissed me off – ‘so you’re telling me that you’re banking on him making it over me?’
21:00 Invited to the SJ Earthquakes combine
21:40 Going to the Orange County Trial
23:10 Orange County – Breakdown of the 1st Season
24:05 Danny’s 1st start vs Reno
25:00 “Do you know how many passes you missed? 0. We don’t want that.”
27:40 What adjustments did you have to make?
28:40 “If the team is winning, there’s an easier buy-in”
30:00 “we were in 1st place and I was benched”
31:15 “They said they wanted to resign me but, the contract never came”
31:30 End of the year meeting w/ Orange County
33:30 “We want you back for next year … we’ll be sending out a contract.”
37:30 Signing with Las Vegas Lights
40:40 “It killed me because I didn’t think that this was how it was going to end.”
43:10 LV Lights + Training with LAFC + Signing with LAFC
46:55 “Telling my parents I signed with LAFC”
48:34 Did you have any imposter syndrome with LAFC?
49:20 Reflecting on debut vs Atlanta United
51:30 Option was denied by LAFC
53:45 Being the captain of the 2nd team but never training with them
55:30 Training w/ LAFC but not being under contract w/ them
Our guest for today is LAFC 2 Assistant Coach, Stephen Campos.
As you heard in the intro, Stephen is someone that was aware of the realities that came with working for an MLS club like LAFC… A reality where, his role within the club would be a desirable one for any ex player. Now, instead of adhering to this narrative and accepting his fate … he decided to do what he’s always done; put his head down, go to work, and find a way to become an asset. There’s no better example of that than his start with the Las Vegas Lights organization. Turning a marketing and partnerships role, where he captured video for the team, into a video analyst position, where he would impress and later become an assistant coach on the staff.
Stephens journey is full of stories like these… where he plants’ seeds, goes to work, and ends up getting a ten-fold return on his investment. His story is an inspiring one for young coaches struggling to find their footing in the coaching world. There’s so many gems in this one and I’m excited for you to hear it! Once again, you’re listening to the Life through Sport podcast, my name is Omar Zeenni, enjoy the show.
Our guest for today LAFC Goalkeeper and MLS Cup Champion, Maxime Crepèau…
Early in the episode, you’ll hear all about how Max signed a Home-grown contract and played in a youth World Cup by the age of 16. Hearing that, you would think that that resumé would be enough to solidify a pathway for him to become Montreal Impacts future #1 . . . unfortunately, that wouldn’t be the case. Instead, Max would have to earn his stripes in the USL Championship. And as you heard in the intro, Max would relish that challenge. He recognized the opportunity it presented, the opportunity to confirm his belief in himself.
Throughout the episode, you’ll see that each one of these triumphs just left him hungry for more, where his ambitions quickly grew from becoming a starter in the league, to now winning trophies. This would be the driving force in his decision to leave the Vancouver Whitecaps and join LAFC. These invaluable experiences have made Max into the man he is today. I’m excited for you guys to hear this one, there’s so many gems in it.
Once again, you’re listening to the Life through Sport podcast, my name is Omar Zeenni, enjoy the show.
As you heard in the intro, Oka can be found regularly tapping into his 22 year career to help guide him in his daily life as the goalkeeper coach for LAFC.
And from the outside looking in, you would think that Oka’s 400+ games with German giants Eintracht Frankfurt and legendary status at the club, meant that the stars always aligned and that the road was paved for him to succeed. But that couldn’t have been farther from the truth. From contract negotiations, to fighting relegation, to the club often looking for replacement options, you’ll hear all about how Oka had to reconcile with his ego and learn to be humble with every opportunity.
Through these invaluable experiences, Oka became introspective about his misfortunate and not only found ways to thrive in spite of them, but has since seen those lessons pay dividends in his coaching career.
Tarek has always been someone to look at the glass half full. From having his Division 1 Scholarship rescinded in his senior year of high school, and almost quitting the game. To going to a Junior college and winning a state title, to then turning that into a D1 scholarship to UC Irvine, where he and his teams would set school records, to today, where he’s now amassed over 180 appearances and a near decade long professional career. To most, these situations would look like a dead but, to tarek they were opportunities. Opportunities to prove everyone wrong and most of all, opportunities to prove himself right.
You’ll hear all about his inspirational journey throughout this episode. Once again, you’re listening to the life through sport podcast, my name is Omar Zeenni, enjoy the show.
Elliott was recruited to play at Division 1 school UC Davis.
After college, Elliott began pursuing a professional career and spent time training throughout Europe before joining Swedish third division side, Yxhults IK.
After his time in Sweden, Elliott would come back to the States and would end up signing midseason for USL powerhouse, Sacramento Republic, where he would make 66 appearances for the club. Elliotts mindset was what set him apart. He’s been able to look at “setbacks” as opportunities to grow. Throughout the episode, Elliott details examples of his competitive nature and how he's learned to tailor his desire for improvement to all aspects of life.
Enrique got his first big chance in coaching at the famed La Masia, where he would work for 2 years before making the tough decision to leave Spain and help Barcelona launch a soccer school in Saudi Arabia. His coaching journey is filled with decisions like these that would force him out of his comfort zone.He would then move to South Africa and serve as the the technical director for the Mamelodi Sundowns for 4 years, before eventually making his way to LAFC in 2017, where he helped build the Academy curriculum from scratch.His story is about not just taking opportunities, but being present and intentional with each experience.With that being said, here’s Enrique Duran, enjoy the show.
Our guest for today is Goalkeeper Coach for the Philadelphia Union, Phil Wheddon. As you heard in the intro, Phil’s coaching career has offered him some incredibly unique experiences. Most notably would be his 2 Gold Medals in the ’04 and ’08 olympics with the US Women’s National team, as well as participating in 3 World Cups, 1 with the men and 2 with the women. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear all about the countless life lessons that Phil has accumulated from each his coaching stops, and how he’s equally as passionate about passing those same lessons down to coaches across the United Statesand around the world. He’s been a great mentor to so many of us and I’m excited for you all to hear his story.
Enjoy the show!
Our guest for today is former Professional Goalkeeper and current Assistant coach at Loyola Marymount University, Alli Lipsher. Alli is a former standout goalkeeper who played at ACC powerhouse Duke University. Much like the opening soundbite you just heard, Alli details her evolution as a coach and the impact her playing career has had on shaping it. Her consistent growth at every level stems from her unwavering nature in the face of adversity. It’s those experiences that have offered her valuable insight on the best practices to help her players overcome the obstacles that can hinder their best performances. She’s come a long way in just 10 years of coaching, and I know she’s just getting started.
Social's @alipsher
Alli Lipsher Episode
0:40 Alli’s Transition from the Pro game to College
1:25* What’d you take from the pro game
3:20 Balancing improving and over coaching
6:00 Trying to impress Chris Chamides
8:50 Alli: Early days of your career
11:45 Alli: What kind of a gk were you?
13:00 Early days at Duke
14:00 “Coaching the way you were coached”
16:00 “Creating specific sessions for each vs the group”
18:10 Being the starter as a Freshman
20:20 “Costly mistakes vs not costly”
22:00 How much do you talk during training?
23:10 “Taking the time to learn someone’s learning style”
25:00 “I knew that they were investing money in me” getting to Duke
25:40 Aspirations to go pro?
29:20 Early Women’s League experiences
30:35 Transition to coaching
31:45 How you saw goalkeeping at 25 to now?
33:50 Being pigeon held into the system you’re in
36:45 Winning vs Development during a season
38:40 Learning to compartmentalize
42:00 EQ
44:00 Being undeniable as a coach
45:40 Ego — what is your best asset as a coach
51:15 Transition from college to pro coaching
54:00 “Pros just want to get better”
1:00:00 A coaches life
1:04:00 Where do you want to continue growing as a coach?
Our guest for today is Professional Soccer player, Matt Sheldon. Some of you may know Matt from his most recent stint with Charleston Battery of the USL where he made 29 appearances, but most of you know him from his popular YouTube channel, Become Elite, where he has amassed over 500 thousand subscribers.Throughout the episode, you’ll hear some gut wrenching stories about Matt’s quest for a professional contract. Where once, after 2 years and multiple trials, he had agreed to terms with a German side to sign his first ever professional contract, and then in the 11th hour, had the offer rescinded because the sponsor pulled out and there was no money left in the budget to sign a foreign player.But as you’ll hear in this episode, Matt has always been resilient. He compartmentalizes, puts a plan together and continues moving forward. He’s done that throughout his professional career and shared his story on his youtube channel.He’s come a long way and you’ll hear about his inspirational journey throughout this episode!
Ep. 3- Today's episode is with Professional Goalkeeper Coach for Angel City FC, Dan Ball. Dan credits peoples' constant feedback, his academic pursuits, and the development of emotional intelligence for his success.
Dan Ball Social Media Instagram: dbball29 Twitter: dbball29
Time Stamp
0:00 Review of his first season with Angel City FC
2:20 What were you parents’ impressions of the Banc of California stadium
4:00 Have your parents always supported your coaching pursuits?
7:15 Early days of coaching – Coaching women that were his friends
9:00 Coaching players that are your age
12:00 What was your coaching philosophy like in your early days?
14:50 Players challenging who you are as a coach
18:30 Richard Hartis influence (ball rolling 80% of the time)
20:00 Translating academic pursuits’ to coaching pursuits
25:00 Managing a group of goalkeepers at the professional level
28:20 Almuth Schult coming into the group - managing expectations
31:35 Developing the emotional intelligence side of coaching
37:42 How Dan recruited top goalkeepers for Iowa State
42:50 The importance of the “Personal Investment” in players
45:30 “Life is going to happen to all of us”
46:30 Getting the job at Gotham City
49:30 What was your 1st professional season like?
53:30 Working with Gotham City goalkeepers
56:35 Working at a 2nd club with Didi Haracic
58:25 Top characteristics of NWSL goalkeepers
1:01:00 Reflect on our experiences with imposter syndrome
1:10:00 Dan's experiences with Self Awareness
The goal of this podcast is to share as many amazing stories from players and coaches in their personal pursuits to the top of their sport! I'm hoping that you can take something from their journey's and apply it to yours! – Omar Zeenni
Today's episode is with professional goalkeeper and co-founder of Pro Gk Academy, Armando Quezada. Throughout the episode, Armando details experiences of rejection, adversity, and resilience from his time as a professional footballer.
The goal of this podcast is to share as many amazing stories from players and coaches in the sports world; hoping that you can take something from their personal journeys.
Armando Quezada Social Media
Instagram: @armando_samuel1
Time Stamp:
0:00 Intro
00:20 What's new in Armandos life?
00:54 Not being signed to a team
03:00 How we started Pro Gk Academy
10:37 Are you too self critical?
13:30 Armandos start in goalkeeping
16:30 Influence of Liga Mx
17:50 Getting discovered by UC Davis
20:30 Armandos first minutes with Davis
22:30 Lessons of being a #2
25:35 Becoming the #1 at Davis
27:55 Any regrets from Davis?
29:00 Avoid only improving in the system you're in
32:25 Getting no offers after college
34:10 Going to open tryouts
40:35 “It's not always just about soccer”
42:45 Did you ever consider retirement?
44:25 Signing 1st professional contract
46:10 How did it feel to officially be a pro?
49:30 Not being re-signed by San Antonio
51:20 Signing with Greenville Triumph of League One
52:20 Learning from different coaches and teammates
58:25 Signing with Detroit City FC
1:01:00 You’re “too short to play for him"
1:05:25 Soccer’s impact on life
📝 "He said, "it says on your resumé that you're 6 feet? Sorry, the coaches says not to bother coming out because they're looking for guys with a bigger frame." Armando shares his struggles to convince a coach to let him trial. Mando get the upper hand at the end of the day 😉
📲 Armando Quezada Social Media Instagram: @armando_samuel1
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Abraham reflects on what happened to his career after a standout performance in the U-17 World Cup in Chile circa 2015.
Today's episode is with professional goalkeeper, Abraham Romero. Throughout the episode, Abraham reflects on the lessons he's learned in his 7 years as a pro.