Fairfield's Dave Barrett

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone interviews Dave Barrett, head coach of Fairfield University women's soccer team. Dave discusses his insights and strategies as a college recruiter and coach, emphasizing the importance of athleticism, character, and transparency in the recruitment process. He shares experiences from his coaching career, talks about the blend of technical ability and character he seeks in players, and highlights the critical nature of fit for both the program and the athlete. The discussion also covers the importance of managing expectations, handling rejection, and the evolving role of social media in recruitment. As Fairfield prepares for another competitive season, Dave expresses optimism about the team's prospects and reflects on the significant emotional moments in his coaching journey. Topics 00:45 Recruiting Insights and Philosophy 04:58 Handling Rejection and Thick Skin 13:03 Geographical Recruitment Strategy 15:03 Social Media's Role in Recruitment 19:21 The Importance of Live Interaction in Recruiting 19:50 Evaluating Player and Family Dynamics 20:46 The Initial Contact Process 21:44 Challenges with Player Parents 24:01 Goalkeeper Perspective in Coaching 25:48 Program Expectations for 2024 29:15 Extra Time: Fun and Insightful Questions 38:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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