Walter Lembeck and Coleman Clayton

COM 360 – Multimedia Project #1

3/6/18

New Bradley Assistant Coach

It’s always different having a new face on the team, this is especially true when the new face is a coach. The Bradley Soccer team welcomed new Assistant Coach Ryan Smith this past week. Coach Smith is a former college soccer player that played for Louisville. He has previous coaching experience at the club level (youth), and as an assistant at the Division 2 level.

(Bradley Forward Roman Schindler volleying the ball during practice.)

One thing that stood out to Coach DeRose about Coach Smith was, “He played at a high level in college. He went to multiple elite eights as a player, and even went to a national title game.”

(Coach Jim DeRose giving instruction during drills)

Assistant Coach Tim Reagan said, “Anytime you get a someone new on the staff they bring a new set of ideas, and a new set of eyes that has competed at a high level in college.”

(Assistant coach Tim Reagan talking to some of the players)

“Coach Smith can help gain a connection with players, since he has been in their shoes as a player and college athlete. He had to work his way into the starting lineup at Louisville being apart of a prestigious program. He can also help with recruiting, since he has a very intimate knowledge of how the recruiting process works going through it himself,” Coach DeRose said on what Coach Smith can bring to the program.

It’s always different moving to a new city; however, Coach Smith has had few problems having already been in Peoria several times. The one hard thing for Coach Smith is, “My wife and I just had our first child. All my family is in Louisville, so it’s a little difficult to move away from that support group.”

Coach Smith said, “There’s a tradition of success here (at Bradley), Coach DeRose has won almost everything, and has also has over 20 years of experience.”

“I want to help build a culture, that sets the team up for success,” Coach Smith said on what he can add to the program. He also said, “On the field I can help out with attacking players, since that is where I played. Just helping them creating goals, and helping them get into open spaces to create chances.”

(Assistant coach Ryan Smith gathering the team together)

Coach Smith also wants to have everyone buy into the program. He believes in order to have a successful team everyone needs to be bought into the system, and believe in it. He also wants players to know that they will get an opportunity, and that everyone on the team has a role. Coach Smith said, “No matter what your role is, you have to be ready when called on because sometimes the players you usually rely on will have off days. These players when called on, also need to take advantage of these opportunities when they arise.”

The Braves had many applicants, but Coach Smith stood out amongst the rest. Head Coach DeRose said, “We had a very strong pool for assistants, we were looking for some connections with regional and someone who had experience on a college campus.”

Coach Reagan said, “His recommendations were fantastic, and during the interview process he seemed like a perfect fit.”

Head Coach DeRose added, “He has a great work ethic, a desire to succeed, and puts others before himself.”

It’s clear that the Braves are very excited about their new assistant. Still only in his first week, he will still need time to settle and learn about the players/team before he can truly make an impact. The Braves seem to have gotten a great fit for their soccer team, and someone who continue help this program succeed, like they have in the past.

(Bradley players taking shots on the two goalies competing for a spot in the starting 11)