Ep. 294: Akron Zips | Jarod, Mike, and Billy

On the morning of their rematch against their playoff nemesis Billikens from 2025 NCAA tournament, head coach Jared Embick, Asst. Coach Mike Nanchoff, and Alum/GM Billy Zufall joined to talk all things Zips, recruiting, pro-pathway, rule changes, competition, GRIT, and more! Like the show? Here's a link to buy us a beer, as we wouldn't dare ask for cash!!! #akronzips #collegesoccer #ncaasoccer #nationalchampions #character #recruiting #pathway Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask around and most will have nothing but good things to say about Andre Luciano. This Vegas kid turned Hoosier is now using his lifetime's worth of skills and experience to help young players get to the next level: College. As a rep at SRUSA Soccer Andre focuses on an approach that matches a player to the moment... the level... and ultimately the right team. Don't forget to drop a review on your favorite player; it's free, and it helps us spread the word!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rich Nassif joined to talk about his experiences playing, coaching at the D1 level, and currently working at Sprocket Sports helping clubs manage, organize, and adapt to the modern game and ALLLLLL of it's (parents) expectations! Also, check out his podcast: "How I Built This Sports Club" for some inside baseball on youth club logistics and more! Sprocket Sports How I Built This Sports Club #sportsclubs #youthsoccer #clubteams #soccerlifestyle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the burbs of Chicago, Jack Turachnik joined to talk about his journey through the Chicago Fire Academy, College Soccer, and now MLS Next Director at Central Illinois United, as well as the USL 2 Springfield FC Head Coach. From pathway to merging a region, to the current MLS development landscape and more... Let's Go!!! #illinois #centralillinois #soccer #mlsnext #academysoccer #usl2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After an incredible run last year, Coach Andrew Bordelon & Asst. Coach Gavin Kalish joined Jarod and I at Llewellyn's in Webster to talk all things Bears soccer. One of the most prestigious universities in the world, Wash U., not surprisingly, is a heavyweight in the game we all love, HQ'd right here in St. Louis. From admissions to recruiting, to style, to what's next, we cover a lot!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Wiggins knows the game. As a player who grew up in the Chicago burbs, Michaels journey took him through HS, to Illinois State, a run pro with Chicago Power FC, and an immediate transition into coaching... from which he hasn't looked back! Here's an excerpt from his 5 Star Soccer bio: "With over 20 years of soccer camp experience to match his 24 years and 339 wins as a varsity high school head coach, 5 Star Soccer Camp Director Michael Wiggins continues to lead soccer programming throughout the Chicagoland area with as much energy and excitement as he did back in 1994. In his second career position as a high school head coach, Wiggins has continued to see success with the Hinsdale Central boys soccer program. " #soccer #highschoolsoccer #chicago #illinois #club #academy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

St. Louis has an abundance of quality soccer clubs. With one of the most iconic names/logos, the new iteration of St Louis Stars SC is making waves for sure. We chatted with the two in charge of steering the ship and turning this club into a top-level training/development club, a high-end competitor, and, more importantly, an integral part of the community. Jim Thebeau & Matt Hulsey, live from FBAG in fenton! https://stlstars.club/ Hosted by Jarod and JB! #stlouis #stars #soccer #clubsoccer #development Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pay to play. Everyone's favorite excuse as to why US soccer is failing. To be clear... It's expensive. And not only are underprivileged families incapable of engaging, but it's also a massive strain on families that "can." But what are you paying for? How do you value the spend? What's your goal? What's the expectation at the end of the day? All of those questions are individually measured. What isn't as clear, and certainly debatable, is whether or not pay-to-play has a direct correlation to everyone's negative analysis of US Soccer coming out of the World Cup. Don't forget... out of 211 countries in FIFA, we just finished in the top 16, ahead of countries like Germany and Italy, one disappointment, the other not even there. If it were "free," ask yourself a few questions: who would pay? who would coach that isn't already (think current results)? how would you manage a population 58X larger than Norway, and they're pretty good? would free actually result in kids caring more when they're true idols are in the NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB? Lot's to unpack. Worthy of a part 2... Let's go! #soccer #paytoplay #youthsoccer #usmnt #pathway #usysa #mls #usl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

St. Louis Scott Gallagher College Placement Director, Matt McCarty, joined Zach and I to talk about the clubs goal and process when it comes to getting players to the college ranks. BUT... he brought some friends. 3 Gallagher standouts, all at different phases of the process, and all on different teams, to talk about their recruiting successes, failures, expectations, and process. Nathan Null '26 grad, committed to the University of San Francisco Kadan Donigan '27 grad, uncommitted, #character Javi Vigil '27 grad, uncommitted, #focused Great conversation with insight straight from the horse's mouth... the kids actually doing the work. Enjoy. Share, and thanks for the support!!! #collegesoccer #recruiting #ncaasoccer #focus #expectations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Fink returns, this time joined by his college teammate, ex-pro, current coach, and more... Chris Duvall. Teammates from their ACC day's at Wake Forest, we talk about their path, the current game, kids development, pro mindsets, "it" factors, Thierry (yes, that guy), and so much more! LIKE REVIEW FOLLOW OR SHARE!!! We'd appreciate it. #soccer #accsoccer #ncaasoccer #nyredbulls #mlssoccer #friends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices