15 Questions for the Coaches Felicia Kappes Felicia Kappes holds a BA from UCSD in communications and a MS in Sport Management from UMASS, Amherst. A four-year letter winner, she played from 1986-89, reaching the Division III Final Four three of her four seasons, winning a National Championship in 1989 and was voted as two time All American. After graduation, she spent two seasons as an assistant coach at UCSD under head coach Brian McManus. Kappes currently holds a USSF “B” coaching license. She also holds a National Soccer Coaches Association of America Diploma, was an Olympic Development Program Regional assessor and was the West Regional Chairperson for the All-American Division I Committee for the NSCAA. After that she went back into Division 1 College coaching at San Diego State University as the Associate Head Coach from 1994-99. In 2013 Kappes was named Cal South Coach of the Year for the Olders. Felicia Kappes - Director of College Program - Team: GU17 Elite 1. What was your favorite accomplishment as a player? Favorite accomplishment as a player was playing for Brian McManus at UCSD and winning his first National Championship in 1989 after losing the year before in the National Finals. I cherish my collegiate soccer years because we created some wonderful memories on and off the field and my teammates are some of by best friends today. 2. What was your favorite accomplishment as a coach? Favorite accomplishment without a doubt was winning our recent US Youth National Championship but honestly I have so many wonderful memories with all the players I have been honored to coach...I truly love my players. 3. How old were you when you started playing soccer? I was 7 years old 4. Do you have any advice for youth soccer players? I tell all my players to believe in themselves, dream big and have goals they are always striving for and enjoy this wonderful game because it teaches us so many wonderful lessons on and off the filed. 5. Where did you grow up? Grew up in San Diego 6. Who is your favorite soccer team? Player? Favorite team: US Womens National...always loved Mia Hamm and the qualities she represented. I admire all our US players and the commitment it takes to succeed at the next level. 7. What is your favorite food? Color? Animal? My favorite food is Italian and I LOVE chocolate.. Favorite color is red and we love dogs in our family. 8. What do you like to do in your free time? My free time is devoted to spending time with my four children and husband. I also like to try and find time to workout so I have the energy to deal with my crazy schedule of family and work. 9. How would you describe your coaching philosophy? I would describe my coaching philosophy as one that focuses on developing the whole player both technically and tactically in an environment that prioritizes team chemistry. I want to make sure when they leave me they have a strong foundation in these areas so they are properly prepared to pursue whatever level they choose in their soccer career. I want to inspire them to achieve greatness in a competitive yet fun environment. Most importantly, I want to instill confidence in them as young strong independent people on and off the field. I constantly remind them that this great game teaches us all such valuable life lessons. 10. What are you goals for your players and team entering a season? Goals for my players varies and depends on the level and the individual but I always want to continue to push them to another level and have them strive to want to put in extra time because they love this game so much. I try and break down specifically what each player needs to work on. As far as a team, we discuss together what we want to accomplish, it is not necessarily about winning. I believe strongly in team chemistry and that each person on a team is a key component into the success of the team. If we achieve our personal goals then the team goals follow naturally when everyone understands their role is as important as their teammates. 11. What is your favorite activity to do: 1) with a group of players; 2) for an individual. Favorite activity to do with a group of players is work on our possession in tight and big spaces with no direction, love watching them problem solve on the field as they play. Favorite activity to do with an individual is shooting combined with technical challenges. 12. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know. Love to travel...I especially love to look out into the ocean and just relax, so peaceful to me. 13. What’s your philosophy on paying time? Playing time truly depends on the age. I believe everyone should play at the younger ages and the focus needs to be on development and gaining confidence through playing a lot. The olders really depends on the level. For instance, my current team understands that they are competing for playing time at every practice and game. I focus on their work ethic, attitude, coach ability, competitiveness, etc...never their mistakes. They earn playing time when they go against their teammates as well as their competitors. They understand they need to make the most of any opportunity they have when they are in front of any coach. If they are all competing at a high level playing time will naturally be rewarded. 14. What are your thoughts on players in different positions? I believe strongly players should have a very good understanding of different positions on the field. I always encourage my players to being open to learning different things. So often when I first meet a player they say I can only play and I simply say you are a soccer player not a position and please believe in that concept. I agree that some players may be more offensive or defensive minded but I want them to be open and coachable. My players really appreciate that now and have confidence to try different things, even if uncomfortable. 15. What is the appropriate time, method and place if parents have questions? Always should respect the 24-48 rule so everyone has the proper time to communicate clearly their thoughts, questions or concerns. Open communication is so important. ___________________________________________________________ 15 Questions for the Coaches is an ongoing article featuring the DMCVSharks coaches. Over the next several months we will be releasing the coaches responses to the same 15 questions answered in their own words and unedited. #dmcvsharks #soccer @feliciakappes
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 17:18:31 +0000
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