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28

Nov, 2016

Meet Coach John Carroll

I grew up in North Denver. I started playing soccer when I was 4 years with Northglenn Thunder. It was only the rec level but I loved it from the start. When I was a U10 I made the U11 top competitive team and thought that was the most awesome thing ever. Until myself and another player sat the bench the whole time.  

The next year I played my own age and could tell this was going to be the sport I would love for ever. My team struggled and went up and down in Premier 1 and 2 each season. However my U14 year our team was able to make it to the state cup finals and we were playing the team that everyone wanted to play for. We were huge underdogs. I remember we went down 2-0 in the first 5 minutes of the game. It was not looking good for us.  

But our coach had continued to push us to achieve greatness and overcome obstacles.  He had us visualize ourselves in the games at every practice.  We could have easily folded but we could also see ourselves getting back into the game and at half time we were up 4-2. We started the second half under constant pressure and we ended up giving up 2 more goals to go into overtime. However we were ready for it and in the last several minutes of the 2nd overtime we scored the game winner and from that moment on we new it was over.  

This was my first state cup championship but it wouldn't be my last.  We won every state cup their after.  It is amazing that once you see yourself as a great team and overcome the obstacle in your way what can be achieved. The team I was on was able to win several regional championships and eventually a national championship.    

All this because the coaches I had gave me the tools to see myself as a championship player and team and I am now working to provide that same atmosphere to the players and teams I coach. I want them to believe they can accomplish anything.  And that just because a team is considered the favorite doesn't make them that unless you give it to them. And just because you are not the favorite doesn't mean you cant be great and overcome the challenges.

Storm decided to ask Coach some very important questions so we can get to know him better. Here we go!

1. What got you into soccer? I first started playing soccer when I was four years old thanks to my older sisters Who were already playing.   

2.Experience?  Started playing recreational soccer at the age of four playing for Northglenn thunder which eventually merged several times to become storm north. One several state championships regional championships and a national championship at the youth level. Played college soccer at Florida international University where we were national championship runner ups in 1996. I was drafted in the 2001 MLS super draft as the number 66 pic by the Colorado Rapids. Shortly there after I tore my ACL and my meniscus and started coaching youth soccer for the clubs in my local neighborhood. 

3.Favorite soccer team. Club and country (can be multiple)? Barcelona. Favorite country is USA but not for the way they play but because its my country. 

4.Favorite players(s) dead or alive. Several greats I like are Diego Maradona, Marco Van Basten. Leo Messi 

5.Favorite soccer memory? There are so many to choose from I would say when I was 15 or 16 I scored a goal off a bicycle kick during a league game is my favorite goal. Most memorable goal. 

6. If you were stuck on a road trip would you rather listen to: I am not good with names of artists but I think my kids would say Miley Cyrus or Drake. I would rather listen to Guns N' Roses, The Eagles, Chicago, Motley Crue

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