Coach Sara Oland
coaches corner
May 16, 2020
You have been with our club a year now and were with one of the bigger NT X clubs for four years prior to that. What are you enjoying most about coaching at a mid-size independent club in comparison to a big box club?
“I would say I definitely enjoy the team of coaches that support each other. With Coppell FC being a mid-size club the coaches all help each other in different ways, such as covering practices and games but also with just ideas. The coaching staff is like our own team wanting everyone to succeed, whereas with the bigger club, every coach is on their own and it is more like a franchise...very cut throat.”
What are you looking forward to doing most when life returns much more to “normal” when COVID-19 is less prevalent?
“I’m looking forward to just getting back to the daily routine of work and coaching and being able to go hang out with friends.”
Tell us a little about your playing experience in competitive/collegiate soccer.
“I played Division 1 soccer at Georgia Southern University, where I was capitan my junior and senior season. It was the best experience of my life being a college athlete. It was hard work with school and traveling but rewarding at the same time. The skill level was a huge jump but I enjoyed the competition and having to work hard to get better every day.”
Where would you like to travel to first when travel can be resumed and you have some vacation time?
“I would love to go to the beach for a nice vacation in the sun. Maybe an island somewhere.”
What would you say is the most rewarding aspect of coaching?
“I really love seeing the players develop both with their skills but also understanding the game; however, I would have to say that the most rewarding aspect of coaching is forming the bonds with the players and watching them grow and mature as soccer players, as well as people.”
How did you first find an interest in playing ice hockey?! How often do you still play?
“When I moved out here I started going to Stars games with my brother who had recently picked up hockey. I enjoyed watching it and decided I wanted to try and play. My brother taught me most of the skills and the others I just learned by playing a lot. It is a lot like soccer in a way, I actually use my feet a lot as that is natural for me. I am on 3 teams so I usually play 3 times a week. I coordinate a men’s team out of Mckinney, I also play in a women’s league out of Allen. We then have an all girls team that plays against the men’s teams in Plano. This is a very good girls team and we travel to tournaments to play against top women’s teams. We played in a tournament in Colorado and Las Vegas in the top division which we won both. We are playing in the men’s league to make us better as we plan on going to nationals next year, in hopes to be National Champions.”