Let's Meet Cody!

• How long have you been coaching soccer? 

6 years (4 years with Skyline)

• What inspired you to become a coach? 

Soccer has been a huge part of my life since I could practically stand. The game builds teamwork, drive, creativity, competitiveness and many other qualities that players carry beyond the field and into the rest of their lives. Coaching lets me pass that on to the next generation, so they can experience everything the game gave me.

• What is your favorite part about coaching youth soccer? 

Youth soccer is really where players find themselves and it’s very rewarding guiding a player and watching them grow both as a player and as a human.

• What is one lesson you hope every player learns from you? 

That effort is the one thing you always control. You won’t win every game or play perfectly, but how hard you work and how you show up for your teammates is always your choice.

• What was your favorite soccer memory as a player?

Every tournament is so much fun as a player and a coach. However, I think my favorite memories were playing 3v3 tournaments, especially nationals in Florida.

• Who is your favorite soccer player or team?

Arsenal, Thierry Henry 

• What is your favorite soccer drill? 

4 team transition

On his Coaching Style:

• What three words describe your coaching style?

Class, Family, Fight 

• What makes a great teammate? 

Understanding the balance between:

- being supportive and holding teammates accountable

- when to be selfish and when to be unselfish

Working hard for the team (We > I)

Taking accountability for yourself

• What do you enjoy most about working with young athletes? 

Their willingness to listen and at least try. At this age, players are openminded. If you ask them to attempt something new, most of them will give it a shot, even if it feels awkward at first. That openness makes coaching genuinely fun, because you get to watch a player go from “I can’t do that” to pulling it off a few weeks later. There’s nothing better than seeing the moment something finally clicks for them.

• What advice would you give your younger self? 

Have a ball at your feet as often as you can. Watch as much soccer as you can. Stop worrying about making mistakes and just play. The players who grow the fastest are the ones who aren’t afraid to try things, fail, and try again.

• What does success look like for your team(s)? 

After every practice and every game, win or lose, did we learn something? Did we work hard today so that we will be better/faster/stronger tomorrow? Did you push and support your teammates? If we can answer yes to these questions, then today was a success.

Let's have some FUN!

• What is your favorite food? 

Chicago Italian beef with hot peppers

• What's your favorite movie? 

Dumb and Dumber

• What is your favorite book or podcast? 

Men in Blazers podcast

• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

Japan is next on the list of places I’d like to go (maybe try and play soccer on a roof top in Tokyo)

• What is a hidden talent you have?

                                                   (It’s hidden)

• What is your favorite way to spend a day off? 

Play soccer, or soccer tennis, in the morning. After that the rest of the day is a success .

• If you could have any superpower, what would it be? 

Now that I'm getting old and my knees are falling apart, healing/regeneration would be great

• If your team had a mascot, what would it be? 

<<image>> (Our 3v3 team was “The Turtles” during our prime)

• What was your favorite sport besides soccer growing up? 

Watching: Football, Playing: Lacrosse

• What is your walkout song? 

Sirius - The Alan Parsons Project (Chicago Bulls Theme Song)

• What is your favorite post-game snack?

I remember getting post-game hot dogs after our rec soccer games when I was really little. Always hit the spot.

This or That?

• Messi or Ronaldo?

Messi (CR7 isn’t even the best Ronaldo, R9 > CR7)

• Goal scorer or playmaker? 

Playmaker

• Early bird or night owl? 

Night owl

• Dogs or cats? 

Dog

• Coffee or tea? 

Tea

• Sweet or salty snacks? 

Both

• Summer or winter?

Summer 

• Beach vacation or mountain getaway? 

I'm a city guy and love exploring/eating in new cities, but if I had to pick one above, I’d go mountains.