Brad Collins

Please state your CURRENT coaching position and how long you've been at that role. 

U11 Girls Green Assistant Coach, U10/U11 Boys Assistant Coach (First year with Valley)

 

What other roles have you been in/currently serve at Valley? How long have(had) you been in those roles?

Previously Coached Star City Academy U8's Boys and Girls (3 years coaching at Star City)

 

Please list any previous soccer playing history, college play if applicable, and any coaching licenses you currently hold.

  • High School:
    • Graduated from William Byrd HS as Virginia High School League's all-time leading goal scorer with 120 career goals.
    • Roanoke Times All-Timesland High School Player of the Year.
    • Helped lead club team to 4 State Cup Final Fours
  • College:
    • Played in 4 NCAA Tournaments in college career
    • Named Virginia Tech Men's Soccer Team Defensive Most Valuable Player in 2006
    • Received Virginia Tech Men's Soccer Team Coaches Award in 2006
    • Please list any other soccer coaching experience you've had/currently have.
  • Coaching Experience:
    • Stints at Blacksburg HS, William Byrd HS, Roanoke Star, and Hokie Soccer Academy.
    • Runs Future Knights Soccer Camp annually each summer.
    • Current Head Boys Varsity Soccer Coach at Cave Spring HS (10th season this spring).
  • High School Coaching Highlights:
    • Led Cave Spring to the 2018 VHSL 3A State Championship Title (Roanoke Valley's 1st Public School Boys Soccer State Championship)
    • Named Virginia 3A State Coach of the Year in 2018
    • Named Roanoke Times All-Timesland Coach of the Year in 2018 

Do you have any other hobbies/interests away from soccer?

Active member at Parkway Church on the Mountain, Youth Basketball Coach, Spending time with family

 

Why did you choose to coach for Valley? What do you enjoy the most about coaching for our club? 

I've enjoyed the positive, fun, soccer culture for my kids to develop a love for the game in and to coach in.

 

Please highlight a favorite/memorable coaching moment you've had with the club. 

Watching the younger boys and girls in the club grow so much as players over the last several years after beginning in the Academy Program.

 

What is your coaching philosophy? How do you inspire your players to perform their best on and off the field? 

I believe in a relational, holistic approach to coaching athletes. Teaching the physical, technical, and tactical components of the game are very important. However, getting to know your players and addressing other areas such as character, motivation, emotions, confidence, self-worth, and team cohesion are crucial. I strive to teach these other areas, be a positive influence, make soccer fun, and to get to know my players as people and not just athletes. As a result, players will be more confident, focused, hardworking, resilient, creative, not afraid to mess up, and who learn life lessons while having fun playing this awesome game!