10/06/2023
It's National Coaches Appreciation Day and we're taking a moment to recognize our amazing staff at Wizard Oak Brook who give their time and effort each day to ensure our players have great experiences. In honor of today, we asked some of our staff to speak about their time coaching at Wizard. Coaches, here's to you! 🎉
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Angel Alvarez (U9 gold ,U9 academy, U12 gold and U12 academy boys)
What is your favorite part of coaching?
My favorite part of coaching is developing the athletes to their full potential and making sure they're having fun.
What's the most rewarding thing about coaching?
The most rewarding thing about coaching is teaching our players skills and tactics and watching them use the lessons I've taught in the games.
Why Wizard Oak Brook?
I love coaching at Wizard because of the great environment, families, and kids!
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Chris Karabatsis (U14 boys, U15 boys, U17 boys, and U18 girls MWC teams)
What is your favorite part of coaching?
Going to training every day, working with our players, and seeing their constant progress is what I love and enjoy the most.
What is the most rewarding thing about coaching?
The best reward a coach can have is watching his or her players compete at a high level during training and games day in and day out. Going on to fulfill their soccer dreams and play at different universities all over the country.
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Dylan Hansan (U8 boys academy, U9 girls academy, U10 girls academy, and U11 girls gold)
What is your favorite part of coaching?
My favorite part of coaching is when my players begin to develop and understand skills and tactics we've been working on in practice. There is no better feeling than making a positive impact on young athletes soccer career's.
What is the most rewarding thing about coaching?
The most rewarding thing about coaching is watching my players compete and have fun doing it. I love to see my players win a close game and use the things we teach in practice during their games.
Why Wizard Oak Brook?
I love coaching at Wizard because of the opportunity to interact with great coaches and great athletes. We have developed a great culture between all of us and it's really fun to come coach everyday.
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Jack Baderman (U6, U7, and U8 pre-academy boys, and U18 boys)
What is your favorite part of coaching?
My favorite part of coaching is seeing the growth in the young players.
What is the most rewarding thing about coaching?
Most rewarding thing is when my old players come back and talk to me about their college experiences & how I helped them.
Why Wizard Oak Brook?
The best thing about coaching for Wizard Oak Brook is the families and players that we have at our club.
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Sarah Ludwig (U15 girls academy)
What is your favorite part of coaching?
Coaching Philosophy: Guide and help develop players in a holistic manner, and put all of their needs first to assure it is always player centered. Make an impact as a passionate coach, role model, and mentor to the young players, especially the girls, to be motivated to work hard and LOVE the game. Provide an all encompassing and motivating atmosphere with fun, toughness, & support for my players to take ownership in their own success.
What is the most rewarding thing about coaching?
Guiding players to chase and achieve the goals they set out. It is rewarding to see players be motivated, passionate, confident in themselves, and love the game of soccer. I love making a connection with all of the players and seeing them create lifelong friendships with their teammates. Soccer is more than just a game.
Why Wizard Oak Brook?
The club has a player first mentality and they truly want what is best for all of the players. The club gives us coaches the autonomy to coach our teams and create a safe and fun environment for all of our players to thrive and develop.
