Posted: Dec 22, 2015

Reflections on 2015 Men's Soccer Season

Jonathan Hoover joined the Alfred State athletic department this summer and recently completed his first season at the helm of the men's soccer program. The sports information department asked Hoover a few questions about his first season leading the Pioneers.

What lessons did you learn in your first year coaching at Alfred State? What were your favorite moments of the 2015 season?

This year was quite a learning experience for me. I have been coaching for the last seven years and each year I learn something new. This season was no different. I have learned not to sweat the small stuff. I must prepare for possible scenarios but to maintain focus on the overall game plan. Things will go wrong in a match and it is important to adjust when something happens. I have learned to trust the players more and their on-field decision making. They need to be able to think and adjust on the fly.

My favorite moment was our second half performance against Penn St. – Beaver. We did not play particularly well in the first half and gave up a third goal early in the second. The players responded going down 0-3 well and showed some fight in the last 30 minutes. Takara Higashi got us on the board and Mitchell Porter found Brandon Holley twice to tie the match. Holley's finish with 27 seconds remaining was calm and collected. I also enjoyed getting my first win against Waynesburg in only my second match.

If you had to choose one word to describe your season, what would it be? Exhilarating

What goals or standards are you setting for this team after seeing their ability in your first season?

Overall the season was a good first season. I was able to see our talent and made adjustments accordingly. We were able to finish on a strong note and we will build off of that. Next season I would like to see the team increase their possession, passing percentage, shots on goal, save percentage. We will push each individual to be a better player than the practice or game before.

What style of play do you ultimately want to see from your team?

I would like to see the team play more of an attacking style of soccer. I would like to see our outside backs become more involved in the offensive strategy of the team. We need to have a balance, but I would like to see us get into the offensive third a little more.

How much does scouting contribute to your game plan?

Scouting plays a role in my overall game plan but I like to concentrate more on what we are doing and doing it right. I like to have our team play our style of soccer and force other teams to adapt to us.

How does the graduation of your seniors affect your recruiting and player leadership?

Losing this senior class is hard. It will be difficult to replace Kyle Jones and Porter in the midfield. They have been four year players for this team. They are an integral part of the program. Torey Jinks was a great role player for the team. He did everything that he was asked and did it with a smile. Shane Joyce got some minutes this year and did well with them. These are all hard players to replace but it is necessary to find replacements for them. I have been looking to bring in quality players that can challenge our existing players to improve. I am looking for players to step into the leadership role. They need to show that they can help improve our players on and off the field. They need to be examples for everyone to see.

Where do you place your emphasis in coaching? Do you feel you are more of an offensive or defensive minded coach?

I put my emphasis on the idea that these student-athletes get to continue to play a game that they love. They are representing their school and must act accordingly. I try to use athletics as a way to help them get through life while improving on the field.

From a tactical standpoint I would say I am more of defensive coach. I want to keep the ball out of our net and maintain possession of the ball.

How involved are you in the nutrition of your athletes? What would you recommend for them as far as pre-game meals?

I am not as involved as I should be. I ask that they eat right to prepare for practices and games. When we travel I am in control of what they eat. I have pregame food for them to eat as well as picking where we eat after the game. I want to make sure that they get foods like peanut butter and granola before the game to have the energy to perform. Pregame meals I would suggest carbs and proteins to be absorbed in the body. I would suggest eating this meal 3-4 hours prior to a match.

Quick Hits:

Outside of athletics what do you enjoy doing? I enjoy spending time with my wife and four children. I enjoy traveling, especially to Paris, France. I like to read about European History and coach lacrosse.

Favorite place to take a team to eat after a game? Chipotle – one of my favorite restaurants

What type of music do you listen to? I like all kinds of music. My favorite band is Matt and Kim.

Dream Vacation spot? A month in Paris in the summer.

Who would you include (living or dead) in a golf foursome? Sir Alex Ferguson, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ghandi, & Georges Haussman