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John DeMartini has been coaching soccer since he was 16 years old and is currently the head coach of the Gators women's soccer program at San Francisco State University. In the spring of 2021, he took over from assistant to head coach after the previous coach received another offer. This past fall, Demartini helped coach the formerly last-place team to the top four in their conference and was recently awarded coach of the year for the team's success. John has had a great deal of experience as an assistant, head coach, and recruiter. During this interview, we talk with Coach John about his tremendous season, his plans for the team, and the type of players he recruits.
The Rebuild Season
Going into fall 2021, the San Francisco women's soccer team placed 4th after they were predicted to place last once again. Coach John mentioned that an integral part of the success of this past year's team is by turning the ownership over to the players. He gave them structure and ideas about what pieces needed to be looked at, changed, and fixed. The players set goals and standards to hold themselves accountable.
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When asked how he motivated the team, DeMartini responded that the “team motivated themselves.” The team created a plan of what they value and how they want the atmosphere to look throughout the year and he contributed by trying to inspire. DeMartini provided motivational quotes on how to be great and open communication with his players daily. To keep up with what is going on in their personal lives, he would ask about their day, classes, and family, because he believes it is not “always about soccer, but about people.” It is significant to DeMartini that his players know he cares, and he believes that making those deep connections as a team is crucial for success.
Where to Now?
The Gators accomplished so much last season: they made the playoffs, built an amazing bond as a team, and got a great reputation from their 12-0 record. Now they are training and getting ready to conquer what they have yet to achieve–and they never stop working so next year you might just see them win it all. Directly after the season ended, DeMartini went to his office and wrote notes about what they needed to work on as a team this spring to be prepared to come out victorious next fall. Some items he wrote down were competitiveness throughout the whole team, quality of leadership, and communication. The ultimate goal he wants this squad to accomplish is to be more competitive than the year before. He wants the Gators to have that drive to want to win and put in 110% effort at practice, scrimmages, and games. The competitive environment is what makes players and the overall team better.
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What Type of Players
DeMartini has been recruiting players his entire coaching career and has years of experience in finding solid athletes. After this past season, he currently looks for soccer players that excel in mobility and athleticism, are potential starters, and are big-time competitive players. Most players he recruits are coming from some of the top clubs in the country, so competitiveness plays a huge role in his selection. If you want a spot on his team, you need to ask yourself: Are you coming just for the experience, or do you want to be a part of something special?
Find Your Right Fit
DeMartini's meaningful advice for recruits is to find the right fit for you. He advises prospects to ask themselves a couple of questions: Where do you want to live for the next six years of your life, and are you going to be happy whether you play soccer or not? Find an atmosphere that you genuinely like. He mentioned that most students go to a university for 4-5 years and stay a year afterward to figure their life out. Finding your right fit is beyond the sport you are playing; it all comes down to the life you are trying to create for your future self.
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on April 11, 2022, by Daesha Harper
