ECNL H.E.R. Coaching Scholarship Recipient | Marisa Kresge
RICHMOND, VA (November 5, 2015) – As part of the Amazing Young WomenTM campaign, the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) has announced the 2015 recipients of the H.E.R. Coaching Scholarships (Health & Education Resources). Ten women from across the country were chosen from a deep pool of talented applicants to continue their coaching development and receive a scholarship to pursue a USSF “D” or “E” coaching license. The ECNL launched this program specifically for ECNL Alumni and aspiring female coaches.
The program aims to encourage top current or former female players to enter the coaching profession, encourage continuing education within the profession, and continually raise the level of play in youth soccer.
Marisa Kresge is a current member of the Wisconsin Women’s Soccer team, and coaching a U11 and U12 Verona girls team. “The ECNL has opened a lot of doors for me, both as a player and a coach.” said Kresge “I want to give back to the game and help inspire the next generation of girls to reach for their dreams.”
The ECNL caught up with Marisa to learn about her journey this past year, the coaching education course she attended, and her future aspirations.
Q: Why did you become a soccer coach?
A: I became a coach for several reasons. First off, I am very passionate about soccer; I love all aspects of the game. I have devoted my entire life to the sport thus far, and could not imagine what life would be like without it. Secondly, the impact my coaches have had on me is incredible; it extends beyond just soccer. I am very thankful to have them in my life and for all that they have done for me. They are the ones who inspired me to become a coach and to give back. I want to be able to have a similar impact on players.
Q: Describe the Coaching Course you took this past summer:
A: The coaching course I took this past summer was the evaluation portion of the D course. It was a three-day session, which began in the classroom going over expectations, requirements, as well as addressing any questions. The next day was our practice session out on the field. Each person was assigned a specific topic and created a training session. During this course we only focused on stage 3, the expanded small-sided activity, and then stage 4, the match; part 1 of the course focused on the technical warm-up and small-sided activity. The other participants of the course were the individuals playing in the sessions, which allowed for a wide variety of age and skill. After each coaches session the instructor provided feedback. The next day was our evaluation on a new topic that was assigned. We were evaluated, but no feedback was allowed.
Q: What did you like about the course?
A: I liked this course because I was able to establish connections with a variety of individuals. Everyone in the class was in a different stage of his or her career and had different reasons for wanting the license. It was also interesting to participate and watch the other coach’s sessions to see what they created, and compare it to what you might have done.
Q: How has taking this course affected your coaching career/outlook?
A: This course has affected the way I coach in training sessions. It has made me more aware of the coaching toolbox and which techniques to utilize and when.
Q: How has the ECNL influenced you?
A: The ECNL has had a large impact on my playing career and brought me to this point in my life. Playing in the ECNL provided me with a platform for maximum exposure to the top universities in the country. The league has also prepared me to play at a top university due to the highly competitive environment.
Q: If you could have one super-power, what would you chose and why?
A: If I could have one super-power I would choose speed hands down. At Wisconsin, everyone jokes with me and calls me blaze. Apparently, I am not very fast, although, I think otherwise ha-ha. Therefore it would be pretty cool to experience what it would be like.
Q: Snapchat or Facebook?
A: Facebook
Q: What is one thing most people do not know about you?
A: I have a screw in my ankle
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: Coaching as an assistant at a Division I university, while also being a proud parent of a dog
Q: What is your favorite emoji?
A: The smiley face with all the teeth showing
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I would love to go to Australia
Q: Define “Success”: achieving what one set out to do
A: Success is about the process, one must be invested and find enjoyment throughout the journey in order to be considered successful
Q: What is your favorite month of the year and why?
A: September because that is when the weather begins to change for fall, which is my favorite season
Q: If you could tell your 12-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
A: You do not know everything, so stop and listen
Q: What is your guilty pleasure?
A: I love watching extreme weight loss
Q: Who is your favorite person/organization to follow on Twitter?
A: Currently my favorite thing to follow is College Soccer 360 because I am interested in seeing all of the results across the country
Marisa, you are an Amazing Young Women. Thank you for sharing your story and we look forward to following you as you continue your coaching career.
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About Amazing Young WomenTM: Launched by the ECNL, the Amazing Young Women is a dynamic platform of online and local market activations that showcase and celebrate female role models offering an aspirational focus for all female athletes and teens as they prepare to be our next generation of leaders. The ECNL is calling on all of the nation’s women to join the movement to celebrate the endless potential of today’s girls.
Women of all ages can share their personal moments of inspiration through social media and at www.AmazingYoungWomen.com. Every share and submission helps drive a movement that celebrates the power of what it is to be a girl today. Each month Amazing Young Women of the ECNL will be chosen from online submissions and social engagement to be showcased at AmazingYoungWomen.com. Through testimonials, tips and tools, the website is providing all girls to view, share, and celebrate what it is to be motivated, strong, and successful.
About Elite Clubs National League: The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) was founded in 2009 to enhance the developmental experience of female youth soccer players in the United States through: (i) Improving the competitive environment through creation of a true national competitive league; (ii) Improving the process for identifying elite female soccer players for the U.S. Soccer youth national teams through a systematic scouting and identification program based on national competitions; and (iii) improving the daily training environment at top female youth soccer clubs through developing best practices and training and organizational guidelines for its member clubs. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and is sponsored by Nike Soccer.
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Jen Woodie
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Phone: (703)304-5723