Donal R.

I have been fortunate to gain valuable coaching experience at a variety of levels, working with athletes who share the same passion for the game that I do. I currently serve as a Graduate Assistant with the University of Louisville Men’s Soccer Program, where I contribute to one of the top collegiate programs in the country. My background includes coaching at youth soccer camps across the United States as well as supporting players in their individual development journeys.

As a former collegiate player myself — competing at both the NJCAA and NCAA Division I levels — I understand firsthand the demands placed on student-athletes and the importance of developing not just technical skills, but also strong habits, mindset, and discipline. I enjoy working with athletes of all ages, from young players just starting out to those preparing for the next level of competition.

I also hold coaching licenses in Ireland, which complement my playing and coaching experiences, and allow me to bring a well-rounded perspective to training sessions. My coaching style blends structure with creativity, focusing on building technical sharpness, game awareness, and confidence in every player I work with.

I had the privilege of competing at the collegiate level in the United States, playing five years of college soccer across NJCAA, NCAA Division II, and NCAA Division I programs. My journey included:

Coastal Bend College (NJCAA) – Two-year starter and team leader.

Rogers State University (NCAA DII) – Competed in the Heartland Conference.

Coastal Carolina University (NCAA DI) – Earned my B.S. in Exercise & Sport Science, Summa Cum Laude, while competing in the Sun Belt Conference.

Western Michigan University (NCAA DI) – Finished my collegiate career with the Broncos, helping the team achieve one of its most successful seasons in program history.

Outside of college, I competed in the USL League Two, the top pre-professional league in the U.S., with:

Corpus Christi FC (2021) – Contributed to the club’s first-ever playoff appearance.

Little Rock Rangers (2022) – Key squad member.

AFC Ann Arbor (2023) – Served as team captain, leading the side to its first playoff berth and earning recognition as Players’ MVP.

These experiences shaped me as both a player and leader, teaching me the value of resilience, discipline, and teamwork at a high level of competition.

In every session, my goal is to create a structured yet enjoyable environment that challenges players to improve while building confidence in their abilities. Sessions are tailored to the individual’s age, position, and goals, but a typical session often includes:

Dynamic Warm-Up & Activation – Movement prep and ball work to get the body sharp and ready.

Technical Drills – High-repetition exercises focusing on first touch, passing, dribbling, and ball control under pressure.

Position-Specific Training – Tailored drills for strikers, midfielders, or defenders (e.g., finishing and movement for forwards, defensive positioning and tackling for backs).

Game-Like Scenarios – Small-sided exercises and situational drills to improve decision-making and awareness in realistic match conditions.

Conditioning with the Ball – High-intensity work designed to improve fitness while keeping sessions soccer-specific.

Cool Down & Feedback – Stretching, recovery guidance, and a short review of key takeaways to ensure the athlete leaves with a clear focus for improvement.

I emphasize technique, game IQ, and mental sharpness, while also instilling discipline and a professional training mindset. Whether the goal is skill development, preparing for the next level, or simply building confidence, sessions are designed to be purposeful, challenging, and rewarding.