Scott Sinclair became the new coach of the women’s soccer team this week, and he’s using his previous coaching experience to make a fresh start for the team and challenge them like never before.
Sinclair, a Union alumnus, has been an assistant coach on the Union men’s soccer team for years, and he witnessed the birth of the women’s soccer team during that time. Sinclair watched as it went from being a humble team in a college town to competing in the NCAA. He’s proud of how far they’ve come, but he’s more excited to tap into the potential that has been lying dormant for so long.
“They’re hungry for success,” Sinclair said. “They’re driven, and you can see that.”
Sinclair believes success is achievable with his team. With determined eyes, he spoke about cultivating people, not players, with hard work ethic and instilling in them the belief that anything they strive for is possible. The women’s soccer team has never won a conference title, but Sinclair is determined to change that.
“Failure actually doesn’t even exist,” Sinclair said. “It’s constant learning… even if we’re down, we’re never out.”
Sinclair is adamant about using every second to your advantage. Don’t sigh when you miss a goal, think ahead to your next move. Even in the middle of a game, you’re always learning and adapting. Winning teams get complacent, and Sinclair takes advantage of that chink in their armor. With the team at their best, and at their most ready, the Lady Bulldogs will blindside anyone who doesn’t expect it.
Sinclair applies the JFK motto to sports: don’t ask what your team can do for you, ask what you can do for your team. Believe that you can achieve, and you will help the team do the same. Sinclair also applies the same philosophy to himself. He’s being transparent during practices about what they’re doing, why they’re doing it and how it will affect the game. Sinclair’s transparency and earnestness creates an atmosphere of clarity for the team that helps cohesion and focus. The newfound focus is what could make the Bulldogs the under-dog champions.
“I love being the underdog,” Sinclair said, “Tell me I can’t do something. Tell me, and I’ll show you what I can do.”
Sinclair said this with the prepared tone of an experienced warrior. If someone had challenged him to a game right there, he would have wipe the floor with them. He’s instilling the same preparedness in the players, making sure he’s enabling them to grow and meet their goals. He makes sure they’re always on the edge of discomfort, so they avoid the trap of complacency and keep learning.
Sinclair’s mindset has already rubbed off on the team, as the energy expressed by all of them marks the start of a new beginning.
“Coach Sinclair challenges each of us to use our strengths as individuals,” junior midfielder Hannah Hilburn said, “and as a team, our determination to succeed has intensified.”
