Soldiers To Sidelines is proud to honor Master Sergeant (Ret.) Neil Wattier U.S. Air Force as Soldier Coach of the Month April 2024 for his incredible empathy, commitment to coaching mastery, and selfless service. Coach Wattier serves as Mental Performance Coach for Grand Canyon University Men’s Rugby. He has had an incredible coaching journey his entire life exploring the depths of how to motivate people to achieve peace of mind, resilience, and extraordinary performance. Neil certified with STS in 2021 and has been highly engaged since. Learn more about Coach Wattier by reading the interview below.

STS: Tell your story about how and why you go into coaching. Discuss how coaching has impacted you as a person.

Coach Wattier:  My coaching journey began as a sports-loving dad. When my children were young, I coached soccer, baseball, softball, football, and ice hockey. As they grew and surpassed my dad-level technical expertise, I shifted my focus to supporting in other ways, such as strength and conditioning and play-by-play broadcasting.

During my service in the military, I was encouraged to engage in community service. This led me to volunteer roles, assisting with high school wrestling and coaching semi-pro women’s football. Additionally, I spent over a decade as a CrossFit instructor at various military affiliates.

My interest in the psychological aspects of performance was piqued after I encountered the Air Force and Army Master Resilience Training programs. This experience steered me towards a master’s degree in performance psychology, enriching my coaching toolkit and leading to a teaching position at Grand Canyon University where I continue to serve as a Mental Performance Coach with the men’s rugby team. I expanded my role as mental performance coaching by volunteering with youth sports programs across the Phoenix metro area, including volleyball, swim, and competitive cheer teams.

Recently, I’ve taken a significant step in my career by accepting a Cognitive Performance Specialist position where I will provide mental skills coaching to Air Force pilots at Holloman AFB, NM, leveraging my extensive experience to enhance pilot performance under pressure.

Coaching has profoundly impacted me, continuously inspiring personal growth and a deeper understanding of human potential. It’s a journey that has not only allowed me to help others but has also been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling personally.

STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach?

Coach Wattier:  My military experience profoundly shaped my approach to coaching. It instilled in me the values of servant leadership, which is the foundation of how I build and lead teams. This approach emphasizes the importance of serving others and prioritizing the development and well-being of team members, which directly influences their performance and cohesion.

My leadership style focuses heavily on combining empathy with accountability. I strive to understand the individual needs and challenges of each athlete or team member, fostering a supportive environment to encourage open communication and mutual respect. At the same time, I maintain a clear standard of accountability, ensuring everyone understands their roles and the expectations placed upon them. This balance helps in nurturing a disciplined yet caring team culture.

My coaching is deeply rooted in the psychological theories of performance. This theoretical foundation allows me to design and lead skill-based learning experiences tailored to enhance both the mental and physical aspects of performance. Integrating these psychological principles helps athletes develop resilience, focus, and a growth mindset, which are crucial for achieving excellence in any performance environment.

My military background equipped me with a unique set of skills and perspectives to enhance my effectiveness as a coach, enabling me to lead by example and inspire others to reach their full potential.

STS: How has Soldiers To Sidelines impacted your life?

Coach Wattier:  I first engaged with Soldiers To Sidelines in 2021 when I registered for a virtual coaching seminar. This event came during the socially isolating times of the COVID pandemic, making it not just an educational opportunity but a vital source of connection and community. The seminar was immensely valuable, allowing me to connect with other military veterans who were also eager to transition their skills into sport coaching. This shared experience and common purpose were particularly uplifting during a period when physical interactions were limited. Through Soldiers To Sidelines, I gained crucial knowledge that furthered my understanding of sports coaching.

Soldiers To Sidelines also expanded my professional network significantly. The connections I made through this program opened up new opportunities for collaboration and growth in my career as a mental performance coach. It also kept me focused and motivated, reinforcing my commitment to advancing in the field. The support and camaraderie found in the Soldiers To Sidelines community have been instrumental in my continued development and success as a coach.

STS: Describe a coaching interaction with a player, or group of players, that has a special place in your heart?

Coach Wattier:  My experience as the Grand Canyon University men’s rugby team mental performance coach has been the most memorable year of my life. Despite being a young program, GCU is aiming for national contention and has committed to fostering a culture of excellence with an elite mindset.

When I joined the coaching staff, the team was receptive and quickly acknowledged my value. Inspired by the young US Air Force Airmen, I wanted to instill a similar sense of responsibility and pride in the team. Airmen working on the flightline often have their names stenciled on the aircraft they maintain, symbolizing ownership and accountability. Drawing from this, I introduced the motto: “Put your name on it!” This concept resonated deeply with the team, especially since 80% of the players were underclassmen. It encouraged them to take extreme ownership of their roles, actively participate in developing the team’s culture, and clearly define what behaviors are considered above and below the line. The motto also supported the integration of empathy and accountability into their daily interactions and overall team dynamics.

The impact of this philosophy was profound. It not only united the team but also propelled GCU men’s rugby into the national spotlight. The team achieved a ranking as high as 13th in the 2024 season and secured a spot in the national championship tournament. Although they exited early from the tournament, the experience was invaluable, and the players are already eagerly planning for a productive offseason, with high hopes for the next season.

This interaction remains special to me because it underscores the power of meaningful coaching interactions that can transform a team’s ethos and propel young athletes towards achieving their full potential, both on and off the field.

STS: What was your most challenging experience as a coach?

Coach Wattier:  The most challenging experience I have encountered in my coaching career occurred in December 2016, when a devastating vehicle accident claimed the life of my friend and fellow coach. Shayne was not only a colleague but also the father of my stepson, Tyler. Overcoming initial potential barriers, Shayne and I forged a strong friendship, and he invited me to help coach Tyler’s youth ice hockey team.

This tragedy was a profound personal and professional loss, but it also imparted significant lessons. The most impactful was the willingness to look beyond the immediate environment and anticipate opportunities to build bridges. This perspective has guided me in fostering relationships and creating healthy environments within teams, emphasizing the importance of understanding, collaboration, and mutual support.

From this experience, I learned the value of resilience and the importance of maintaining connections that transcend perceived boundaries. This has deeply influenced my approach to coaching, where I now prioritize relationship-building and the emotional well-being of my athletes as much as their physical and technical development. This holistic approach helps in creating a supportive, united team which grows and thrives through stress and adversity.

STS: Is there anything else you can share with us about your coaching story?

Coach Wattier:  My coaching journey has been both enriching and challenging. A key practice that has profoundly influenced my perspective and effectiveness as a coach is the deliberate practice of gratitude. This habit has helped me to not only appreciate the many opportunities, but also to continue striving for more. It serves as a grounding mechanism, reminding me of the good things, even during times of stress or disappointment.

My coaching career has been filled with moments of joy and instances of frustration, a testament to the dynamic nature of this profession. The ability to grow and thrive through stress and adversity has largely been due to my focus on developing resilience and enhancing mental performance, not just among my athletes but also within myself. These are not merely concepts I teach; they are integral to how I manage my own challenges in coaching and life.

A significant portion of my success is attributed to the unwavering support of my best friend and wife, Cindy. Her role in my life goes beyond personal support; she provides encouragement when I need motivation and holds me accountable, ensuring I stay true to my values and goals. Cindy’s partnership is indispensable, reinforcing my resilience and complementing my professional goals.

This holistic approach—balancing professional growth with personal support and self-care—has shaped my coaching philosophy and my approach to life. It is this blend of gratitude, resilience, and supportive relationships that fuels my ongoing passion for coaching and my desire to continue making a healthy impact in the lives of those I coach.

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While the seminar delivered content centered around coaching the whole person by applying interactive high human skills and wellness concepts like sleep, breathing, and nutrition, it prioritized experiential presentations from an incredible line-up of inspirational women. The week opened with a powerful keynote address by former A-10 pilot and retired Air Force Colonel Kim “KC” Campbell, who recalled the night her aircraft was hit over Bagdad before she was able to return to base and land it safely. Colonel (retired) Campbell noted how preparatory work develops the competence needed to increase confidence.

The week was hosted by Sports Performance Director, Johannah Zabal, who conveyed the power of self-awareness within her presentation, “Know Thyself.” She emphasized that true knowledge of self serves as a precursor to initiating a well-oriented but forever evolving mission statement, and then charged attendees with creating their own mission statements.

Guest presenters included Dr. Belisa Vranich covering the science of breathing, Dr. Allison Brager discussing sleep for performance, Holly West explained about how to translate military service into coaching, and Lilly Vanek providing an introduction to nutrition. Dr. Anna Swisher from USA Weightlifting discussed the “soft” side of coaching while Laura Busby and Jen Block, both from the Air Force Academy talked about culture and transition from military into sports administration, respectively.

Attendee and now Military Women’s Certified Soldier Coach, Shiela Farr, shared the following powerful testimonial:

The coaching program I participated in was nothing short of transformative. It not only helped me rediscover my “why” but reignited a profound sense of enthusiasm for serving our veterans. Through insightful guidance and thought-provoking exercises, the program facilitated a deep exploration of my core values, passions, and motivations. By reconnecting with my purpose and aligning it with the noble mission of supporting our veterans, I found renewed clarity, inspiration, and direction in my endeavors. The program’s holistic approach, coupled with the unwavering support of the coach and fellow participants, fostered a nurturing environment for personal growth and self-discovery. I am immensely grateful for the invaluable insights and newfound sense of purpose I gained from this coaching journey. It has truly reignited my passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

Thank you, Coach Farr, for sharing such heartfelt words. Thank you to the other 137 newly certified Soldier Coaches for dedicating your time and attention during four full evenings of virtual content. Finally, thank you to the presenters for donating your time, energy, and expertise to empowering current and former members of the military community so they can become character based coaches in their communities and beyond.

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Jen learned of Soldiers To Sidelines through her brother in-law Nate Palin who serves as STS Director of Operations.  Jen was already coaching and leading a successful business and was intrigued after learning about the STS mission.  She completed the Soldiers To Sidelines inaugural Soccer Coaching Certification Seminar last June. The entrepreneurial demands of founding and running her coaching business Head Strong LLC are extensive.  Properly raising her two young children while her spouse is on active duty adds a much larger level of responsibility to the day.  On top of that, Jen volunteers as Community Coordinator for Healthy Kids Running Series Richmond Hill GA and

Head Coach for Richmond Hill Soccer Club U12 Girls. Read on to discover how Coach Palin rises to the challenge of investing in her family, business, and community.

STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach?

Coach Palin: Truly, as a military spouse you become independent in the process. You ‘keep on, keeping on’. We teach our minds and hearts to use that as motivation, to stay busy in hopes to make the time pass! All the while, nonstop thinking about our person being away. So, in a roundabout way I do not let the military life change my everyday life. With a move kids want to continue to stay in a routine as much as possible. I knew soccer was a big part of their lives. This was one of the first tasks upon arrival.

STS: How has Soldiers To Sidelines impacted your life?

Coach Palin: I took the STS Soccer Coach Certification. I was fired up and so excited to incorporate training to a new level at practice. My interaction with the girls has changed in a positive light. Fun vs. passionate is an approach I usually take. Skills are enhanced and teamwork is a must.

STS: Describe a coaching interaction with a player, or group of players, that has a special place in your heart?

Coach Palin: Most of my girls I have had the privilege to be with for two years; four seasons. The growth has been the best to see. The pivotal year was 4th-5th grade. My 5th graders that I had as 4th graders (last year) struggled to make passes, had a hard time communicating, could not remember plays, and would complain if practice was too long. This year, the amazement was fielding open passes, being accurate with one touch, having ball control and field awareness around them, and NOT wanting practice to end!!

STS: What are your aspirations in coaching?

Coach Palin: My aspiration would be to ‘keep the dream alive’. The WANT to play be strong enough to continue. Too many times the fun is gone, the next level isn’t what was expected, the comparison game takes over and self-confidence fumbles. (hand raised) This was me. I want them to have better.

STS: What was the most difficult challenge you have experienced in coaching and what have you learned from that experience?

Coach Palin: Parents. Girls. Egos. Playing time. This has been a large struggle more recently. I have a wide array of ages from 4th-6th on my U12 team. From this I have three elementary schools and a middle school. You have cliches, gossip and sass. I have this at home already so typically no sweat off my back but when parents are a part of the mix and saying what needs to be said this day in age; there becomes a divide. Players think they should only listen to their parents and that coach is wrong. It is a struggle to understand my parents’ point of view (even when I am one) and still have the point across that I am the coach. I have learned that most of the time the players have nothing to do with it. In hopes they come to practice with a clear mind and no comments in the back of their minds. Treat all players equally no matter the issue with the parent at hand. Remember they are there to play the game I love.

STS: Is there anything else you can share with us about your coaching story?

Coach Palin: Coaching is not for the faint of heart. It takes time, patience, dedication and heart. If you lose one the rest falls apart. Keep a level playing field…no pun intended ha.

Prioritize and have a schedule ON and OFF the field.

As a mom of two, Mil Spouse, and business owner, no time can go wasted.

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Saturday March 16th in Carrollton, TX at the Adaptive Training Foundation Gym, Soldiers To Sidelines conducted its first in-person Adaptive Athlete Coaching Workshop powered by Wounded Warrior Project and in partnership with the Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF).

The seven-hour workshop was attended by an intimate group of WWP alumni, Soldier Coaches, and ATF athletes and staff. The workshop explored what it means to be a coach, psychology of working with adaptive athletes, considerations in programming, and culminated with a seated workout which everyone participated.

Everyone left the workshop with greater empathy for adaptive athletes and a stronger knowledge base to begin working with the adaptive community. We learned that everyone requires some adaptation to their training at some point in their athletic life. The reality is we are all working with mixed abilities and we have the power to accomplish anything if we just believe we can and we will.

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Each of their stories inspired the packed audience of over 380 attendees to create their own ripple effect and support 500 more Soldier Coaches. The dinner raised enough money to certify, over 500 more Soldier Coaches who will positively develop approximately 25,000 more athletes this year to become future leaders of character.

Soldiers To Sidelines was humbled to host influential military leaders at the dinner who understand how Soldiers To Sidelines improves four essential issues:

• 1. Improve the well-being of the military community by establishing a strong sense of purpose through coaching development.
  2. Improving the quantity and quality of coaching leaders in communities throughout our country.
  3. Bridging the civilian-military divide at the community level nationwide by creating an understanding of the value of military service.
  4. Ensuring the future viability of the all-volunteer military force by directly addressing the military’s current recruiting challenges.

The following notable dignitaries dined with our Soldier Coaches, friends, and family in support of solving these challenges:

Mrs. Sheila Casey
Spouse, 36th Chief of Staff US Army, General (Retired) George Casey. And our 2023 Military Honoree.

Vice Admiral John Fuller
42nd Naval Inspector General, US Naval Forces

Lieutenant General Kevin Vereen
Deputy Chief of Staff, G9, US Army

Lieutenant General (Retired) Bob Caslen
59th Superintendent, United States Military Academy

Mrs. Beth Stitt
Spouse of Lieutenant General Doug Stitt, Deputy Chief of Staff, G1, US Army

Ms. Anita Dixon
Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), District of Columbia

Ms. Angie Ritz
Director, Civilian Aides to Secretary of Army (CASA)

Lieutenant General Haibatullah Alizai
Chief of Afghan National Army

Thomas E. Matthews
Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security

Senior Executive Service 2 Bruce Hollywood
US Space Force

Chief Warrant Officer 5, Phyllis Wilson
Army Reserve Ambassador for the State of Maryland

Major General John Rafferty
Chief of Public Affairs, US Army

Major General Deb Kotulich
Deputy Chief of US Army Reserve

Major General (Retired) Tim McGuire
Last served as Deputy Commanding General, US Army Installation Management Command

Major General (Retired) John Uberti
Last served as Deputy Commanding General, US Army Third Corps

Major General (Retired) Malcolm Frost
Last served as Director of Operations, US Army-Pacific Command

Brigadier General Mike Shapland
New Zealand Defense Forces, Defense Attache

Patricia S. Collins
Acting Director, U.S. Government Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Brigadier General (Retired) Burt Thompson
Last served as Deputy Director of Strategic Plans & Policy, US Pacific Command

Brigadier General (Retired) Mike Meese

Command Sergeant Major, Michael Weimer
17th Sergeant Major of the Army

Command Sergeant Major, Greg Seymour
Fort Liberty, North Carolina

Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Tom Beyard
Last served as Senior Enlisted Leader, Maryland National Guard

Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Mike Quinn
US Army

Steve Miska
Executive Director, PACT Act, Office of Veterans Affairs

Eryn Wagnon
Director Joining Forces- Office of the First Lady, White House

Meg O’Grady represented National University as the Legacy of Leadership Reception Host Sponsor. She highlighted the many NU programs and opportunities to earn educational degrees to advance careers, which is essential for improving earning potential as a Soldier Coach. Additionally, we were honored to have her reveal the first National University mascot, The Navigators, to our military audience.

Thanks to all of our partners, sponsors, and donors, Soldiers To Sidelines set a fundraising record at this year’s Legacy of Leadership Dinner. Our Legacy of Leadership Committee stepped up to help achieve this record with the special efforts of Rob Lively, Rob Dickerson, Vince McBeth, Chad Hennings, Tom Beyard, Cedric King, Martha Macphee, Jim Beamesderfer, Ed McGuire, Adam Rocke, and Marty Moore.

The collective efforts of Soldiers To Sidelines Staff, the STS Board of Directors, the Leadership Committee, sponsors, donors, and honorees empowered hundreds of new Soldier Coaches in 2024 to realize their new purpose to serve our country as a coach. They will become exemplary role models for today’s impressionable youth, leading to a stronger national community.

We hope all who attended this year will join us again next year at the 4th Annual Legacy of Leadership Dinner and welcome all newcomers to join us to cast a stone in the water, creating a greater ripple effect of coaching leadership.

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In addition to this Soldier Coach of the Month honor, Soldiers To Sidelines is presenting Coach Payne with the 2024 Military Legacy of Leadership Ring as the Military Leadership Honoree at the Soldiers To Sidelines Legacy of Leadership Dinner. He is being honored alongside coaching legend Tom Coughlin, 2x Superbowl Champion of the NY Giants, and Business Leadership Honoree Tom Quinlan, CEO of RR Donnelley. Coach Payne and all our Soldier Coaches create a tremendous ripple effect of positive leadership every day they step on the practice field. Read below to learn how Coach Pat Payne began coaching and how his military career influences his coaching style.

STS: What is your coaching title?

Coach Payne: It’s an honor to be called Coach Payne, but the best title in coaching is when a young man says, “That’s My Coach!”

STS: How long have you been coaching?

Coach Payne: 2 years

STS: Tell your story about how and why you got into coaching. Discuss how coaching has impacted you as a person.

Coach Payne: Initially, my wife and I didn’t agree with youth football. However, my son’s interest in tackle football led him to attend a local camp at Lee County Senior High School in North Carolina. After the camp, he ran up to me and said, “Dad, I don’t like football; I love it!” The high school players had done an amazing job with the youth camp, and this marked the beginning of a new chapter for our family. Football brought us closer together while also teaching us more about our local community.

We have an amazing leader in Lee County, NC, Coach Hill, who also serves as a Police Officer and is one of our youth football coaches. After a practice, he asked if I was interested in coaching, and that’s how my coaching journey began. The next day at work was awesome.

The United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) is filled with some amazing ex-athletes from all levels. My downtime was filled with making playbooks & practice plans. On top of the athletic experience in USASOC, the community around Ft. Liberty, NC, is filled with some amazing high school athletes (in all sports) and coaches that fly under the radar. Coach Metzger from Montgomery Central High School has been one of my mentors.

STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach?

Coach Payne: It comes full circle. Some of my best coaches were Vietnam veterans. They were tough on us growing up and made us better men.

Now I have former teammates who coach almost every sport in the area. Coaching is another way of service to make an impact on the next generation.

STS: What does Soldiers To Sidelines mean to you?

Coach Payne: It’s a great network of coaches who understand service to our great country and can continue with coaching.

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Soldiers To Sidelines proudly honors US Army LTC Cully Neal as the April 2023 Coach of the Month. Cully is transitioning from the Army after 23 years of service. He has amassed troves of leadership expertise over the years, and now he is ready to share this wisdom with athletes from his hometown in Pennsylvania.

Cully first got involved with STS in November 2022 at our Fall Football Coaching Certification Seminar with the NY JETS. Like many high achievers, he wanted to coach at the highest level possible and was willing to do the work to make it happen, just like his successful Army career. After certifying with STS, he participated in our membership development program and excelled. He earned a volunteer sports performance coaching internship with the XFL to get his foot in the door with professional football. He excelled in his role but came to a powerful realization which ultimately earned him the Soldier Coach of the Month honor. Cully shares his story with us in the following interview.

STS: Why did you initially participate in Soldiers To Sidelines?

Cully Neal: I’m about to retire in a few months and have for years wanted to coach football. The Army has afforded me the privilege to lead young men in combat and, more importantly, through life. That experience taught me that teaching, coaching, and mentoring is my passion. I’m the best version of myself when I’m helping people, specifically those whose walk through life has been wrought with challenges. In Soldiers to Sidelines, I saw that opportunity to have an impact on young men again and to now use football (versus the Army) as the vehicle to accomplish that goal.

STS: What have you learned since working with Soldiers To Sidelines?

Cully Neal: Since being involved with Soldiers to Sidelines I’ve learned that there is a community of people like me out there that believe they can change communities and lives through the sport of football. Transitioning into full-time coaching after 23 years in the military seemed far-fetched at first, but STS has helped validate my decision to begin a new career in coaching.

STS: You worked through the STS MDP and earned an internship with the XFL. Describe your internship experience and what have you learned?

Cully Neal: The number 1 lesson I would share is to examine very closely what you personally hope to achieve from coaching. During this internship I’ve learned that my goal of impacting young men’s lives couldn’t be realized at this level like I want it to be. In spending time with a lot of the players I learned that many of them have either a fully developed sense of self, have goals and know how to reach them or have been influenced in particular ways that makes effecting and stimulating positive change in their lives extremely difficult. When that’s coupled with the organizational tempo of a professional football team, it then becomes extremely difficult to reach them. This was a tough realization for me and caused me to re-assess my goals for this internship and my goals as a coach.

STS: What did you enjoy most about coaching in the XFL?

Cully Neal: Developing relationships and connecting with the players. The fabric of their stories is cut from the same cloth as all of ours. They’ve had massive failure in things they’ve attempted and been wildly successful in others. They are family men, husbands, and brothers and face the same daily struggles we all do. The scrutiny and stress they face each day as a professional athlete is often overlooked. So, to have them share their struggles and triumphs with me and see in them the same vulnerabilities I have, was both humbling and rewarding.

STS: Has your perspective of coaching professional football changed during your internship? If so how?

Cully Neal: Most everyone that aspires to high achievement pursues doing that thing within their profession at the highest levels. I’m no exception. During my 23 years of service, I had the distinct privilege of serving in some of the most elite units in the Department of Defense. In pursuing those challenges and goals I’ve learned many lessons. Mostly about what it takes to achieve, excel, and then sustain your performance over time. But a few lessons stand out as special and life-impacting. I’ve drawn on those experiences during this internship to help shape and ultimately change my perspective on coaching football.

If you had asked me 4 months ago where I see myself after this internship, I would have instinctively told you I want to coach at the NFL or Collegiate Division I level. It’s natural, rolls off the tongue with ease, and is just what leaders love to hear. It’s even self-affirming to say and hear it from one’s own mouth. Positive self-talk, visualizing and then saying what you ARE going to accomplish can help you move past setbacks and reach your goals. And I did this for the first few weeks, but things started to shift.
My top priority as a coach has always been to impact young men’s lives, but, in this fast-paced environment of professional football, could I really do that, and did I want to do that? Ultimately, I concluded around week four that I could not do that like I wanted to at this level. I was in the XFL, with professional athletes, and access to incredible resources, equipment, and facilities but still left work each day feeling unfulfilled. I began to ask myself some very tough questions about what I really wanted out of coaching football and life. During this period of self-discovery and reflection, it became clear to me that coaching at the High School level is where I wanted to be. High School football is certainly not the XFL, and there are no professional athletes or former NFL coaches to network with, but I knew it was where I belonged. And staying true to that calling that comes from a place deep within ourselves is critical to discovering what your WHY is when it comes to being a coach.

STS: What do you hope to achieve in coaching moving forward?

Cully Neal: In the near term I’m hoping for an internship opportunity at The University of Pittsburgh where I’ll continue to deepen my knowledge of football and teach, coach, and mentor young athletes. In the long term, I look to coach at the High School level in and around the Pittsburgh, PA area.

STS: How has your military experience prepared you to coach in the future?

Cully Neal: The military can really be a grind. There’s no better example than a deployment, where after about 90 days, the newness and excitement of the mission wears off and your left with 9 months of tough work before you return home. The operational tempo and the demands of work in a combat environment can be both stressful and relentless. It becomes a grind. To remain effective in that sort of environment, you really must reach the right perspective, or you risk falling into complacency, endangering the mission, your life, and the lives of those around you. Now there are obviously some clear differences between combat and football, but the similarity that I’ve discovered is committing to the grind. During the season, I was with a few teams but spent the most with the Orlando Guardians and San Antonio Brahmas. They were both having losing seasons, and around week 5 or 6 we were in the grind phase. This is also where my perspective had fully shifted to knowing I wanted to be at the High School level. So, while my personal priorities had changed, the mission at hand had not. This is where I relied on my many years of working through the grind, remaining focused, and giving my best efforts to finish strong despite setbacks and negative outcomes.

STS: What advice would you give future transitioning service members who want to pursue coaching after service?

Cully Neal: In the Army, I always thought if I can invest in the man first, build him up, focus on character, values, and discipline that the Soldier would always follow. I was almost always right. The approach I’ve taken in transitioning to coaching football is no different. My mission has not changed, just the operational environment. So, my advice would be to clearly identify your WHY. Then ask yourself the why to that, then repeat that process again and again and again and if at the end it deviates too far from investing in and building young men up, you may want to reconsider coaching as a transition plan.

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Soldiers To Sidelines Celebrates its 1000th Soldier Coach by honoring US Army Veteran Kimberly Liszka as the Soldier Coach of the Month. Captain Kim, as she is affectionately called, has been coaching for the past 28 years in various sports. She has coached competitive cheerleading, youth volleyball, Army’s Physical Fitness program, the General’s Wounded Warrior program, youth American Ninja Warrior classes, and extreme endurance athletes.

She earns this award because she commits to coaching herself first so that she can better impact her athletes. She wakes up every morning and gives gratitude to herself and the people in her life. She practices meditation on positivity, passion, and prayer so that she can take that energy out into the world and into her relationships with her family, friends, athletes, and partners. We asked her questions about what inspires her to coach, her military influence, and some fond coaching memories. Here is what she said:

STS: Tell your story about how and why you got into coaching. Discuss how coaching has impacted you as a person.

Captain Kim: “I got into coaching because of my experiences as an athlete! I was able to see the success from the physical and mental preparation and transformation through the years. I learned how to compete as an individual and with a team. I learned unique strategies that I was able to implement on the field and in my personal life. I formed lasting friendships with my fellow athletes and my coaches. I learned skills from my coaches that helped elevate me in my coaching career. I felt so alive and elevated when I performed, and I wanted to provide that to other athletes. I wanted to provide my athletes with similar experiences, successes, and friendships! I wanted to teach them that they are unique and have unforeseen talents that they are going to discover through this process. I wanted to show them that they can become what they dream of.

STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach?

Captain Kim: The military taught me disciplines like Leadership, Resilience, and Perseverance which are key attributes to being a successful coach. I was able to watch firsthand how humans react under pressure and how to guide them to a more positive outcome. Basic training was a perfect model of how to unify a team. They were able to take soldiers from different backgrounds, cultures, and dispositions and unify them to perform as a successful team. The drill sergeants led by example and demanded greatness because they knew we were capable of it. The military set the example for my coaching career.

STS: Describe a coaching interaction with a player, or group of players, that has a special place in your heart?

Captain Kim: I remember this like it was yesterday.
I walked into the athlete room and asked the High School athletes what they were here for? What their mission was? What were they trying to achieve? Who was here to be national champions? I had responses that ranged from, I’m here for interim training, I want to be out of the house, I want to hang out with my friends, and I want to be a national champ. Two of my athletes, whom I nicknamed Army and Tank, raised their hands to be national champions.

We invested in that topic, National Champions, why that was their mission, what that looked like to bring to fruition, and how were we going to accomplish that goal.

We developed a solid coach-athlete relationship through invested conversations, frustrations, disappointments, gains, and successes! We went to compete in Nationals in San Diego and celebrated their success with tears and smiles! Years later, I was picked to be on the Military Edition of American Ninja Warrior, and their support was amazing! They submitted a video for me on why I should be a competitor on the show and asked me the same questions I asked them to motivate me on my journey on ANW. It was amazing to watch them coach their former coach! It’s a true testament to what happens when you wholeheartedly invest in your athletes.

I’m so proud of them, and we still keep in touch and encourage and inspire each other years later!

STS: Which player have you coached of which you are most proud of? Why?

Captain Kim: Alfred, nickname Army.
He was so receptive to learning how to be the best version of himself. He listened to my coaching techniques and implemented them with tenacity and confidence, and determination. He was such an inspiration to his teammates and me. He had this outlook on life that was contagious. He knew what he wanted, and he wasn’t afraid to go after it. He would ask for guidance along with guiding his teammates. He empowered me by building a trusting coach/athlete relationship, asking for feedback, and showing appreciation. He went on to enlist in the US Army and has exceeded expectations. He won the National Defense Service Award, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Medal, among many more.

STS: What was the most difficult challenge you have experienced in coaching, and what have you learned from that experience?

Captain Kim: I’ve learned that when you teach team sports, you can’t treat everyone the same.
I’ve learned that we all are products of our environment, and sometimes that means growing up in difficult situations and unwarranted circumstances. With that comes different personalities, different dispositions, and different talents. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that all humans do things for a reason, and it’s important to uncover those reasons. When an athlete isn’t performing to their level, you need to have conversations and invest in that athlete’s physical and mental health. It takes time and patience, but the outcome is worth it. I’ve learned if you start with the athlete and wholeheartedly invest in them, let them have a voice, let them be seen, and give them a purpose, everything else falls into place. When you provide security, morality, and belonging to your athlete, the rest builds upon itself.

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On Thursday, March 2nd, Soldiers To Sidelines graduated its latest class of Certified Soldier Coaches with the completion of the 3rd Annual Military Women’s Seminar, presented by Wounded Warrior Project.

With over 140 registrations, the popularity of the Seminar is a great testament to Director Johannah Zabal’s program and hard work. The Seminar delivered on a variety of topics including sleep, nutrition and high performance. In addition to the fantastic support provided by Wounded Warrior Project, the Seminar is made possible, thanks to the partnership of Booz Allen Hamilton and the Women’s Veteran Alliance.

Women’s sports have seen an unprecedented increase in popularity and resource commitment. There’s never been more opportunity and need for women coaches.

“When we break a glass ceiling, we celebrate it, and we look for the next one to break.” – Col. Jen Block, Air Force.

Fifty committed coaches sacrificed thirty hours of time to secure certification.

US Marine Corps Veteran Laurie Sayles, current President and CEO of Civility Management Solutions, in discussion about the seminar last week, “I am enjoying the classes, as I can cross reference yesterday’s discussion to my role as President and CEO of a government contracting firm. Also, I am all into being healthy and fit, so I look forward to the other classes as well.”

The star-studded array of speakers included Colonel Jen Block, Executive Director of Athletics of the Air Force Academy; Carla Criste, tenured Professor of Physiology and Nutrition at the United States Naval Academy; Major Allison J. Brager, a neuroscientist for the US Army; Dr. Rita Kostecke (LTC) Brigade Surgeon for US Army Special Operations, and retired Army Colonels Edna Cummings and Holly West. Additional speakers included Siana Sylvester from Higher Echelon and Melissa Washington from Women’s Veteran Alliance.

“If you are in the military, you are a coach. You have to push people to find it in themselves.” – Edna Cummings

In addition to the development of “high human” skills and career preparation, the class learned from acclaimed soccer coaches, Jen Shackford of William and Mary and Air Force Academy’s Laura Busby.

Zabal pointed out the following takeaways from our speakers.
· “We need to allow our players (and ourselves) to fail in order to promote growth.”
· “Learning isn’t linear.”
· “Knowing yourself is paramount to coaching/leading well.”
· “Fun is a huge component of lasting culture.”

Soldiers To Sidelines is thrilled to welcome this class of women Soldier Coaches to the STS Tribe!

The post Over 45 New Coaches Certified in 3rd Annual Women’s Coaching Seminar appeared first on Soldiers To Sidelines.

Soldiers To Sidelines is proud to award U.S. Marine Veteran Anthony Goliver the Coach of the Month award for February 2023. Coach Goliver earns this award for his commitment to improving his craft by utilizing every aspect of the Soldiers To Sidelines process and translating it into a prominent coaching position where he is making a tremendous impact. He is proof that with hard work, the right attitude, and adaptability, Veterans can make a successful transition into the career of their dreams. Coach Goliver tells us about his experience in the following interview.

STS: Tell your story about how and why you got into coaching. Discuss how coaching has impacted you as a person.

Coach Goliver: I decided to get into coaching in 2018 while on deployment. I had decided that I no longer wanted to make a career out of the military, but the Career Designation Board release was my eye-opener that I needed to actually figure out what was next. After some critical self-reflection, I realized my passion was at the intersection of football and leadership: coaching. Much of who I am as a man is shaped by the tremendous coaches I had in high school and college.
My coaching journey started off very rocky. After returning from deployment, I received orders to Okinawa. I started coaching in a spring league for the military members on the island. After only three games into our 2020 season, we were canceled due to COVID. I immediately began looking for resources to learn the game on my own and prepare for my transition out of the military. That is how I came across Soldiers to Sidelines and was able to register for the first virtual seminar. After completing the seminar, I continued with the Membership Development Program, which helped me grow as a Marine leader and a football coach. I developed a great relationship with both Harrison and Del during that time and was ultimately connected with Bryce McDonald, Chief of Staff at UCLA Football, because of our similar career paths.
Okinawa loosened restrictions a bit in time for the 2021 high school season. I had a great experience serving as the Defensive Coordinator for the JV team and an assistant for the Varsity team. The JV team was a unique challenge because many of those athletes had no tackle football experience, so coaching was critical, and it was very rewarding to watch them grow during the season as both football players and young men.
I am now at UCLA, where I started in January 2022 as a Volunteer Analyst/Intern while utilizing the DOD SkillBridge program. During that internship, I was offered the role of Defensive Graduate Assistant and am now serving in that capacity. I worked with the Defensive Backs this past season. I am still early into my coaching career, but I have already seen its impact on me. I love what I do and go to work every day excited to be there. I truly enjoy getting to work with these young men both on and off the field. I have found my calling.

STS: How has your military experience influenced you as a coach?

Coach Goliver: First and foremost, my military experience opened doorways into coaching that would not have been there otherwise. I know that getting into the college football industry is extremely difficult, and many do not have a blueprint to get started. We, as Soldier Coaches, have to recognize the incredible opportunities that Soldiers to Sidelines provides in this department. By being a veteran and going through the Soldiers to Sidelines program, we have a better opportunity for entry than most of our counterparts that did not play collegiately or have a parent in coaching.
From a leadership aspect, the military trains us in the leadership required to coach. A college football player and a Lance Corporal are way more similar than you might think. Both groups are dealing with living away from home for the first time and trying to figure out who they are as young men. Because of that, when they come to me, I feel that I already have the ability to help them. On the field, coaching is very similar to training. Being able to have a vision for where you want the players to develop and then creating a plan for that development is synonymous with building military training plans. Knowing your craft and being able to clearly teach those you lead is a major part of both military leadership and coaching.

STS: Describe a coaching interaction with a player, or group of players that has a special place in your heart?

Coach Goliver: During this past bowl season, position coaches had to balance being on the road recruiting with coaching in preparation for the bowl game. As such, there was a day of practice where my position coach was not going to be present. As the Graduate Assistant, I was next in line to coach the group. The Defensive Analyst that also works with the Defensive Backs vouched for me to the Defensive Coordinator that I was ready to lead the meeting. The meeting went really well, and I received positive feedback from all the players in the meeting and the Analyst.

STS: Which player you have coached are you most proud of? Why?

Coach Goliver: It is honestly pretty hard to select just one player. I am so proud of the entire Kadena HS JV team from 2021 and their growth through the season. I could pick any of them, but there is one player that sticks in my mind the most. He was a freshman on the team with a ton of natural athletic ability but lacked focus and discipline. Because of that, the head JV coach had essentially given up on him playing. I kept working with him, and by the end of the season, he was a key contributor on offense and defense. This past 2022 season, he became a contributor on the Varsity team. He is a great kid and very respectful, but he needed some direction and focus to keep him engaged. I am excited to see what he can accomplish in the future.

STS: What was the most difficult challenge you have experienced in coaching, and what have you learned from that experience?

Coach Goliver: One of the main challenges I have experienced during my transition has been the ability to step back in authority. Coming from being an Infantry Platoon Commander and an Operations Officer, I have had to adjust to not being in charge. I am very fortunate that the UCLA staff treats Graduate Assistants well and is open to opinions, but it is still not the same as running the show. I think this is a challenge that many veterans go through as they transition careers. I have taken this as an opportunity to learn as much as I can from all the experience on the staff and embrace my role as being the best assistant that I can.

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