In the third episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, Texas Tech Head Coach Tom Stone shares expert guidance on what it really takes to be recruited to play college soccer. With a background that includes scoring the winning goal in the 1986 National Championship at Duke, leading Texas Tech to a Big 12 title, and scouting for the U.S. Women’s National Team at multiple World Cups, Tom brings a unique perspective shaped by decades at every level of the game.
Joined by hosts Mike Wright and Chris Martinez, Tom dives deep into the recruiting process—breaking down what coaches look for in players, how to build a compelling profile, and the importance of communication, character, and consistency. His insights are a must-hear for families navigating the journey to college soccer.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
⚽ How college coaches evaluate players beyond just game-day performance.
⚽ What role character and communication play in the recruiting process.
⚽ Practical steps to get noticed by college programs.
⚽ Why preparation, discipline, and mindset make the biggest difference.
Whether you’re a player aiming for a scholarship or a parent looking for clarity, this episode offers an inside look at the world of college recruitment from one of the most experienced coaches in the game.
If you want to enjoy the full episode, subscribe now to our Premium Membership.
Become a Premium member to access full episode transcripts & more
Log in or register now
What Will You Discover in This Episode?
- The red flags that can get a player cut from a recruiting list—no matter how talented they are.
- The silent mistakes many parents make that can derail their child’s opportunities.
- What a player must have to be considered by a top-level college program like Texas Tech.
- How daily competitiveness shapes the chances a player actually gets.
- Why the transfer portal has completely changed the game—for both players and coaches.
- What the real process looks like when helping an academy player adapt to the college game.
- What to do when a player starts to lose confidence—and how to step in before it’s too late.
- When coaches need to look beyond performance and listen to what’s really going on.
- The difference it makes when you fall in love with the process—even when results are slow.
- How human connection, trust, and personal investment separate good coaches from great ones.
This episode is packed with powerful lessons on recruiting, mindset, development, and building elite culture. If you’re serious about growth—this one’s a must-listen.
Become a Premium member to access full episode transcripts & more
Log in or register now
Introduction [0:00]
- Chris Martinez and Michael Wright welcome Tom Stone, head coach of Texas Tech Women’s Soccer, former pro player, and advanced scout for the USWNT.
- From scoring a national title-winning goal at Duke to transforming a Big 12 program, Tom shares insights from decades at every level of the game.
What Turns a Coach Off During Recruiting [3:00]
- Great talent isn’t enough. Tom shares what behaviors get players crossed off the list fast: bad body language, disrespect, selfishness, sideline behavior, and toxic parental influence.
- Coaches watch everything—from warm-ups to post-game interactions.
What Coaches Really Look For [12:00]
- Non-negotiables: strong technical base, soccer IQ, athleticism, and elite competitiveness.
- Being upset after losing is okay. Not caring is not.
- Players must love to compete every day, especially in training.
The Social Media Filter [15:00]
- Coaches monitor what athletes post. Poor online presence = instant red flag.
- Tom shares why character references and digital due diligence are now required.
Adapting to the Transfer Portal Era [16:00]
- Transparency and trust are key to navigating the new landscape.
- Why Tom hasn’t softened his standards and still coaches hard—with care.
- The role of honest relationships and player feedback in retention.
From Verbal Commitment to College Readiness [24:00]
- Texas Tech’s development model starts early: feedback begins once a verbal commit is made.
- Ongoing evaluation and guidance on technical, tactical, and mental areas.
- New players aren’t overloaded—they are observed until they find their rhythm.
Confidence, Doubt & Mental Skills [28:00]
- The silent battle: self-doubt and negative internal dialogue.
- How Tom’s staff uses support systems, mindset coaching, and realignment of expectations.
- Example: star freshman Sam Courtright’s early struggles and breakthrough.
Parents: Support or Sabotage? [36:00]
- How well-meaning parents can unintentionally derail development.
- The value of informed, balanced support vs. pressure and interference.
- Texas Tech’s approach to parent communication: boundaries with openness.
What Separates Good from Elite [45:00]
- Personal investment is the real differentiator: nutrition, sleep, video study, training on your own.
- Elite players are obsessed with growth even when no one is watching.
- Example: Kristen Davis’s constant solo work and preparation.
Falling in Love with the Process [48:00]
- Mastery takes time, reps, and patience.
- You don’t always see the gains immediately, but consistency compounds.
- It’s not just work—it’s passion, purpose, and mindset.
Tom’s Coaching Journey [53:00]
- From standout youth and college player to pro to respected coach at all levels.
- The value of coaching in youth environments and learning from mentors.
- Building Texas Tech into a national contender.
Final Reflections [59:00]
- Tom reflects on the role of relationships in coaching.
- Advice for players: trust the journey, stay grounded, invest in yourself.
This episode is a masterclass in player development, recruiting, and building championship-level culture. Essential listening for any player, parent, or coach looking to understand the full picture of what it takes to succeed—on and off the field.
