Coach: Sarah Smith

Current Team: Firebird's U-10 Boys "The HEAT"

Coaching Experience: I have been coaching soccer since 2003 and the UYSA, TOPSoccer Chair from spring 2008-present

Playing Experience: I began playing soccer with my three older brothers just about the age of two or as soon as I could run and kick a soccer ball. I played recreation soccer from the ages of 4-10, Played competitive soccer indoors and outdoors from the ages 11-18, Played Junior Olympics from the ages of 16-18 years old, I also played on the high school varsity squad as a freshman and was captain of both the JV and Varsity teams from my freshman year to my senior year of high school. I moved my sophomore year to a high school without a girl's team and started one again as the captain of the varsity team. I chose my education over the chance to play soccer in college. However, I continued to play on various women's teams and coed teams throughout the years.

Favorite Soccer Team: MLS - ReAL Salt Lake, Brazil

Favorite Soccer Player: Kyle Beckerman, Pele

Most Memorable Soccer Experience(s): My most memorable soccer experiences have always been due to the crazy weather conditions. My most memorable soccer experience as a player would be a game we played against our arch rivals in a snow and hail storm in freezing cold weather with at least six inches of water at our feet. My most memorable game as a coach was a when I was coaching a coed U-4 team of fantastic preschool age players. There was a snow storm that left the soccer field with just about two feet of snow on them. As the coach I received phone calls from my player's parents to see if the game was canceled. Being from Pennsylvania, I said NO! At eight o'clock Saturday morning all of my players showed up to the field wearing their snow gear with their soccer uniforms over top and with all of the parents, siblings and dogs in toe. The snack mom arrived with hot chocolate, coffee and doughnuts. We were all ready to PLAY and have FUN!!! Of course, no one else in the league showed up that day. We know this because after building our competitors, "the Snowmen", we played soccer in the snow well into the afternoon.

Coaching Philosophy: My top priorities as a coach are to make certain that each player learns and improves his/her skills as an individual and as a team, for the players to have fun with friends and teammates, to experience the excitement of competition, to enhance their physical fitness and to teach them how to demonstrate their competence in the sport. As a coach it is my job to encourage my players to measure their performance by improvements in their own personal levels of proficiency and ability rather than comparing themselves to other players or to other teams based on the game outcome. I design my practices to meet the needs of all of my players and their motives for playing (i.e. skill development, fun, friendship, fitness and the challenge). I keep my introductions short and effective while briefly explaining the new skill or concept as well as using picture cues and diagrams liberally. I focus on only one or two important aspects critical to my players' performance success. I decrease the time we spend in transition between activities, drills and games. My practices are always clear and well-planned. The best way I can communicate with my players is through a positive approach. I always focus on what my players have done well in the game or during practice. My practices are always meaningful, challenging, fun and exciting. I reward the efforts of my players as much as the outcomes. As a coach I foster an environment that allows for trying new skills, approaches and strategies without the fear of reprimand and punishment. I believe that mistakes are integral to athletic development.

Favorite Movie: The Jerk

Favorite Book: "Tao of Pooh", By Benjamin Huff

Favorite Food: Lobster and Steamed Clams

Special Interests: Mountain Biking, Hiking, Snow Shoeing, Telemark Skiing, Fly Fishing, Playing soccer, Coaching Soccer, Developing the TOPSoccer program for children with special needs in the state of Utah, Helping children to develop healthy lifelong eating and fitness habits and opening indoor soccer facilities for children of all ages and abilities.

Sarah Says: "Anything is possible in life as long as you believe in yourself and never allow yourself to say the words, I can't. Soccer truly is a game for people of all ages and abilities and through this there are many wonderful lifelong friendships developed among those in the world of soccer."