top of page

About Me

  • Writer: Matthew Thornton
    Matthew Thornton
  • 1 hour ago
  • 2 min read

From Player to Coach

My journey in soccer has taken me from winning a state championship in high school to competing at the collegiate level, playing overseas in Spain, and now developing as both a player and a coach. Every stage of my career has shaped the way I approach player development and has given me firsthand experience with what it takes to improve, compete, and succeed.

I started building my competitive foundation in high school, where I helped lead my team to a State Championship during my junior year. The following season, I was named team captain and First Team All-League, recognizing both my performance on the field and my leadership within the team.

After high school, I took my development to the next level by spending a year playing soccer in Spain. Playing overseas exposed me to a different soccer culture and a different approach to the game. It challenged me to adapt, compete against new players, and grow technically and tactically in an environment where soccer is deeply ingrained in everyday life.

I then continued my collegiate career at Keiser University, competing for one of the top programs in NAIA soccer. Playing at that level taught me what high-level training, competition, discipline, and consistency truly look like.

I later transferred to Westcliff University, where I continued competing at the collegiate level. During my first season at Westcliff, our team advanced to the Round of 16 at the National Championship tournament. That experience reinforced the importance of preparation, mentality, teamwork, and attention to detail when competing at the highest levels of college soccer.

Today, I continue to play at Westcliff University as a starting collegiate player, while also dedicating myself to helping the next generation of players develop their own game.

My Coaching Philosophy

My experience as a player directly influences how I coach. I understand what it is like to be the player receiving instruction, competing for a starting position, dealing with setbacks, and pushing yourself to reach the next level.

My goal is not simply to teach players more skills. I want to help players become more confident, intelligent, technically sound, and complete soccer players.

Every player is different, which is why I believe training should be intentional and personalized. Whether a player is just beginning their soccer journey or is already competing at a high level, my goal is to identify their strengths, address areas for improvement, and give them the tools they need to continue progressing.

Why Train With Me?

When you work with me, you’re not just working with someone who has watched or studied soccer. You’re working with someone who has lived the competitive side of the game.

I’ve experienced winning a state championship, leading a team as a captain, playing overseas, competing in a top-level collegiate program, making a deep run at a national championship, and earning a starting role at the collegiate level.

I bring those experiences into every training session.

My mission is simple: help players reach their next level — whatever that next level looks like for them.

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page