Interview with Coach Will Gifford

                                Shiloh High School Varsity Trainer





Proud Accomplishments:


Question: What advice would you give to young players entering high school who want to play soccer for
their high school team?

Touch the soccer ball as much as possible.  The more you play – pick up games and club games, the better you are
going to be.



Question: What training would you recommend for a high school player who is dedicated to improving him
or her self in the off season?

Maintaining a good fitness base is very important.  Participate in a weight training and agilities program that will
strengthen your body and improve your speed and quickness.  Again, touching the ball everyday is also crucial,
especially for a player still developing at the high school level.   


Question: What advice can you give to those athletes who are not as talented as the top players in the
state, but want to get better and compete on the high school level?

I would say many talented players never reach their full potential because they lack the dedication it takes to truly
achieve greatness.  The longer and harder an athlete works, the better they are going to be, regardless of the sport.  
To a player who is not overly talented but is willing to work to improve, I would say that you dictate your own success.  If
you are willing to sacrifice in order to reach your goal, then the more talented yet less dedicated athletes will eventually
be passed by people like you.  Be patient and work hard, your chance will come.

Question: What special skills do you think a successful coach must possess to lead his or her team during
the season?

I think in a lot of ways a team will mirror the coach.  If the head coach is a man or woman of character and integrity,
someone who treats people with respect, and someone who demands excellence while understanding that mistakes will
happen, then his/her team will do very well.  

Question: How has being a teacher helped you become a better coach?

It has helped tremendously, especially in allowing me to see my athletes around the school and maintain a relationship
with them off the soccer field.  

Question: Do you have any players that graduated that are playing College Soccer? If so, who are they and
where are they playing? Do you have any advice for them?

Yes, several players at Division II and III schools.  

Question: What advice would you give to student athletes who are struggling academically in school?

You are a student first.  Athletics are a great way to learn valuable life lessons, but your education will determine what
path you take in life.  

Question:  To whom or what do you attribute your ability to be a successful high school coach?

The Lord has blessed me tremendously with great athletic opportunities and experiences at the high school and college
levels, and I am just glad I have the opportunity to share those with other young men.  I feel blessed by God to be able
to work with high school athletes.  


What do you love about the game of soccer?

it is truly the beautiful game – the perfect combination of speed, strength, and skill

What do you love about coaching high school soccer?

being able to pass on my knowledge and experience to others

Who is your favorite professional soccer team?

Dallas FC

Who is your favorite professional soccer player?

Justin Moore

Who is your favorite college soccer team?

Presbyterian College (where I went to school) and Erskine College (where my brother plays)

Who taught you the game of soccer?

my high school coach, Coach Bostick, taught me more than any other coach I ever had