University Illinois Springfield Visits With Men’s Soccer

Division II University Illinois Springfield head coach Adam Hall held a zoom meeting with the LBCC men's soccer team in March, fresh after a tie against the number two team in the nation. Coach Hall discussed his soccer route to where he is now, out of state soccer experience, the importance of academics, things that he looks for in a player, what one needs to do in order to have the opportunity to play at the next level, as well as what his program does, and how it helps make student-athletes leave his program with a degree and ready to take the next step in life, whether on a field, in an office, or any other place in the professional world.

Coach Hall mentioned and explained the main things that he looks for in a player such as athleticism, competiveness, and ability. With athleticism, he talked about ability to move, run, jump, as well as quickness on and off the ball. In regards to competitiveness, he wants to see if a player will go in for a hard challenge, is he willing to sacrifice himself to stop a shot or scoring opportunity, will he put out that extra effort for the good of the team? Lastly, with ability, he wants to see good touch on the ball, can he ping a fifty-yard ball, can he give a pass with the proper weight at the right time, is he able to use both feet effectively, and does he have a good soccer I.Q.  In addition, he then went over how they have two strength and conditioning coach who also goes over nutrition plans with the players, two academic advisors, a game field, two practice fields, ability to do extra training whenever you want, as well as how he helps prepare his players for a career after soccer by getting a degree.

Coach Hall talked about how the better your academic GPA is, the more opportunities one can have in getting a scholarship to universities around the country. It was told that if a student has a 3.25 GPA or better, they can transfer to his school with instate tuition.  He told the boys to listen to Coach Beaulac when he stresses the importance of your academics. He let the boys know that many schools can offer them more money to come to their university if they have strong grades, known as stacking. This is when you can get both academic and athletic money.

A special guest to the meeting was SIU's women's head assistant, goalkeeper coach, and recruiter, Jason Vlcek. Coach Vlcek is a former player of Coach Beaulacs' and was able to give the athletes a perspective of coming from California and experiencing the opportunity to play out of state. Coach Vlcek also stressed the importance of education to the athletes and how good grades can equal extra money when transferring.

At end the meeting, Coach Hall said that he plans to come out to LBCC for a face to face visit, and watch a training session, and or a game in the future. In addition, he said that if Coach Beaulac tells him of a player that deserves to play at his school, he would offer them a scholarship.

Coach Beaulac stated, "I feel very fortunate that these coaches take time out, during their season of play to meet and talk with the student-athletes. I have gotten to know Coach Hall over the past couple of years, and for him to trust my evaluation of a player is appreciated.  Coach Vleck, besides being a former player, and talented coach, is a very special close friend of mine. It was good for the athletes hear from someone who came from California, went out of state, and is a successful individual. For him to explain how a soccer ball helped him get his degree, and his position in life with a successful full-time job, as well as be an assistant coach, husband and dedicated father was good for the athletes to hear and a proud moment for me as a coach."

Next on the LBCC men's soccer agenda is to meet with a coach who has won a national title and has been named a national coach of the year. Keep looking at LBCCVikings.com to find out about this exciting upcoming meeting. The athletes are also starting on field training the week of April 12.