Coaches can make or break an athlete’s time playing their sport. If athletes are lucky, they will end up with a coach who will inspire, encourage, and help them become the best athlete they can be. Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Jason Donlon is a prime example of the kind of coach every athlete dreams of. During Donlon’s time here at UC High, he has helped players gain confidence, learn the beauty of the game, and play to their full potential.
Coaches are the ones who set the tone for the entire team. “The team culture was great, because he pushed all of us to get out of our comfort zones and made us work together as a team so we were able to succeed. He was able to motivate everyone by believing in us and wanting us to do better, not just in games but in general,” said Junior Romina Rodriguez.
“I would describe his coaching style as hardworking, competitive, and honest. He is a hardworking coach who makes us compete at our best no matter if it is a practice or a game, and he is very honest with us on what we need to work on,” said Rodriguez. Having a hard working coach is extremely important as it will embed in the players a strong work ethic.
While it’s important for coaches to make connections with their players, it is crucial for them to be hard on players, helping them to get better while still making them realize the love they have for the game. “Coach Donlon knew when to be serious and improve us while still making the field an enjoyable place to be. If something wasn’t working for us then he would try to find something that did so we would be as successful as possible,” said Junior Eva Sipe.
“What keeps me coaching usually isn’t the game itself. It’s the relationships and bonds you create, build and hold close with your players and coaches. There have been many special moments along the way, and the best has been sharing with the kids how quick the moments pass each and every day, and to grasp onto them as they do and hold them so dear…. It’s why as a program we really took to our school motto of carpe diem,” said Donlon.
“Coach Donlon was very close with us. He is a very goofy guy and some of the girls even told him their gossip. He definitely was more of a mentor towards the team, but it was very clear he cared about our lives outside of soccer,” said Sipe.
Not only has Donlon coached at UC High since 2012, but he also has lots more experience coaching other levels. “I have coached all levels. Recreational, youth club, high school, of course, some college, a short stint in the WPSL (second division Women’s Professional Soccer League) and I oversee the southwest portion of our National Select Program, where we identify the top talent from our 15 different member clubs and their selected players within the USA. I have been very fortunate to coach internationally in major events in Spain, Northern Ireland, and Morocco as well with our Youth National Teams,” said Donlon.
“He pushed me to be a better player, because he always believed in me and always helped me whenever I felt like I was getting angry over underperforming. He taught me to be confident as a player and helped me to remind myself that I was good enough to go against a player one-on-one, and he also helped fix my flaws during games,” said Rodriguez. Having a coach who truly believes in you can make all the difference in an athlete’s development. That support builds confidence, pushes you to grow, and helps you to perform at your highest level, even in high-pressure moments. When a coach sees your potential and challenges you to reach it, it not only strengthens your skills but also shapes your mindset, making you more resilient, disciplined, and driven to succeed.
Donlon has spent valuble years here at UC High and made meaningful connections with his players and other coaches.