The Online Reflector

After four years as the University of Indianapolis’ head coach for women’s soccer team, Geoff VanDeusen has accepted the director of events position for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

“I have always known that I wanted to go into administration,” VanDeusen said. “The association is filled with tremendous people and that was a big influence.. The hard thing is not being around the players everyday.”

According to VanDeusen,the director of events is a newly created position, and the NSCAA is the largest coaching association in the world, with 30,000 members.

He will take charge of the NSCAA annual convention which attracts around 12,000 people.

His position also will not only require him to create new events, as well as upgrade already existing events.

“I have been a college coach for 16 years so my job as director of events is going to be a real member-oriented position.” VanDeusen said. “ I think I would be giving back to the game of soccer not only that, but catering to the needs of our members.”

When beginning his UIndy career, VanDeusen said his goals included getting to the GLVC championship, getting to the NCAA tournament and winning it.

During his time at UIndy the women’s soccer team went to the GLVC semi-finals in 2009 and lost to Northern Kentucky University with the score 3-0.

Also in the 2009 season, the team made the regional quarterfinal of the NCAA tournament but subsequently fell to Bellarmine 1-0.

VanDeusen attributes the success to the players.

“It’s all about the players and recruiting and getting the right players that are not only talented on the field but talented off the field in the classroom.”

When it comes to the position change, VanDeusen is confident it won’t hinder the team’s playing abilities.

Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Kiley Cirillo agrees.

“He [VanDeusen] has done such a good job building foundation,” Cirillo said. The key thing is to remember he was here four years; he built those relationships and success is the by product of that.”

Cirillo said that not only is he losing a friend, but also a mentor.

“When you work with a mentor and a friend, it makes coming to work a joy. And when you lose that, it quiets. We can speak bluntly and that’s the uniqueness about us…He’s not just a co-worker but a really good friend.”

A few things that VanDeusen said he wanted the players to take away from the past four years is the love of the game and the close-knit, family atmosphere. He emphasized as the fact that proper preparation pays off and adversity goes away, but tough people don’t.

“I learned a lot about myself as a coach. Everyday I got my passion from them and my energy and what they bring to the table,” VanDeusen said. “And I have learned to be a better dad by being around them because of the interaction.”