Coach Solo will be leading the charge on group sessions. He’s a seasoned coach and – as you’ll read here – a caring mentor and communicator. 

What do you enjoy most about coaching?

Assisting kids from all levels to express themselves through soccer. SST really brings out the best in players of all levels — they are capable of doing so much through hard work, practice, and patience.

How long have you been with Skillability?

Officially, it's been a month or so since I committed to helping with the group sessions.

What led you to coach with Skillability?

I watched Thuto grow SST for years. I’ve watched him establish this incredible program, and I see how much it has all progressed — his plan, his focus, his steady dedication to building things the right way. Thuto listens to new ideas, but then he goes a step further and implements them. He allows his coaches to coach without micromanaging and takes their ideas and views into consideration. That's a big deal for me...I met Thuto when he was in college, I met him through mutual friends in the soccer community, and we’ve stayed connected. I’ve been supporting the SST journey for more than 15 years.

What is your "soccer story"?

We were a soccer family. I played soccer all my life. I was born in Liberia, and moved to the United States when I was 11. My father played soccer for the University of Louisville, and he was later an assistant coach for the UL women's team. My brothers all played soccer in college.

I played club soccer here in Louisville, then I committed to track and football in high school...my intentions were to go to college to play football, but I decided to focus on my education. I studied sociology and criminology at Western Kentucky, and discovered counseling. Before Skillability, I also coached soccer at one of the Catholic all-boys high schools for a number of years. Now, alongside coaching I currently do social work in the community. 

One of the qualities I bring in through my counseling background is understanding the mental part of the game, and assisting players through that journey. It's as much about mental toughness and mental flexibility as physical capability. Sometimes, young players face mental blocks that hold them back from being more expressive in the game or they have anxieties...I enjoy helping them be more free, and I have done that for quite awhile. I think it helps all the facets of my coaching approach. 

Advice for a young coach?

Be true to yourself. Allow yourself to grow and listen to other coaches and their ideas. Coaching is a collection of other views and ideas beyond your own. There is no perfect way to coach, and your success ultimately depends on your players and your willingness to understand other people and coaches.

What’s your favorite training song?

“Lose Yourself” - everyone can relate to that song in their own way.

What is one message you hope your players always remember?

You are capable of more than you think. There is always more to give, even when you feel like you can't do more. There is more to you than just what people see...believe in yourself, and don't dwell on your past experiences. Be better than you were the day before.