While a coach’s role is often associated with on-field success, a great coach can have a profound impact off the field as well, helping athletes develop valuable life skills and character traits that can benefit them long after their playing days are over.
2aDays is a website that offers a variety of services related to college athletics and recruiting, including coach ratings and reviews. These ratings are so valuable because they come directly from current and former student-athletes who have worked directly with the coaches and can offer first-hand experiences and insights into their coaching style, personality, and impact on the program.
Here are the top 5 rated college soccer coaches based on 2aDays’ coach ratings and reviews, underscoring the importance of great coaching in college athletics and beyond.
Number 5. Craig Stewart
Providence College
Providence, RI
NCAA I
Men’s Soccer Head Coach
Craig Stewart enters his 11th season as the head coach of the Providence College men’s soccer team. Stewart is the fourth head coach in school history. In his 13 seasons as a head coach (10 at Providence, three at Franklin Pierce), Stewart has led his teams to a 157-78-30 record, including eight trips to the NCAA Tournament.
“Good coach, even better person. Holds you to a high standard, but it is a standard that is achievable. He should be a coach in the professional ranks in the near future.”
https://www.2adays.com/coaches/craig-stewart-37608
Number 4. Jay Vidovich
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Shadyside School
Pittsburgh, PA
NCAA I
Men’s Soccer Head Coach
Jay Vidovich, one of America’s most respected and accomplished soccer coaches, was named the third Pitt men’s soccer head coach at the University of Pittsburgh in December of 2015. A season after taking the Pitt men’s soccer program to new heights by reaching its first College Cup in school history, Vidovich and the team picked up where it left off in 2021 and captured a share of the ACC Coastal Division Title for the second-straight season and appeared in the NCAA Elite Eight for the second consecutive year. His efforts at the helm earned him ACC Coach of the Year for the second-straight season and seventh time in his illustrious career.
“If I could give him a higher score than a 5, I would. He knows so much about the game and is so accomplished as a coach. True leader and an amazing coach.”
https://www.2adays.com/coaches/jay-vidovich-38628
Number 3. Dan Lindemann
Siena College
Loudonville, NY
Division: NCAA I
Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach
Dan Lindemann, who helped orchestrate the rise of the Siena Women’s Soccer program over the past two decades, begins his fourth season in his second stint – and 12th season overall – as an assistant coach. Lindemann spent the previous four seasons as the head coach of the nearby Shaker High School Girls’ Varsity Soccer team following his eight-year stint with the Saints.
“I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to be coached by Dan at Siena! Dan was always direct and honest, and gave incredible feedback that always motivated me to be better for the team. He is very knowledgeable about the game and playing for Dan was a great part of my experience at Siena !”
https://www.2adays.com/coaches/dan-lindemann-111076
Number 2. Jeff Wilson
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
NCAA DIII
Women’s Soccer Head Coach
Since being appointed coach of the City College of San Francisco women’s soccer team in 2016, Jeff Wilson continues to leave an impressive mark on the program. In his 6-year tenure (excluding the Covid year of 2020 when no games were played) he has a record of 70-21-10, Coast Conference League Titles in 2016 and 2021, and qualifying for the CCCAA playoffs every season. In this time at the helm, over 40 student-athletes have transferred to the next level while his teams have routinely been nationally ranked. Additional accolades include being named Coast Conference Coach of the Year twice while the program has produced four All-Americans, two Scholar All-Americans and the National Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2016.
“Playing for Coach Jeff has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. He has cultivated a great team culture and fortified meaningful bonds between the players. He has always been available and willing to aid me in my athletic and academic endeavors, which I will forever be grateful for.”
https://www.2adays.com/coaches/jeff-wilson-50098
Number 1. Bryan Phillips
Hope International
Fullerton, CA
NAIA
Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach
Hailing from Western Massachusetts, Coach Bryan Phillips brings both personal and professional athletic experience to the Hope International men’s soccer program. Following graduation from Greenfield High School as a Four-Sport Varsity Letterman, Phillips served in the United States Army and graduated in the top 5% of his class. He then spent time as a professionally sponsored athlete and competed at the highest level. Phillips has 20+ years of soccer coaching experience at the High School, College, and elite club soccer levels. Phillips currently holds a National B license and has received the United Soccer Coaches “Youth Coach Award of Excellence”.
“Coach Bryan believes in you and is dedicated to his craft. He breaks down the game so that you feel most comfortable when out on the field. He cares for his players on and off the field, always checking in and making sure we are all good. Truly a pleasure to have been coached by him.”
https://www.2adays.com/coaches/bryan-phillips-84566
There is more to coaching soccer than wins and losses and losses. We applaud Craig Stewart, Jay Vidovich, Dan Lindemann, Jeff Wilson, and Bryan Phillips for the meaningful impact on the lives of student-athletes across the country. These are just some of the excellent coaches going the extra mile for their players and academic institutions.
insidecollegesoccer.com 
Leave a Reply