The iATAC Soccer Podcast

In this powerful conversation, hosts Michael Wright and Chris Martinez dive deep into what makes a defender great. Tim shares lessons on leadership, reading the game, handling mistakes, building trust in the locker room, and preparing physically and mentally to perform at the highest level—season after season. Whether you're a player looking to raise your game or a coach or parent supporting a young athlete, this episode is packed with experience, clarity, and practical guidance.

In this episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined once again by Joey Harty—Director of Sports Performance and Science and a key member of iATAC’s advisory board. Drawing on years of experience working across MLS academies, Joey breaks down one of the most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of long-term player growth: the athletic development timeline. Together with hosts Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, Joey explains how players evolve from recreational movers to high-performing athletes capable of excelling at the college and pro level. Whether your child is just getting started or entering a competitive environment, this is the roadmap to train smarter and grow stronger. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ⚽ What the athletic development timeline looks like—from age 7 through 16 and beyond.⚽ Why movement literacy and coordination are essential in the early stages.⚽ The three core phases of athletic growth: Learn to Train, Train to Develop, Train to Compete.⚽ How training age, biological age, and peak height velocity influence player development.⚽ What to prioritize at each stage—from free play to resistance patterns, and eventually structured strength training.⚽ Why multisport experience and unstructured games are key to long-term injury prevention.⚽ How parents and coaches can support players through growth spurts and puberty without pushing too hard.⚽ The benefits of creating a personalized blueprint for physical development—based on your player’s unique timeline. This episode offers practical insights for parents, players, and coaches on how to build foundational athletic skills at every age—without overtraining or specializing too early.   

In this episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined once again by Joey Harty—Director of Sports Science at Sporting Kansas City and Advisory Board Member of iATAC Soccer Academy. Joey breaks down what it really means to become a high-performing soccer athlete—not just a technical player, but someone who thrives physically at the college and professional level. Together with hosts Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, he outlines the essential pillars that drive long-term performance: smart nutrition, proper recovery, hydration, and movement. Whether you're a youth player, a parent, or a coach, this episode offers the foundation for building better habits, stronger routines, and a complete athletic profile—on and off the field. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ⚽ Why elite players today are more athletic than ever—and how training habits must evolve. ⚽ The three core pillars of performance: movement, recovery, and nutrition. ⚽ How parents can support high-performance lifestyles at home. ⚽ Easy-to-follow advice on hydration, sleep, and how to fuel your body the right way. ⚽ The importance of consistent pre-game and training routines to prevent injury and improve output. ⚽ How to build your own blueprint to support long-term development. This is your starting point for understanding what separates good players from elite athletes. Listen, take notes, and get ready to level up.    

In this episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we welcome Peyton Parsons—standout midfielder at Texas and rising prospect in women’s college soccer. Known for her competitive fire, technical sharpness, and steady growth, Peyton shares the full story of her development—from 3v3 tournaments and youth showcases to becoming a difference-maker at the Division I level. Hosts Michael Wright and Chris Martinez walk through each phase of her journey: the mindset shifts that came with college competition, the physical demands she wasn’t prepared for—and how she rebuilt her body, her confidence, and her leadership to become a top performer. Peyton opens up about recruiting, resilience, and the mental habits that helped her bounce back from failure, fight for a starting spot, and grow into a team captain. Whether you're a player preparing for the next level, a parent guiding the path, or a coach building future leaders—this episode is packed with real tools, hard lessons, and inspiring takeaways from an athlete who’s earned everything she’s achieved.

In this episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we sit down with Trevor Wright and Ian Smith—college standouts, co-captains at the University of Denver, and 2024 MLS SuperDraft prospects—just days after leading their team to the NCAA College Cup. Hosts Michael Wright and Chris Martinez guide this powerful conversation through every layer of player development—from backyard battles and 3v3 tournaments, to national showcases and elite performance habits that make the difference at the highest level.

In this episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we sit down with Ajanae Respass— Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, WVU Student-Athlete of the Week and current star at West Virginia University. From being one of Colorado’s top high school players to leading her team in points at the collegiate level, Ajanae’s journey is a blueprint in consistency, resilience, and next-level preparation. Hosts Michael Wright and Chris Martínez go deep with Ajanae on the mental, physical, and tactical demands of the college game. She opens up about navigating the transfer portal, rebuilding confidence in a new environment, and the mindset she brings into every practice and match. They also discuss how young players can better prepare for the transition to college—and what coaches and parents should know about supporting that journey.

How do you really support your child on a team—especially when confidence is low, playing time is scarce, or things just feel tough? In this episode, hosts Michael Wright and Chris Martínez break down what parents can do when the soccer journey gets challenging. You’ll hear real stories, practical advice, and a mindset shift that can make all the difference. Whether it’s sideline behavior, coach conversations, or helping your child deal with pressure, this episode is packed with insights.

In this Educational Session of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, Michael Wright and Chris Martinez dive into one of the most pivotal moments of the year for youth players and families: the showcase and playoff season. As national tournaments approach and hundreds of college coaches prepare to scout talent, this conversation delivers actionable advice on how to approach these events with clarity, confidence, and preparation. From mental focus to in-game behavior, Michael and Chris offer practical tools for players aiming to make a lasting impression—and for parents looking to provide the right support from the sidelines. Whether you're stepping into one of your first showcase experiences or aiming to secure a college offer, this episode gives you the insight to show up at your best when it matters most.

In this episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, Michael Wright and Chris Martinez break down the complete player development pathway—from first-time kickers at age 5 to high-performing athletes on the professional stage. Drawing from decades of experience as players and coaches, they walk through every critical phase that shapes a player’s growth. This conversation is more than a roadmap—it’s a reality check for anyone who wants to take their development seriously. Michael and Chris explain how each level builds on the one before it, why skipping steps can stall progress, and what players, coaches, and parents need to focus on during every stage of the journey. You’ll also hear honest advice about what separates good players from great ones—on and off the field—and why mindset, habits, and resilience matter just as much as skill.

In Episode 7 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we sit down with Eric Quill—Head Coach of FC Dallas and one of the most respected talent developers in American soccer. From his early days coaching youth national teams to leading pros in MLS and USL, Eric has built a reputation for turning potential into performance. In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, Eric breaks down what’s missing in American player development today—and how coaches, players, and parents can build more complete athletes. He shares powerful insights from years on the field: from why we need to reclaim athleticism and direct play, to how clubs can better support individual growth in a team setting. Eric also discusses the value of multisport backgrounds, how to train players to be resilient, and the importance of creating technical and tactical freedom without sacrificing structure or identity.

In Episode 6 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we sit down with Ike Opara—former MLS star, NCAA champion, and current assistant coach at Sporting Kansas City II. Known for his defensive dominance and leadership, Ike’s career is a powerful example of what it means to grow through adversity and rise to the highest levels of the game. In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, Ike reflects on being overlooked in the recruiting process, his development as a multi-sport athlete, and the mindset that helped him bounce back from multiple injuries. From winning a national championship at Wake Forest to earning Best XI honors in the MLS, Ike shares lessons from every phase of his journey—on and off the field.

In Episode 5 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined by Cole Bassett, midfielder for the Colorado Rapids and U.S. Men’s National Team. A homegrown talent from Colorado, Cole has carved out a remarkable path to professional soccer—rising through academy ranks, playing in Europe, and becoming a key player in Major League Soccer by age 23. In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martínez, Cole shares the behind-the-scenes realities of becoming a pro—from extra reps after training to developing confidence, resilience, and the habits that sustain elite performance. He also reflects on his time in the Netherlands, the mental skills that help him play “free,” and the daily routines that keep his body and mind sharp.

In Episode 4 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined by Joey Harty, Director of Sports Performance and Science at Sporting Kansas City. With over a decade of experience helping athletes, from academy prospects to MLS professionals, Joey specializes in optimizing performance. In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, Joey explains how smart, age-appropriate training and recovery strategies can dramatically shape a player’s long-term development. He shares practical insights on movement, strength, nutrition, sleep, and how to build performance—even without access to a gym.

In the third episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, Texas Tech Head Coach Tom Stone shares expert guidance on what it really takes to be recruited to play college soccer. With a background that includes scoring the winning goal in the 1986 National Championship at Duke, leading Texas Tech to a Big 12 title, and scouting for the U.S. Women’s National Team at multiple World Cups, Tom brings a unique perspective shaped by decades at every level of the game. Joined by hosts Mike Wright and Chris Martinez, Tom dives deep into the recruiting process—breaking down what coaches look for in players, how to build a compelling profile, and the importance of communication, character, and consistency. His insights are a must-hear for families navigating the journey to college soccer.

In the second episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, professional defender Cori Dyke shares her journey from youth soccer in Fort Collins, Colorado to becoming a record-setting player at Penn State and a champion in her rookie season with the Orlando Pride in the NWSL. Cori joins Michael Wright and Chris Martinez for a deep conversation about elite performance, long-term consistency, and what it takes to stand out in the college and pro levels of the game.

In the first episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, Jamie Franks, head coach of the University of Denver men’s soccer team, shares his insights on player development, leadership, and building a winning team culture. With over a decade of experience guiding young athletes, Jamie has developed a unique approach that prepares players for success both on and off the field. In this conversation with Mike Wright and Chris Martinez, he reveals the key strategies that help athletes transition from Competitive Youth soccer to the Collegiate ranks.

In Episode 7 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we sit down with Eric Quill—Head Coach of FC Dallas and one of the most respected talent developers in American soccer. From his early days coaching youth national teams to leading pros in MLS and USL, Eric has built a reputation for turning potential into performance. In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, Eric breaks down what’s missing in American player development today—and how coaches, players, and parents can build more complete athletes. He shares powerful insights from years on the field: from why we need to reclaim athleticism and direct play, to how clubs can better support individual growth in a team setting. Eric also discusses the value of multisport backgrounds, how to train players to be resilient, and the importance of creating technical and tactical freedom without sacrificing structure or identity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why U.S. soccer must bring back athleticism, speed, and verticality The role of individual development plans in unlocking elite potential How late bloomers can thrive—and what coaches need to recognize early Why technical mastery leads to creative freedom on the field How clubs and coaches can better use analytics and video to teach  The mental traits that separate consistent pros from short-lived talents Whether you’re a coach working with teams, a parent guiding the process, or a player chasing the next level, this episode delivers timeless advice from someone who’s seen—and shaped—it all. 👉 To enjoy the full episode, access exclusive content, and apply to our programs, join our Premium Membership today at iatacsoccer.com/become-a-member

In Episode 6 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined by Ike Opara—MLS Defender of the Year (twice), NCAA champion with Wake Forest, and current assistant coach at Sporting Kansas City II. From overcoming injuries to lifting trophies, Ike’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and elite performance at the highest level. In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, Ike shares his unique path: being overlooked in the recruiting process, playing multiple sports as a youth, and pushing through adversity to become one of MLS’s top defenders. Now as a coach, he reflects on the habits, mindset, and lessons he brings to the next generation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ⚽ How Ike used setbacks—like injuries and being underestimated—as fuel for growth. ⚽ Why playing multiple sports shaped his defensive skills and athletic IQ. ⚽ What youth players and parents should understand about the college recruiting process. ⚽ How mental strength, patience, and daily consistency define long-term success. ⚽ The transition from pro player to coach—and what Ike now teaches the next generation. Whether you’re a player chasing the next level or a parent guiding the journey, this episode offers honest insight into what it takes to succeed—and stay—at the top. 👉 To enjoy the full episode, access more exclusive content and be able to apply to our programs, visit iatacsoccer.com and become a member.

In Episode 5 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined by Cole Bassett, midfielder for the Colorado Rapids and U.S. Men’s National Team. A homegrown talent from Colorado, Cole has carved out a remarkable path to professional soccer—rising through academy ranks, playing in Europe, and becoming a key player in Major League Soccer by age 23. In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martínez, Cole shares the behind-the-scenes realities of becoming a pro—from extra reps after training to developing confidence, resilience, and the habits that sustain elite performance. He also reflects on his time in the Netherlands, the mental skills that help him play “free,” and the daily routines that keep his body and mind sharp. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ⚽ What pro coaches look for in youth players—and how to stand out in training.⚽ Why technical consistency and competitive spirit matter more than flashy skills.⚽ How extra work off the field (finishing, strength, mindset) separates top performers.⚽ What it means to “play free”—and how to reach that level of confidence and flow.⚽ How Cole fuels recovery with personalized strength, sleep, and nutrition protocols.⚽ The key differences between soccer development in Europe vs. the U.S. Whether you’re a player chasing the next level or a parent guiding that journey, this episode offers a clear, honest view of the path to professional soccer—and what it really takes to succeed.  👉 To enjoy the full episode, access more exclusive content and be able to apply to our programs, visit iatacsoccer.com and become a member.

In Episode 4 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined by Joey Harty, Director of Sports Performance and Science at Sporting Kansas City. With over a decade of experience helping athletes, from academy prospects to MLS professionals, Joey specializes in optimizing performance. In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, Joey explains how smart, age-appropriate training and recovery strategies can dramatically shape a player’s long-term development. He shares practical insights on movement, strength, nutrition, sleep, and how to build performance—even without access to a gym. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ⚽ The difference between chronological, biological, and training age—and why it matters in youth development.  ⚽ How young players can build strength and speed at home or on the field with minimal equipment.  ⚽ A step-by-step look at warm-up routines used in MLS—and how to adapt them for younger athletes.  ⚽ The essential role of recovery, hydration, and sleep in staying healthy and consistently improving. Whether you’re a young player chasing big goals or a parent or coach supporting the journey, this episode offers the blueprint to train smarter, recover better, and build long-term success. 👉 To enjoy the full episode, access more exclusive content and be able to apply to our programs, visit iatacsoccer.com and become a member.