Jason Cooley is the boys varsity soccer coach at Mandarin High School. During his tenure at the school, Cooley has guided the Mustangs to multiple playoff appearances while also coaching the girls team.
- What got you started in coaching both boys and girls soccer, both in general and here at Mandarin?
Pat Moore. We attended US Soccer coaching licensing classes together. She was a coach at what was known as JYS, which is now FESA. I was coaching U12 select boys and was the Director of the Advanced Division, and Pat was coaching older boys at the club. We had similar philosophies about soccer and development. She was stepping down as the coach at Mandarin and recommended me to the Athletic Director (Tammie Talley).
- What is a normal day like for you?
Well, since I am an “off-campus” coach, I work my primary job at Citibank from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. as a software developer. This allows me to leave work in order to get to practice by 2:30 p.m. I will leave practice by 5 p.m. or later depending on (mowing, lining) fields, etc. Then I catch up on any work at Citi that may have been left over. It’s a long day.
- Do you have a fondest memory of coaching? One that stands out more than another?
Eric Han scoring a goal with 1.8 seconds left to send us to the state finals. The playoffs were set up differently that year, so we got the unique opportunity to host the state semifinal, and Mustang Nation was there in full force. Never seen that many kids, administrators, parents, friends – you get the picture – at a high school soccer game. The home side stands were full, and the place went ballistic with that goal.
- What do you think has been the biggest contributor to your success as a coach?
Following a process. The players change, but my process has remained essentially the same. It’s evolved through the years, but my core principles have remained constant throughout the seasons.
- What impact have the student-athletes had on you personally?
Keeps me young for one, and you have to like rap music. I think the biggest impact that they have had is in helping me appreciate their unique situations and hardships. Back in the day, I was a lot more black and white – no gray. But through the years, I have been involved with kids from across the globe, and I had to change some things to gray. I really like that. We have such a diverse student body now, and navigating it requires patience – something I am not – and understanding. So I am still learning. For me, learning about them, their backgrounds, and families is an amazing gift.
