061-062: The Power of Persistence with Jon Busch

After a playing career that stretched from the 1990s to official retirement just last year, Jon Busch reflects on the ups and downs, as well as the qualities that drove him to the top of Major League Soccer and a cap for the U.S. National Team. The High Performance Goalkeeping owner also discusses his transition into full-time coaching.

Often told that he would never make it to the top tier of U.S. professional soccer – usually because of his size – Jon was always determined to find a way. After grinding through over a hundred games in the minor leagues, he finally got an MLS opportunity in 2002, and he never looked back.

In Part I of the interview, Jon talks about his earliest soccer experiences as well as his recent retirement and passion for coaching. He talks through his MLS highlights, including two Supporters’ Shields, a U.S. Open Cup and the 2008 Goalkeeper-of-the-Year honor. He addresses the importance of mental toughness and the role that perseverance played throughout his career.

In Part II, we discuss the essential middle years of his career, beginning with the crucial decision to play his college soccer for the Charlotte 49ers. Jon also describes his five seasons in the USL and the important part they played in preparing him for MLS.

Along the way, Jon also addresses the crucial role that minutes and mentors play in a young goalie’s development, as well as the value of a very honest – if sometimes intense – relationship between keepers and keeper coaches.

We cover a lot of ground in the two episodes, but Jon keeps every minute entertaining and informative. I hope you enjoy it!

Special thanks to Jon Busch for joining me!