080-081: The Top 10 Experience with Lyndse Hokanson

After playing Division 1 soccer and coaching briefly in Division 2, Lyndse Hokanson‘s move to Georgetown University coincided with a surge by the Hoyas to the top of the NCAA. Lyndse compares her experiences at each institution, and discusses the important aspects of recruiting and playing college soccer at the highest level in the U.S.

As the Goalkeeping Coach for the Hoyas over the past five years, Lyndse has been decorated as a 2019 United Soccer Coaches 30-Under-30 honoree, she has seen her staff recognized twice as the best in the nation, and she watched her GU squad excel last season to the tune of a College Cup semifinal berth.

In Part I of the interview, Lyndse discusses her path to Georgetown, as well as the myriad benefits – both athletic and academic – that the Hoyas and other elite Division 1 programs can offer student-athletes. She also outlines the demands on a player’s time and the scholarship opportunities available at her level.

In Part II, we shift the discussion to recruiting. Lyndse describes, in very specific terms, the qualities and tendencies and intangibles that stand out to her when scouting and assessing young talent. She also discusses the leagues and levels of play most likely to catch her attention, and several recruiting rules that players, coaches and parents should be aware of.

We cover a lot of ground in the two episodes, and there’s even an Outtakes segment with a few additional questions.

Special thanks to Lyndse Hokanson for joining me!