Ryan Hilliard 

Coaching Bio

            Current:          Centre Soccer:  Director of Coaching -Travel Programs

                                    Mountain District Union: Coach

            Experience:   Centre Soccer 02-03 Girls: Head Coach                                   

            Licenses:       USSF National D License

                                    NSCAA National Diploma                  

Why did you join the Union?

I coach with the Union because I wanted an opportunity to coach players who are dedicated to the game and eager to learn more.  I enjoy coaching players at the younger ages, but I wanted to challenge myself and continue developing as a coach by coaching older kids at a higher level.  I coach with the Union because I believe in its vision to bring a high level experience to players within the Central PA.  I coach with the Union because the coaching staff is the best in the area and I learn something from the other coaches every day I am on the field with them.

What do you think about working in Coaching Teams?

I think working in coaching teams is very beneficial.  It allows the coaches to bounce ideas off each other and share different perspectives of the same game. We are able to share session plans and have discussions about what topics we feel are necessary for the teams to cover in training that week. 

How are the Union teams doing?

I think each team has experienced different levels of success.  The important thing is every player within the program is developing and if they are able to continue to raise their level of play then the teams will have even more success in the future. 

Why is the Union important to this area?

The Union is important to this area because it provides a consistent model for players to compete at a high level with a manageable travel schedule.  I grew up in State College and played on a Classic level team with Centre Soccer throughout high school.  I was fortunate enough that I had a dedicated parent who was willing to coach our team and put extra time into recruiting players from the area.   This allowed us to compete with teams from Pittsburgh.  I went on to play at Penn State Altoona( Div III) for two seasons and really enjoyed my playing experience. When I look back at my club experience I wish I would have had the opportunity to play within a club like the Union.  Selfishly I think where I could have gone as a player within a program like the Union.  Instead it is exciting to think about where these players can get to from a program like the Union.