I’ve been lurking since Chris’ announcement… finally going to comment (with my daughters permission
)
Griz has been on her short list since going to an ID camp early in HS and based on her communication with coaches it’s seemed like they are a fan of her too. She’s defense and loved working with Coach J.
My background: I played college soccer (midfield) in college DII two years until having one too many concussions. Then several years after college was a mediocre ECNL coach for 5 years… stepped back to fulfill my destiny as a soccer mom since, but still have contacts sprinkled all around the country.
First thing… I’ve worked for people who were promoted straight into leadership with absolutely zero idea how to lead humans. experience matters. A lot. Head coaches are essentially bosses. There’s a huge learning curve to how to successfully lead other adults because you can be a great coach to players and a horrible manager of coaches under you. That’s why most coaches don’t jump straight to D1 HC. A couple I knew who did regretted it as the learning curve was huge and it was hard to keep staff while it was hard to figure out.
I’ve talked to a few PNW coaches familiar with Max through ECNL mostly. Sounds like he’s a solid coach and overall good guy. One of the coaches suggested they think his family is so engrained in Boise he may not take the job. (Which seems to track with what someone on here said about him getting several HC offers and turning them all down. To me applying for jobs, getting them, and then repeatedly turning them down is a huge red flag. Perhaps he’s shopping offers to boost his pay or leverage at BSU. At his age you likely know if you’re willing to take a job before you apply. Also the cost of living in Missoula is much higher than Boise.
Several people I’ve talked to about Cavallo highlighted his recruiting abilities. That was basically his main role at Denver. His recruit went on to be the Summit League Defender of the Year. So I think that concern is unfounded. Sounds like he is down to earth and a player centered coach.
Seems like recruiting to Billings was an uphill battle… because, well, it’s Billings. Never been, but told I haven’t missed anything. (Let me know if I’m off base)
Missoula? Not the same problem. Different vibe, different pull. And everyone—players, parents, other coaches—who’s dealt with Cavallo seems to come away saying, “Yeah, good dude.”
People love Liz. Several of my contacts told me she’s one of their favorite people… but they didn’t say much about her soccer wise, which was weird. Made me wonder why? I don’t have a horse on the race or a kid ready to for sure go to the Griz (but she has emails drafted for whoever the choice is)
It was interesting to have someone who was part of the inner circle interviewing the candidates here giving us play by play. (Thanks for that insight)
If my daughter goes to UofM perhaps I’ll meet some of you… (she will not consider WSU as there is no skiing close enough and that’s the hill she’s willing to die on)
To those players watching… enjoy the ride. It goes faster than you think.
