Part 1
PSC: Where did you grow up, and when did you first begin to play or develop an interest in soccer?
NickM: I grew up playing in the streets and parks of New York City at the age of 8. There were so many kids living in the neighborhood who also loved playing the game.
PSC: Who had the greatest influence on you during your youth playing days?
NickM: My father by far was the biggest influence in my decision to play and continue to love the sport. Without his support and commitment, I do not think I would have ever made it professionally.
PSC: When did you realize you could play professionally?
NickM: In my junior year in high school, I already had pro coaches scouting some of my high school games and knew that I had the ability to play at the pro level.
PSC: How would you describe your professional career?
NickM: It was one of the most rewarding and best things that ever happened in my life. I always felt as though I had accomplished something that many people always dreamed of doing. Through it I met my children’s mother’s and also made so many good friends. I was also very fortunate to have played and lived in so many different places in the US.
PSC: How and why did you get involved in Youth Soccer?
NickM: After retiring from a very successful soccer career, I was asked to coach an under 11 boy’s team in Las Vegas. Little did I know I was not a very good coach when I started out? It took me years of learning while continuing to coach. I also decided to educate myself through the US Soccer coaching schools. These schools enabled me to become a better coach. I eventually received my A license.
PSC: Describe your priorities as a Director of Coaching?
NickM: My biggest priority as a the coaching director for Pinecrest Premier is to make sure that each team has the best coach the club can provide. The club can only be as successful has the abilities of its coaches. I think I have assembled one of the best coaching staff’s in the country. This goes without saying that we are continuously looking for the most qualified coaches to be a part of Pinecrest Premier.
PSC: Describe your coaching personality and its influence on your coaches, players and teams.
NickM: I think my personality is at time a bit overwhelming, I am a loud guy that loves to keep his players motivated and constantly focused on the game. With the younger players, I feel it is important to help them in figuring things out. I think my personality is shared by many of my coaches; again I do not like coaches to try and emulate another coach’s style. The reason I feel we are successful with the coaches is because they bring their own personality and style to the table, and I like this because players get a variation of different coaching styles.
