M. SOCCER: QUESTIONS, COACHES, AND, COVID - COACH AVILES
COACHES & COVID is a series of questions answered by the Fullerton College coaching staff addressing the Hornet sports programs, and how they are coping during this pandemic.
Hornet Head Coach Greg Aviles has been an excellent addition to the FC coach staff turning the men's soccer program into one of the best in the state. In four short seasons, Aviles has led the Hornets to two Orange Empire Conference titles and to the playoffs in every season since he took over the reins. Teaching and coaching all online these past few months, Coach Aviles recently sat down to answer a few questions.
Engaging your student-athletes during this pandemic is a bit of a challenge. How are you using maintaining a connection with your team?
We are spending as much time with our guys as possible. We have several weekly zooms set up and doing benchmark testing through apps, sending out weekly challenges, workouts, etc. But we have found success in constant communication through Zoom meetings, small group texting, establishing group chats based on year in school. So basically, there is something for them to do every day and check in with Staff, Captains and or leadership on.
You have a rather large number of players on your team, how are connecting with all of them?
We are currently using many different platforms from Canvas Portals, Zoom, Fitness Apps, Group Chats, GroupME for larger group messages, and Social Media (IG, FB, & TikTok)
What are some of the training methods to keep the team sharp?
We send out weekly soccer specific workouts & Fitness benchmarks. We are also using several soccer specific online platforms and fitness apps to provide supplemental workouts and weekly challenges amongst the group
Has social media been a blessing or obstacle?
In reality it's been very beneficial for some aspects, but we are also going through some life skill awareness modules in our meetings on how social media can be consuming and overtaking of our time and goals.
You have always stressed the importance of academics with your teams. What are you currently doing to make sure that your student-athletes succeed in the classroom?
Every week our players submit a Canvas Survey that is very similar to progress reports, in that they report their current grade, update on assignments, upcoming work for the week and if there's been any drop or improvement in the course. As a follow up, they meet will one of the members of the coaching staff twice a week to go over their survey, overall mental health, and update on school progress. In addition, they meet with our Life Coach Ru weekly to seek any assistance with resources needed.
Which returning players do you feel will have positive impact on team this spring?
We are returning a lot of guys next year, as 5 Sophomores graduated from last season's powerhouse team. Many of our returners were All-State Academic and All-State (on the field). Also, several returning players were All- Conference that have been working hard over the last year. So, needless to say, we feel they've all been impactful thus far. We look forward to the competition in putting the squad together.
Any incoming freshman or transfers that will make an impact?
We brought in several transfer and recruited a lot of top freshman. We will not know specifically what we have until we get on the field and see how impactful they will all be. Amongst this talented group are players from programs collectively with 4 CIF titles and 2 State Titles from Div 1,2, 3, & 5 programs. There are also several players at the top of leader boards in their positions.
What goals have you set for your team for this coming season?
To simply be better in any way than last year. Positives steps are progress for the program. We have extremely high standards and aspiration of leading the state and country in academics, development of student-athletes, championships, transfers, scholarship money, and continue to develop quality Alumni.
If you could have a weekend pass from COVID what would you do? What do you miss the most from this isolation?
The thing I miss the most is just seeing my guys and connecting with them in person. For us as a coaching staff, sharing those heart felt moments in person, shaking hands, putting arms around players in need, laughing with them, and just being together as a family is the strength of our program. While it's not lost, it's currently not the same, but ironically the program is much closer through this struggle.
When you're not teaching or coaching, what do you enjoy doing? Any hobbies?
Time with my family is key!
The coaching staff and I invest so much into coaching our families are often the sacrifice, so any moment with them is the goal. We enjoy day trips, bike rides, watching sports, surfing, and when the snow comes...snowboarding.
What inspires you in life? What motivates you to motivate others?
My faith and family inspires me most all! From my beliefs as a Christian, to my parents showing the dedication for hard work, the love for my wife and kids and providing the best life for them, and simply always wanting to be the best at whatever I do. My motivation to impact or work for others is my responsibility to try and have an impact on this world. I want to repay all those that did right by me and show them that not only pass on the same, but take it a step farther.
We have a saying "Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet", what is it you love about Fullerton College?
That saying has also been adapted as one of the pillars to our program. We love it because it brings forth the sense of pride belonging, and legacy of the College. In addition, we view it as the responsibility and obligation to traditions of Fullerton College. I also truly love that I have a close group of colleagues that push me and keep our program accountable to the highest regard. Finally, I feel blessed to have the college embrace my vision, while challenging it, but nevertheless support my players through the process.
