By Marin Murray.

Girls’ soccer coach Tiffany Van Hoose received admission into the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 program earlier this month. She is one of two high school coaches that gained this national recognition.

“I was honestly kind of surprised,” Van Hoose said. “I didn’t think I was going to get it. I don’t know why I shouldn’t get it, but I was just surprised about it.”

The 30 Under 30 program is a year-long mentorship and education program for 15 male and 15 female coaches across the country. Admittance into the program is application-based and involves a long list of requirements in order to participate. This was only Van Hoose’s second year to apply, an achievement that takes most coaches multiple years to obtain.

“I think it’ll be more learning of ways to do things,” Van Hoose said. “There’s thousands and thousands of drills, it’s just a matter of how you implement them. So, courses like this are always good because they give you a different viewpoint on how different coaches coach and what they find important. It helps broaden your understanding of the game and different things like that, and I enjoy things like that.”

The program provides its members the chance to attend a national convention in January, participate in various media events, and learn from a mentor who guides them throughout the year.

“You get to meet with a mentor weekly, and those are really good for networking opportunities and things like that,” Van Hoose said. “It’s a good opportunity to broaden your horizons.”

Abilene Christian University’s assistant women’s soccer coach, Audrey Adkison, was also selected for the program. This means that out of 270 applicants across the country, two of the top female soccer coaches in the nation are based in Abilene, something that Van Hoose thinks is impressive.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” Van Hoose said. “I think it’s a testament to Abilene and that it is a growing community. We are able to reach people at all levels with youth, high school, and college. Everyone’s getting coaching, mentoring, friendship, and leadership from somebody who knows what they’re doing.”

Van Hoose, who also coaches at the youth level for a local club, is excited to meet her mentor next month and has already made plans to attend the convention in January.

“It’s a pretty unique opportunity, and it’s cool,” Van Hoose said. “I’m excited for it and hope to be able to use this to better myself as a person and a coach.”