Oct. 3, 2007
Meet the coaches is an inside look at the coaching staff of the Dayton women's soccer team. Each week one of the coaches will be featured on www.DaytonFlyers.com in an in-depth interview that will highlight the personalities of the women's soccer staff both on-and-off the field. This week, get to know head coach Mike Tucker.
What is your coaching philosophy?
Provide the best opportunity for our players to succeed in the classroom, on the field and in life.
Why Dayton?
In 1989 my daughter, Lori came here and was a member of the soccer team. I used to come up to watch the practices. The head coach, Tom Schindler asked if I would help and I have been here ever since, first as a volunteer, later as a part-time coach and now as the full-time head coach. I stayed because I fell in love with college coaching and the University of Dayton!
What did you do before coming to Dayton?
Our family business was in the boat building and repair business and I was involved my entire life prior to becoming a full-time coach here at UD.
What are you interests off the field?
Being a coach there really isn't much time away from the job. But when time allows it it's usually spent with my family ... my wife, our two daughters and sons-in-law and seven grandchildren. We love to travel and often with some of the family when doing so.
What is your best women's soccer road trip memory?
I have had so many enjoyable opportunities to see and experience much of the U.S. and even England. But my best road trip memory is winning the A-10 Championship at UMass and earning our first NCAA tournament berth in 1999 - a season dedicated to my parents who both passed away earlier in the year.
What do you hope to accomplish during the 2007 season?
We have set some high goals ... league and tournament championships and back in the NCAAs.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE...
Movie: probably Shawshank Redemption
Actress/Actor: no particular favorite
Song: depends on the day ... But I like ROCK!
Memory: the births of my daughters
Quote: "Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is what others think you are." -- John Wooden
Food: clam chowder on the road ... almost any seafood, a good steak!
Athlete: Coach John Wooden
Athletics Team: UD Flyers in any sport!
Pre-game ritual: other than a staff lunch on game days, really no routine or ritual.
Sport (besides soccer): basketball, football, baseball, golf, etc.!
FILL IN THE BLANK
I've always wanted to... travel extensively.
If I were an animal, I would be a.... no idea!
My nickname is/was...the players just call me "Tucker."
The one word that best describes me is... happy.
If I could only eat one thing the rest of my life it would be...peanuts.
My biggest superstition is... I am not superstitious.
One word to describe Asst. Coach Amy Berbary: competitive.
One word to describe Asst. Coach George Demetriades: friend.
One word to describe Asst. Coach Sergio Gonzalez: sports fan.
