SAINT LOUIS SCOTT GALLAGHER
10k Experiences
It’s All in the Experience!
SLSG 2008 Italy (not listed in order) - Addison Caroll, Isabella Dokaj, Natalia Gumpel, Parker Kluesner, Isabella Knese, Chloe Knese, Lucie Litteken, Natalie Millar, Molly Moorman, Natalie Parra, Rachel Smothers, Madelynn Stockell, Bria Ulm, Aditi Vangala, Cynthia Williams, Sammy Williams
“My go to phrases are; “Work hard, press everything to regain possession, take pride in keeping the ball, and have fun.” These words from Lenny Knese, the fifth year head coach of SLSG Girls 2008 Italy, matches the description of many in the Gallagher coaching family. But it is his purpose for coaching, and the reflection of this purpose in his team and players, that has led to the group's recognition of being a 10K Team. “I loved playing soccer growing up”, said Knese. “And even though my playing career was cut a little short through injury in a serious car accident, I still believe that my experiences in club, high school, and college soccer played a part in shaping me as a person. The time I spent with my teammates on and off the field was a great experience.
It was these memories of being part of a team that motivated Lenny to bring his twin girls, Isabella and Chloe, to a kick-around at SLSG when they were eight years old. “I started coaching my daughters because I wanted them to have that same type of positive feelings inside a team, amongst other girls their age, all the while playing a game many of us loved growing up.”
2008 Italy has enjoyed its fair share of success, winning promotions in SLYSA as well as tournaments both inside and outside of the St. Louis Metro area. But it is the commitment of the team and the players willingness to work hard for each other that makes Knese most proud. “This group, built upon a few core players still here since U8, don’t miss too many practices or games. The families have made [SLSG} Italy a priority and it shows in the girls' performances and most days, their results.”
Lenny is assisted by Jan Ulm and the two share the philosophy of working hard and trusting the process. “Lenny and Jan have done a great job with this team.” commented Carlton Williams, SLSG Senior Girls Director. “It’s guys like Lenny and Jan, who work hard to teach the girls about the game, about being part of a team, and to provide an environment that is fun, that makes this club special. I know I speak for the entire SLSG girls staff when I say we are grateful to Lenny, Jan, and all the families of this 2008 group.”
Senior Age Group Director presenting Lenny Knese and the 2008 Italy group with their 10K T-shirts
What is #10Kexperiences -
“Instead of trying to amass 10,000 hours of practice, Youth coaches should be attempting to provide 10, 000 experiences.”
~Cox
In 2016, the Girls Division presented this quote to the entire staff as an adopted way of thinking. The idea, taken from the English FA’s Mr. Cox has become a motivating and driving force of purpose for the Staff, reflected in the clubs holistic approach to development.
SLSG has never been more proud of the coaching staff, and #10Kexperiences, is simply another way of celebrating coaches and teams that have been dedicated to the cause; hard working, committed to curriculum and club programming, overwhelmingly loyal to the club, contributing to the community, and going beyond the norm to have fun as a team. Ultimately, the club is celebrating as many coaches & teams as we can when we recognize that they treat the game as much more than a game #MTAG.
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