Erika True was recently named the new women's soccer coach at Indiana State. The former standout goalkeeper at Bowling Green, where she set conference career records for minutes played and saves before graduating in 2002, took a moment to share her thoughts with TopDrawerSoccer.com on her new role as head coach and a positive role model for her players.

 

So what have the last two weeks (since you were named coach) been like for you?

"It's an exciting time. I had my first training session today, and I sat back last week and watched the team and took in how they got here. It's really a fun role. Everyone is working hard and now that they have fresh eyes and a new perspective everyone wants to make a good opening impression."

What are your expectations for this team?

 

"This is a team that made it to the (Missouri Valley) Conference final last year. I think there's a real optimism from the coaches, players and administrators. They're excited, and I'm excited."

Could you share your coaching philosophy?

 

"I've had my individual meetings with the players and that's been a big thing that they've wanted to know. I obviously want to change some things, I don't necessarily want to change everything ? I think they've had some success in the past. The main focus is I want them to have some consistency and have the ability to win and continue to win and not go through some of the ups and downs they went through as a team in the past. My philosophy is to set goals; little ones, and to implement them in the training.  I want to focus early on team building, to make sure we're able to play together on the field and come together as a group."

What brand of soccer will your team play?

 

"This is a group that has played a little of everything in the past. Because I haven't gotten to see the team full field just yet I can't completely answer that. We will base how we play around what we have. I need to see the players that are going to influence the game and take it from there. I will mainly be looking for a consistent identity."

As a former goalkeeper and goalkeeper coach, do you find yourself overly preoccupied with what's going on inside the net?

"(Laughs). I'm sure there will be a part of me that will be keeping an eye on that part of the field. I've been asked by a couple of players if I would give them private trainings, which I will do. Ultimately, though, that's something that I'll have to let go and allow the assistants to handle."

How will your coaching background (assistant coach at Creighton, four years GK coach at Indiana) help you?

 

"It influences me a ton because I was able to be exposed to two separate philosophies. Now I can pull from that and take a lot of ideas from certain things while throwing out the aspects I won't use."

You were a standout goalkeeper at Bowling Green - how will that influence your coaching?

 

"I've been through everything that they will go through. That's the main thing; I can really relate to them on a personal level. A lot of these players have never had a female coach before, and that doesn't necessarily surprise me. Hopefully I can put them at ease in them knowing that I've been in their shoes."

Is there a sense of pride that you feel in providing your players with their first female coach, and giving them a positive image?

 

"Absolutely. I was one of those players who didn't have many female coaches ? so you know that you're going to be maybe one of the very few they ever experience. It's something where you want to show them they can be successful and hopefully pass the torch to future female players and coaches."