The iATAC Soccer Podcast

In this powerful conversation, hosts Michael Wright and Chris Martinez dive deep into what makes a defender great. Tim shares lessons on leadership, reading the game, handling mistakes, building trust in the locker room, and preparing physically and mentally to perform at the highest level—season after season. Whether you're a player looking to raise your game or a coach or parent supporting a you...

In this episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined once again by Joey Harty—Director of Sports Performance and Science and a key member of iATAC’s advisory board. Drawing on years of experience working across MLS academies, Joey breaks down one of the most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of long-term player growth: the athletic development timeline. Together with hosts Michael Wri...

In this episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined once again by Joey Harty—Director of Sports Science at Sporting Kansas City and Advisory Board Member of iATAC Soccer Academy. Joey breaks down what it really means to become a high-performing soccer athlete—not just a technical player, but someone who thrives physically at the college and professional level. Together with hosts Michael Wri...

In this episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we welcome Peyton Parsons—standout midfielder at Texas and rising prospect in women’s college soccer. Known for her competitive fire, technical sharpness, and steady growth, Peyton shares the full story of her development—from 3v3 tournaments and youth showcases to becoming a difference-maker at the Division I level. Hosts Michael Wright and Chris Marti...

In this episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we sit down with Trevor Wright and Ian Smith—college standouts, co-captains at the University of Denver, and 2024 MLS SuperDraft prospects—just days after leading their team to the NCAA College Cup. Hosts Michael Wright and Chris Martinez guide this powerful conversation through every layer of player development—from backyard battles and 3v3 tournaments...

In this episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we sit down with Ajanae Respass— Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, WVU Student-Athlete of the Week and current star at West Virginia University. From being one of Colorado’s top high school players to leading her team in points at the collegiate level, Ajanae’s journey is a blueprint in consistency, resilience, and next-level preparation. Hosts Micha...

How do you really support your child on a team—especially when confidence is low, playing time is scarce, or things just feel tough? In this episode, hosts Michael Wright and Chris Martínez break down what parents can do when the soccer journey gets challenging. You’ll hear real stories, practical advice, and a mindset shift that can make all the difference. Whether it’s sideline behavior, coach c...

In this Educational Session of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, Michael Wright and Chris Martinez dive into one of the most pivotal moments of the year for youth players and families: the showcase and playoff season. As national tournaments approach and hundreds of college coaches prepare to scout talent, this conversation delivers actionable advice on how to approach these events with clarity, confidenc...

In this episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, Michael Wright and Chris Martinez break down the complete player development pathway—from first-time kickers at age 5 to high-performing athletes on the professional stage. Drawing from decades of experience as players and coaches, they walk through every critical phase that shapes a player’s growth. This conversation is more than a roadmap—it’s a reali...

In Episode 7 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we sit down with Eric Quill—Head Coach of FC Dallas and one of the most respected talent developers in American soccer. From his early days coaching youth national teams to leading pros in MLS and USL, Eric has built a reputation for turning potential into performance. In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, Eric breaks down what’s mis...

In Episode 6 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we sit down with Ike Opara—former MLS star, NCAA champion, and current assistant coach at Sporting Kansas City II. Known for his defensive dominance and leadership, Ike’s career is a powerful example of what it means to grow through adversity and rise to the highest levels of the game. In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, Ike reflec...

In Episode 5 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined by Cole Bassett, midfielder for the Colorado Rapids and U.S. Men’s National Team. A homegrown talent from Colorado, Cole has carved out a remarkable path to professional soccer—rising through academy ranks, playing in Europe, and becoming a key player in Major League Soccer by age 23. In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martínez...

In Episode 4 of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, we’re joined by Joey Harty, Director of Sports Performance and Science at Sporting Kansas City. With over a decade of experience helping athletes, from academy prospects to MLS professionals, Joey specializes in optimizing performance. In this conversation with Michael Wright and Chris Martinez, Joey explains how smart, age-appropriate training and recover...

In the third episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, Texas Tech Head Coach Tom Stone shares expert guidance on what it really takes to be recruited to play college soccer. With a background that includes scoring the winning goal in the 1986 National Championship at Duke, leading Texas Tech to a Big 12 title, and scouting for the U.S. Women’s National Team at multiple World Cups, Tom brings a unique p...

In the second episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, professional defender Cori Dyke shares her journey from youth soccer in Fort Collins, Colorado to becoming a record-setting player at Penn State and a champion in her rookie season with the Orlando Pride in the NWSL. Cori joins Michael Wright and Chris Martinez for a deep conversation about elite performance, long-term consistency, and what it tak...

In the first episode of the iATAC Soccer Podcast, Jamie Franks, head coach of the University of Denver men’s soccer team, shares his insights on player development, leadership, and building a winning team culture. With over a decade of experience guiding young athletes, Jamie has developed a unique approach that prepares players for success both on and off the field. In this conversation with Mike...