I've been playing soccer since I was 3 years old. I played club for north metro with the same team from C3 to premier. I guest played with many clubs throughout high school in tournaments just to see more playing time and create new competition for myself whenever I could. I played for Blaine High School for 5 years, and varsity for four of those years. We made it to state 2/5 years, and play offs 5/5 years. I then played collegiate soccer for St. Catherine University St. Paul. I played with the Minnesota Twin Stars for a season, and finished my "competitive playing career" to further my passion of coaching and take care of my body.
I started coaching soccer when I was in high school running the Blaine I41 Camps at the National Sports Center. My first team was a C2 Girls team when I was 17 years old. They went to state the first year I had them, were promoted to C1, stayed C1 the following season, and all made varsity soccer their freshman year of high school. I also began coaching Coerver summer of '14 where I worked with hundreds of kids from all over the state and country. I have trained, evaluated, and worked with many clubs throughout the state of Minnesota, and then began working with a C1 Apple valley team, who moved on to be a Premier St. Croix team. I now coach a U15 C1 girls team and a U16 C1 girls team at Apple Valley, along with working for Southwest for what will be my 3rd season now. :)
My coaching style changes dependent on the age and group of athletes I am working with. One of the most important things I've learned is that every athlete is going to learn differently, they will all respond differently, and they will all thrive differently. Not only does a coach have to be flexible and versatile, but they have to be open minded and optimistic. There is always a way to improve or insist growth, but coaches have to be willing to learn as well. We don't know everything, even though we'd like to think we do. Personally, if you can ask an athlete why they are doing something, or should have done something, or why they made the decision they did, and they can answer you with confidence whether you would have gone with their choice or not, then you have ultimately done your job. Decision making is such an important aspect of the game, and for myself I learned best when I could understand why, the purpose of what I was doing, and be able to answer other's questions. So as a coach, I not only want to give these athletes the tools and options to develop them as soccer players, but I want them to develop mentally, and gain confidence and understanding of the game and decision making themselves. That is the ultimate goal.
I am more than excited to be working with this group of ladies. Not only the varsity team but the program as a whole. Being here for three seasons now I have had the pleasure to watch some of these girls grow, as athletes, as women, and students. Being a part of their success is incredibly humbling, and seeing/hearing some of them commit to colleges for the sport is even more exciting. When I first started here two years ago, I never thought a group of girls could grow on me as much as these ladies have so far. They make me strive to be the coach that gives more than what is asked of them, to take care of each and every one of them to the extent that the individuals that will be working with these girls each and everyday need to be the best, because that is what they deserve. I cannot wait to start the season, and strive for goals individually and as a program together.
In my free time, I am generally in class with the intent to graduate this year with a major in Exercise and Sports Science, and two minors, in coaching & psychology. I am a coach for Coerver, Apple Valley and Southwest. I love being outdoors, being involved with anything soccer, and spending time with my family and friends.
Leigha Embertson
I played at Princeton High School. I played on three different club teams throughout high school- Princeton Club, Three Rivers District, and Minnesota Thunder Academy. I started a college career and had to hang my laces due to injury. My preferred position is left mid field or striker. I stayed involved in the collegiate soccer community as an athletic training assistant. I assisted with summer camps and MTA indoor camps back home in Princeton. I coached U5 (little league community soccer in Princeton) as well as U10-U14 throughout my later high school years.
My coaching philosophy is diverse and tends to change some based on the teams I’m working with. Each one needs something a little different and I try to adapt to that. Overall my philosophy is that fundamentals are essential no matter what your age, those first touches and basic ball handling skills can always be improved. The value I hold in highest regards is hard work. I expect that of my players and no matter what that’s what I try to maintain through a season, not giving up- working hard through it. As a player I was never satisfied. There are always things to improve, plays that can be executed better, more communication on the field, more hustle- but there are moments to be proud of also. I work to find that balance of always striving for the best but allowing yourself and your team to celebrate milestones. To learn from wins and loses- trials and errors. To earn the trust of my team, but expect respect. To let them know they’re supported and they have a sounding board through the coaching staff for managing stress, etc. I intend to act as a role model for my teams- strong women build stronger women on and off the soccer field.
I am so excited to be a part of the Southwest staff. I'm looking forward to being a fresh face and to assisting in helping this program reach its full potential!
During my free time I enjoy hanging outdoors, hanging with my dog, being on the lake, cooking, biking and archery!
Monica Weltzien
I have played competitively since the age of 4. I have experience as a defender but most of my time was spent as a goalkeeper. I went to High School at Cotter High School in Winona, MN. I coached extensively with the Winona Youth Soccer Association with U16 and U17 girls teams. My U17 team won the C1 state championship in 2012.
I take a laid-back approach to coaching that encourages my players to learn through their mistakes. I work them hard because I see their potential and want to push them to be their very best. I find that taking a one-on-one approach with players and having them help develop one another is most effective in building a positive team atmosphere.
I'm excited to be working for Southwest because they breed a championship and family culture. The girls are committed to becoming better athletes and people each day and that inspires me to work hard to help them any way that I can.
During my free time I spend as much of it as I can outside, reading, playing board games and petting cats and dogs.
Ian Durbin
I played youth club soccer with Blaine through U13s and moved over to NSSA where I played premier-level soccer through U19s. While attending Blaine High School I played for Berry Arrowsmith where we attended state my junior and senior year and earned All-State Tournament honors my senior year. At Saint John's University I was coached by John Haws and played D3 varsity soccer for three years. Now I play in a competitive men's league.
Intermittently throughout high school and college summers I worked youth soccer camps for Scott Macleod (Blaine), Brad Fewell (Pegasus), and John Haws (St. Johns). I am now excited to have the opportunity to coach a team over the course of a whole season.
The coach needs to ensure a healthy, positive environment for the players to develop both as athletes and as people. Developing enthusiasm for the game as well as positive, uplifting habits both on and off the pitch starts with the coach's example. It is the coach's responsibility to be eager to train each day, to be excited about that opportunity, and to encourage the players to do the same. In terms of the player’s development, soccer education comes first. If a player is able to recognize a situation, communicate that, and help the team adapt on the pitch - then the coach has been successful. Whereas fitness and skill work are fundamental to player development; education regarding how to train, eat, and play can further bolster the player’s development.
I’m excited to join the Minneapolis Southwest organization because of the coaches’ persistent dedication to establishing a positive, driven culture. While developing the players athletically is important, the organization stresses the priority of developing driven and self-confident individuals. With the organization’s focus on this holistic mindset, I am looking forward to joining the organization.
During my free time, besides playing soccer, I enjoy mountain biking, waterskiing, and studying for the MCAT.
Amanda Malmin
I started playing when I was about 5 years old. Eventually, running in a clump around the ball turned into experimenting with all positions on the field. It didn't take me long to find my home in the forward/striker position which I held for 2-3 seasons a year until I was 18. During high school I received all conference honorable mention my junior and senior years and was captain my senior year. During college I played a couple years of co-ed intramural where I was also captain.
Although I officiated for many years, my main coaching experience was with the U16 MYSA girls team in Winona. It was a fun and successful season where the girls accomplished their individual pre-season goals and grew as a team. I loved learning first hand the challenges and joys of being on the other side of the player spectrum, and I look forward to bringing that foundation to Southwest.
I've always been both a hands-on and goal-oriented learner and instructor. I believe in pushing each player to strive higher and building the values they need to succeed beyond soccer.
The Southwest athletics program is already one known for its seriousness of both athletes and students. I am thrilled to become part of a program and team that fosters success on and off the field.
My free time is filled with all things outdoors. I love backpacking and camping with my husband and huskies. When I'm not doing that I'm usually out biking around town or crafting with wood or yarn at home.
Kevin Jones
I've been playing soccer ever since I could walk and it's always been a large part of my life. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to play all the way through college. I started out as a striker but ultimately moved to left back in high school and have stayed on defense ever since!
This will be my first year as a head coach and I'm really excited to work with the girls and see what we can both learn from each other over the course of the season.
I wouldn't say I have a set-in-stone coaching style or formation. My philosophy is that I think a good coach needs to be flexible and adapt to the players and their strengths. If you play to their strengths rather than trying to make it work in your system you'll be successful.
I'm exited to be working at Southwest for a couple of reasons. I think the direction of the program being built on hard work and dedication is the right way to go about it and I'm happy I can be be a part of it. Also, I've been able to meet a lot of the girls and they seem to be really good kids. I'm excited to be able to work with them and see how they develop as soccer players and, more importantly people, in the future!
In my free time I enjoy checking out the newest restaurant in town with my fiancée or getting out on the golf course with friends!