How I Lead as BYU Women’s Soccer Coach | An Interview with Jennifer Rockwood

May 10, 2025

Jennifer Rockwood, the head coach of BYU's women’s soccer team since 1989, shares her journey from athlete to coach. She discusses the evolution of women's soccer and her commitment to mentorship, emphasizing the importance of team culture and accountability. Rockwood reflects on the unique challenges young athletes face and highlights her coaching philosophy rooted in belief and positive reinforcement. Additionally, she addresses the impacts of NIL policies and the transition to the Big 12 Conference, showcasing her unwavering dedication to nurturing talent and fostering community support.

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ANECDOTE

Coach's Belief Sparks Growth

Jennifer Rockwood learned leadership from her high school soccer coach who believed in her potential.
He assigned her specific summer tasks that inspired her to improve and fill a key team role.

ADVICE

Balancing Sports and Faith

Parents should help their kids navigate sports travel while supporting them spiritually and socially.
Encouraging young athletes to stay active and find balance with church commitments is crucial.

ADVICE

Positive Parenting in Sports

Parents need to avoid pressuring their kids about sports performance and focus on positive reinforcement.
Praise strengths three times for every one area needing improvement to build confidence.

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Jennifer Rockwood is the first and only head coach for the Brigham Young University women’s soccer team, a position she has held since 1989 after graduating from BYU. Her teams have over 450 wins and made the NCAA tournament 25 times in 31 years. She talks about her career path and the leadership principles she has relied upon in leading young adult women athletes. This podcast was recorded with a live audience on the 2025 BYU Cruise.

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Highlights

Coach Rockwood shares her journey into coaching, her philosophy on leadership, team culture, and her experiences coaching at BYU for decades. She emphasizes the importance of leading within one’s own personality, fostering a supportive team environment built on love and respect, and navigating the challenges of coaching young athletes. The conversation also touches on recruiting, dealing with parents, the impact of NIL, the transition to the Big 12 conference, and how her faith has influenced her coaching career.

[05:03] Jennifer’s Background and Journey into Coaching
[05:49] Early Competitive Spirit
[06:39] Playing Experience at BYU
[08:52] Transition to Coaching at BYU
[11:53] Influence of High School Coach
[16:14] Engaging Young Single Adults (YSA)
[17:31] The Importance of Involvement and Overcoming Failure
[21:43] Navigating Intense Youth Sports and Church Activities
[23:39] Parental Involvement and Pressure in Youth Sports
[25:55] The Parent-Coach Relationship
[28:17] Establishing and Maintaining Team Culture
[29:27] Recruiting and Building Culture from the Start
[31:18] Key Elements of Team Culture: Love and Respect
[33:07] Leading Within Your Own Personality
[35:47] Helping Struggling Players
[37:22] One-on-One Interactions with Players
[38:37] Dealing with Team Infighting and Maintaining Unity
[40:34] Impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)
[42:20] Transition to the Big 12 Conference
[44:51] Coaching Staff Roles and Coordination
[46:53] Encouraging Support for BYU Women’s Soccer
[48:13] How Coaching Has Influenced Faith

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