In this episode of Inside College Soccer, host Don Williams sits down with Jose Luiz Rodriguez, Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Meadowcreek High School in Metro Atlanta, Georgia. A 30 Under 30 United Soccer Coaches Alumni, Coach Rodriguez brings an impressive background that includes USSF C License, United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, and experience at both the college and youth national levels.

Coach Rodriguez shares how he has transformed the Meadowcreek High School soccer program by focusing on accessibility, community impact, and player development both on and off the field. A major theme of the conversation centers on how high school soccer can effectively integrate with club soccer, rather than compete with it - creating better pathways for student-athletes.

One of the most powerful parts of the episode is Coach Rodriguez’s breakdown of how his program has made high school soccer completely free for players, including:

Eliminating player fees
Funding free college recruiting trips for student-athletes
Building sustainable fundraising models
Gaining strong community and local business support

Coach Rodriguez also explains how his partnership with SRUSA has helped Meadowcreek players navigate the college recruiting process - even for athletes who do not play club soccer -proving that high school programs can still be a legitimate and respected recruiting pathway.

His long-term vision is clear: to see high school soccer valued and respected by youth soccer communities, college coaches, and even at the national level.

This episode is a must-listen for high school coaches, athletic directors, parents, and players who want to understand how to build an inclusive, well-supported program and create real college opportunities for student-athletes.

Afaina de Jong (architect)