This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
09/21/2017 12:00 AMMadison resident Jake Hackett was named the head coach of the East Haven girls’ soccer squad this fall and recently began his debut campaign at the helm of the Yellowjackets. Given Jake’s extensive coaching background, East Haven Athletic Director Anthony Verderame felt that he was the perfect choice for the job.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Jake Hackett to the East Haven coaching staff,” says Verderame. “He has a tremendous résumé behind him, along with an extensive playing career. We feel his youth, energy, and experience will benefit our athletes for years to come.”
Jake graduated from Daniel Hand High School in 2008 following a solid soccer career with the Tigers, and he had the ability to play at the next level. After suffering some injuries, Jake began his coaching career. He coached the Hand boys’ team for three years, was the goalie coach at Lauralton Hall last fall, and has coached with South Central Premier for the past four seasons.
“The transition to coaching, I loved it...If I can teach kids the same love for the game and the same life lessons I learned from this sport, I love it,” Jake says. “Soccer is a big part of my life. It taught me responsibility, sportsmanship, and how to be a good teammate and person. It taught me what hard work can get you, and I just love this game. There’s nothing better than putting the ball on the field and playing.”
Jake was a defender when he played, but he continues to learn about all aspects of the game. Jake wants to be a well-rounded mentor who teaches all of his players how to maximize their abilities on the pitch.
“I spent a lot of time coaching specifically with goalkeepers. It’s something I wanted to do, so I took courses. I consider myself a student of the game, so I watch pro soccer and have an understanding of the game. I can teach strikers how to play, because I understand what they’re trying to do and the concept of the game. Positionally, I know what we want to accomplish. Being a defender, you have a great view of the field, because you can see how it develops in front of you,” says Jake. “I just knew this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to work with younger players. The amazing-ness of this sport, I learned if you can relate to the kids and make these concepts in ways they can understand, you’ll have some success. Getting to watch kids develop from a young age to high school and see them at the top of their games—when you have a hand in that, it’s an amazing thing for a coach.”
The concept of hard work is important to Jake. Jake was a hard worker when he played, and now he’s bringing that same attitude to the Easties’ sidelines as their head coach.
“I study the game from top to bottom, because it’s a free-flowing, always-changing game. I have an extensive soccer coaching library. I’m always watching game film and trying to put together the best practice session that I can,” says Jake. “I always shoot for an A-plus session. If you’re aiming high and don’t have the best day, you can still come up with an A. I feel the need I have to work hard makes my players want to work harder, because they know I’m putting in the effort. If I’m putting in the work, they’re willing to put in the effort.”
With the 2017 fall season just underway, Jake feels very happy with his current situation as the new head coach of the East Haven girls’ soccer squad.
“To now be the head coach of a program, I’m very excited. It’s a chance for me to put my values of positive coaching and player development into an entire program. I couldn’t be more excited for this season and this group of girls. I have a lovely group, and I couldn’t be happier with the situation,” Jake says. “Soccer for me was such a positive experience. It was always a great outlet. I just love working with the kids. They’re happy out there every day, and there’s nothing better than that.”