![]() Klein motivates her players through leading by example and providing them with the training and support they need to succeed. “And I think how, when she says something … she empowers people to take it upon themselves and like make it their own, whether it’s their role on the field, whether it’s our roles as staff, but I think just how she motivates a group is incredibly intentional.” “I think how she motivates a group,” assistant coach Tori Christ told The Daily. In Klein’s fourth season after taking over the program as head coach, Michigan won 18 games in the 2021 season, tying their previous record. ![]() This, in combination with Klein’s attention to detail, knowledge of the game and competitive spirit has created a space for the Wolverines to effectively reach their highest potential. In a world where players are often seen as athletes and employees, Klein has intentionally restructured the culture to create an environment that is player-centric. This essential characteristic takes center stage in Klein’s unique coaching style. She cares about her players as people, not simply athletes. Klein’s ability to be authentically herself has created a model for her own players to follow. “… in communicating with them, learning their little stories, meeting them on a very human level and just being real, being authentic with the players and I think that too gives them a space where they feel very comfortable.” “She does a really good job of relating with individual players,” Keidane McAlpine, Klein’s former colleague at USC, told The Daily. It’s a culture Klein has utilized at every level, not just as a head coach. Klein’s various experiences as both a player and a coach have benefited and shaped the Michigan women’s soccer program in a way it never has before, creating a culture that is founded in “character, connection and communication.” “(It’s about) knowing what they’re going through as a student, what they’re going through as an athlete, what it feels like to play against a rival, what it feels like to deal with a tough conversation with a teammate,” Klein told The Daily. She is able to relate to her players and understand the difficulties that come with being both athletes and students. ![]() This experience has not only shaped her knowledge of the game and ability to make quick in-game changes, but also the way she leads. As head coach at UNLV - where she was the youngest head coach in NCAA Division I women’s soccer - then as assistant coach at Washington State followed by associate head coach at University of Southern California, Klein has developed an extensive repertoire of coaching experiences to draw from.īut her strong leadership doesn’t just stem from past coaching experiences - it also comes from playing experience.ĭuring her time playing soccer at Arizona, Klein was team captain for two years. “… She really stresses that in order to have a championship team you need to have a good culture first.”įor Michigan, a good culture looks like strong leadership that fosters character and player development, positive communication and trust.Īnd Klein’s past experiences have helped her build that culture into her coaching philosophy. “In years past, we struggled with team culture,” junior defender Sarah Bridenstine told The Daily. ![]()
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