Book Lessons with Coach Dyland

I'm a former Ohio State Division I soccer player and current UNCW student-athlete with a passion for helping players develop both on and off the field. My playing career has taken me through Des Moines Menace Academy, Shattuck-St. Mary's, and Ohio State, competing in some of the nation's top environments. As a coach, I've worked with players of all ages and abilities, including MLS NEXT, collegiate, and elite youth athletes. With a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Ohio State and coaching experience at Soccer Field Academy, I combine high-level playing experience with proven training methods to help players grow with confidence.

Every player has different strengths, weaknesses, and goals. My sessions are designed to meet athletes where they are and help them take the next step. Whether it's improving technical ability, first touch, passing, ball mastery, position-specific skills, speed of play, or confidence under pressure, I focus on game-realistic training that translates to match performance. I believe in challenging players while creating an environment where mistakes become learning opportunities. My goal isn't just to develop better soccer players but to help athletes become more confident, disciplined, and prepared to succeed at the next level.

Every session is built around maximizing touches, decision-making, and game application. We start with a dynamic warm-up and technical ball work to improve coordination, balance, and confidence on the ball. From there, sessions progress into drills focused on individual goals, whether that's dribbling, passing, receiving, finishing, defending, or position-specific development.

As players improve technically, we introduce game-like scenarios that require quick decisions and execution under pressure. This helps bridge the gap between practice and competition. Small-sided activities, movement patterns, and situational exercises are designed to replicate moments players will encounter during matches.

I also place a strong emphasis on communication, mentality, and understanding the game. Throughout each session, players receive constant feedback and encouragement to help them recognize areas for improvement while building confidence in their abilities.

No two players are the same, so training plans are adjusted based on age, skill level, position, and personal goals. Whether working with a beginner looking to build fundamentals or an advanced player preparing for high-level competition, every session is designed to be challenging, engaging, and focused on long-term development.

My soccer journey has allowed me to compete and coach at some of the highest levels in the United States. I developed through Des Moines Menace Academy before spending four years at Shattuck-St. Mary's, one of the nation's premier soccer academies. I then competed as a Division I student-athlete at The Ohio State University, where I was part of teams that won a Big Ten Regular Season Championship, a Big Ten Tournament Championship, and reached the NCAA College Cup Final Four while spending time ranked No. 1 in the country.

I currently continue my playing career as a student-athlete at UNCW while coaching and training players of all ages and abilities. As a coach, I've worked with elite youth prospects, MLS NEXT players, Division I athletes, current professional players, and former Premier League academy players. I also served as an Academy Coach at Soccer Field Academy, a Southampton FC-sponsored training facility dedicated to high-level player development.

In addition to my playing and coaching experience, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Ohio State, giving me a strong understanding of athletic performance, movement, injury prevention, and long-term player development. My goal is to combine elite playing experience, education, and a passion for teaching to help players maximize their potential and enjoy the game.

I've been fortunate to learn from outstanding coaches throughout my career, but two have had the greatest impact on my development. Sean Bushey taught me the importance of attention to detail and professionalism. Having coached multiple professional players, he showed me that success comes from mastering the small details and maintaining high standards every day.

Former NBA player Curtis Stinson had an equally important influence on my approach. He emphasized mental toughness, resilience, and focus, teaching me how to handle adversity and perform under pressure. His experiences competing at the highest levels reinforced the value of confidence, discipline, and a strong mindset.

Together, these mentors shaped my coaching philosophy. I strive to combine technical excellence with mental strength, helping players not only improve their skills but also develop the work ethic, confidence, and character needed to succeed both on and off the field.

My priority is creating an environment where players feel challenged, supported, and motivated to improve. I understand that every athlete develops at a different pace, so I focus on individual growth rather than comparisons. My goal is to help players build confidence while developing the technical, tactical, physical, and mental aspects of their game.

I value communication, effort, and consistency. Players can expect honest feedback, positive encouragement, and training sessions that are organized, engaging, and tailored to their goals. Parents can expect professionalism, reliability, and a coach who genuinely cares about their child's development both as a player and as a person.

Most importantly, I want players to enjoy the process. Improvement comes from hard work, but it should also come with confidence and a love for the game. My mission is to help every athlete leave each session better than they arrived and excited to continue growing.