Will Clayton: Twins Staff Coach
Personal Info
Born in Durham, NC. Played at Wake Forest University 2005 - 2008. Won the 2007 National Championship and two ACC Championships. Big Arsenal fan, growing MLS fan. Twins coach since Spring of 2010. Favorite moment at Twins: when my players celebrate good goals in an unexpected fashion.
Coaching Education
NSCAA Advanced National Diploma
Coaching Experience:
Wake Forest University Assistant Coach - 2010 - Present
Twins Staff Coach - 2010 - Present
NCYSA ODP Staff Coach - 2011 - Present
Playing Experience:
Wake Forest University 2005 - 2008
Jordan High School, Durham NC
Education:
BA History, Wake Forest University
Getting to know Wake Forest University men’s volunteer assistant coach and Twins City staff coach Will Clayton.....
How young/ old were you when you decided to coach?
- 23 yrs old was when I began to get serious about it. I have always felt I wanted to coach in some capacity.
How did you get into coaching?
- After playing at WFU, the Spring of my senior season I started volunteering with Coach Vidovich and the Men’s team.
What do you like about coaching?
- I like learning about soccer through coaching. Sometimes you don’t fully understand something until you have to explain it to someone else. Also, to see the progress of your players is incredibly rewarding. Lastly, I enjoy being around others who enjoy soccer.
What has been your greatest coaching moment?
- In practice the other day, we scored a shockingly good goal. 4 one touch passes and a great one touch finish. It was a eureka moment for the kids to see not only how capable they were, but also how fun it is to play good soccer.
What was your greatest moment as an athlete?
- Winning the National Championship with Wake Forest. It was too memorable of a moment, and there was too much invested in the team from everyone to not be my greatest moment. It was an amazing team effort.
When you stop coaching one day, what will you most want to be remembered for by the athletes you have coached?
- I want them to remember how much I care about their improvement. Also, I hope they remember my adherence to the values that made us successful.
What aspects of sports have you learned to appreciate since you have been a coach rather than an athlete?
- Coaching and the tremendous amount of work from coaches, parents and organizations that goes on behind the scenes to allow players to play and grow
