Composure. Intensity. Accountability. Ownership. Commitment. Self-Discipline.
Falls Church Technology Specialist Joel Harrop started as an assistant coach for soccer in 2011 and is now the boys varsity soccer coach. Throughout his growing coaching years, he has picked up new valuable lessons along the way and implemented these values in his own coaching for soccer.
“I try to make sure that I myself have physical activity and I listen to a lot of other coaches and what they have to say and get their perspective,” said Harrop.
Preparation behind the scenes happens with the person itself. Harrop leads his players to success by helping them find inner and outer balance within themselves. He prioritizes their well-being, like having nutrition logs to keep track of their physical health as well as simply just being an inspiring adult figure in their lives.
“My main goal as a coach is to help the players that are wanting to play at the next level get them ready mentally and physically,” said Harrop.
Looking back at their 2024 season, they kept up a great status for themselves, winning most of their games.
“Winning is awesome. Always want to win,” said Harrop.
The greatest wins always have the greatest challenges. The soccer team fights against their rivals with Harrop leading them to victory.
“No matter how hard our team is performing that year, Justice always presents that competitive challenge. Other schools that present as a rival are Lewis and Hayfield,” said Harrop.
He pushes his players to strive to be the best version of themselves. Harrop believes in the soccer team as part of the continuity of the “legacy” the school has and maintaining the strong positive reputation that FC has.
“The players realize that playing for the soccer program here in FC, there is a legacy involved. They understand and know that they are playing for the school’s and their own legacy,” said Harrop.
His philosophy is that players climb up the ladder through long progress. Since he’s been coaching for a bit of time now, he has learned ways of tackling progress in a healthy way.
“I think in many years in the past it’s all about conditioning and getting in tip top shape, but what I notice in the last six to eight years is with the amount of soccer these young men play outside of the school that the amount of conditioning was actually hurting them,” said Harrop.
Supporting the ideology of discipline, he also keeps a humble attitude on the field and outside the field.
“I take a lot of time in thinking about what is the right mindset for them to have, not just in soccer but in life in general,” said Harrop.
Harrop advocates mainly being “disciplined.” Discipline is interpreted in different ways. He uses the word as his main motivator for his players and himself to stay balanced not just on the field but also in life.
“The main point I’m trying to make with these young men this year is to be disciplined. Disciplined through the process. Disciplined through the final whistle. And don’t celebrate the little victories but get to the end and celebrate the achievement that you have. Only way to do that is to be disciplined through your actions.”
