Blair Gantz

Blair Gantz, Hotspurs North

Hotspurs Role: Hotspurs North Girls Leader

coachblair@hotspurs-soccer.com

Coaching Qualifications:

  • National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Director of Coaching License
  • National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Premier Diploma
  • National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Advanced National Diploma
  • National Soccer Coaches Association of America, National Diploma
  • USYS Futsal Licensing
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine Bodybuilding Certificate

Relevant Experience:

  • Century North Site Director & Head Coach: April 2018-May 2020
  • Owner and Founder of Elite Performance Training LLC, Western PA: January 2015- Present
  • PA West Soccer ODP Staff Coach: September 2015-2016
  • Carnegie Mellon University Women’s Club Soccer Head Coach, Pittsburgh PA: December 2014-August 2015
  • North United Soccer Club Academy Director, Cranberry, PA: November 2014-2018
  • Carnegie Mellon University Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor, Pittsburgh, PA: December 2014-August 2015
  • Northern Steel Soccer Academy Director, Butler, PA: November 2008-October 2014
  • Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach, Freeport High School, Freeport, PA: August 2009-2011
  • Asst. Women’s Soccer Coach, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA: July 2007-February 2009
  • Graduate School Practicum: Slippery Rock University Athletic Department, Slippery Rock, PA: January 2006-May 2006
  • Graduate Assistantship Slippery Rock University Intramurals, Slippery Rock, PA:  August 2005-December 2006
  • Head Girl’s Soccer Coach, Slippery Rock High School, Slippery Rock, PA: August 2001-May 2006
  • Head Coach Steel City Sparks WPSL Team (2006)

Playing Experience:

  • 3 Time All-Conference Player at Slippery Rock University
  • 2 Time All-Region Player at Slippery Rock University
  • Captain of the Slippery Rock University Women’s Soccer Team (2000)
  • Member of the Steel City Sparks Semi-Pro Soccer Team (2004-2006)
  • Slippery Rock University Women’s Soccer (1997-2000)

Education:

Master of Arts in Student Personnel - Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA: December 2006 Graduate

Bachelor of Science Degree in Community -Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock. PA: August 2002 Graduate

Start in soccer:

I was always super athletic and played multiple sports. The one sport that my best friend and I had in common was soccer. He and I would always play soccer in his back yard. His dad would watch us play and one day he asked if I wanted to play on his older daughters’ team and I told him he’d have to ask my mom. Mom said yes, and I became a 10-year-old playing and starting on a U14 girls’ team.

In Junior High and my first two years of High School I started every game on our schools boys’ team. As a junior I earned a Varsity Letter on our High School boys’ team and my senior year I played on our High School Girls team and was named League MVP, All-State, and All-Region.

Inspiration to coach:

What inspires me to coach, is the process. It is exciting and fulfilling to watch youth improve and develop as players, but most importantly develop as people. Being a part of that development process is what keeps coaching fun and worthwhile for me.

Favorite part of coaching soccer:

My favorite part of coaching is the training sessions. I love breaking technical and tactical situations down for players and also coming up with creative ways to train that help replicate the game as best as possible.

Favorite player/team:

My 2 current favorite players are national team members Rose Lavelle and Julie Ertz. Rose Lavelle is great on the ball. She has quick feet and super skilled which adds to her creativity coming out of the midfield. Julie Ertz is just a beast in the midfield. She’s a versatile player who is strong, consistent and fantastic in the air. Both players have an amazing work rate.

When not coaching soccer:

When not coaching soccer, I enjoy going to the gym. I’m a gym rat. I love eating out and trying new restaurants and when not traveling for soccer, I love vacationing at the beach or going to Deep Creek.