Thursday, April 14, 2016

Q&A: New Eclipse Select Director of Goalkeepers Jordan King

Eclipse Select's Jordan King
By CHARLIE CORR - slidetackles@mail.com

The Eclipse Select Soccer Club and NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars announced the hiring of 30-year-old former professional goalkeeper Jordan King as the new Goalkeeper Director. EclipseSelect.org spoke with “Jordi” King, who recently served in a goalkeeper coach capacity with the U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team under the guidance of head coach B.J. Snow.

King began his dual duties with Eclipse Select and the Red Stars at the beginning of April. We delve into King’s first conversations with Eclipse Select President Rory Dames, his background, and how his demeanor and values mesh with the model embraced at Eclipse Select.

Q: How did the opportunity to join Eclipse Select and the Red Stars come about?
Jordan King: “I was with U.S. Soccer and working there part-time. I got to work with a bunch of high-quality goalkeepers, and that really opened my eyes to what else is out there. When I got this opportunity from Rory it was something that just was too good to pass up because it was Eclipse and it was the Red Stars as well. That made a big impact. The way that Rory sets up the club and kind of brings back old players, old goalkeepers, to train with the Red Stars, really was appealing to me because I do love to see the transition from club, to college to professional. To be able to work with all of that from a young age and then see them out all the way to that ultimate level was something that was really eye opening. That’s one of the main reasons that I decided to make this move. The players that I was working with privately back home and working with the national team, I would love to see them out, but the next step just wasn’t in my hands. Now, to be capable of making the decisions whether or not to bring them into the Red Stars is something that I think is an awesome opportunity for any coach to be able to do and see.”

For the full interview, visit EclipseSelect.org.