Photo @Jessica Hendricks Photography
Grove United is pleased to announce Jeff Gettler as its new Director of Coaching.
Jeff Gettler brings a wealth of experience to Grove United, having 39 years of collegiate coaching experience and 308 NCAA men’s soccer victories. Gettler spent 33 years as a collegiate head coach including 14 years (1995-2008) at the University of Richmond [NCAA I], and four years (1991-94) leading Lafayette College [NCAA I], which featured a combined three teams making the national final. He also spent nine years (1982-90) at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst [NCAA I], four years (1978-81) leading Bates College [NCAA III], and two years (1976-77) at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell [NCAA II].
Gettler spent six seasons (2010-15) as coach and Deputy Director of Athletics at Husson University [NCAA III], leading the Eagles to three conference titles and three national tournament appearances. In 2009, Gettler was an assistant coach at Bradley University [NCAA I], working alongside head coach Jim DeRose, one of his former assistant coaches. Gettler is currently the assistant coach at the Randoplh Macon women's progam working alongside head coach Carly Gettler.
While at the University of Richmond, Gettler led the spiders to a top 20 national ranking for a number of years, culminating in a 1998 CAA Championship and an automatic NCAA tournament berth. That team was captained by current Director of Goalkeeping, Adrian Clewlow. They also earned their first-ever NCAA at-large berth in 2002, making their third all-time appearance in the postseason. In 2003, the University of Richmond won its first Atlantic 10 regular season title with its eighth consecutive winning season.
In addition to his collegiate career, Gettler has over 10 years of experience as a Director of Coaching in both state associations and youth clubs. In these roles, he won several U17 & U19 league titles, took his U17 & U19 teams to national championships and managed a staff of over 30 coaches on coaching development. He also initiated, organized, taught, and administered the state association coaching certificate program, having licensed over 270 coaches.
Gettler’s proven ability to connect with players, to identify top talent, and to guide and mentor coaches makes him a valuable asset to the Grove United developmental programs.
“It is an honor to bring someone with Gettler’s pedigree to Grove United. His experience will make an immediate and lasting impact on the program for coaches and players to develop to the next level. As a former player under Gettler, I have seen first-hand the tremendous influence he has on pushing players to the next level, and his addition in the Director of Coaching role will greatly enhance our elite programs,” stated Grove United President, Justin Grove.
Gettler is one of the most decorated coaches in the region, holding numerous licenses and certificates and boasting years of international experience. Among Gettler's credentials are a U.S. Soccer A license, FA International Coaching certificate (Bisham Abbey, England), KNVB certificate (Zeist, Holland), DFB International Trainer-Kongress (Aachen, Germany) and a CBD diploma (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). In addition, he has attended the B license coaching course in Toronto, Canada and two English FA's Managers and Coaches courses in Cheshire, England.
Gettler holds a master's degree in Human Movement from Boston University and a bachelor of arts from Lycoming. With his years of college recruiting experience and an extensive coaching network he will help to guide our players in their college recruitment process.
“Gettler has always been ahead of his time with his training methods. His vast coaching experience and education domestically and internationally offers a unique perspective on player development from tactical, technical, physical and psychological perspectives,” said Grove.
Gettler’s expertise moves beyond developing players, as he is equally as passionate about developing those in coaching roles. He has been at the forefront of pushing coaching education and development on a collegiate, local and national level.
Gettler has been thoroughly involved with the United Soccer Coaches Association and its coaching education programs since entering the field. As a 37 year member of the NSCAA/USC, he has served as a National Staff Coach for the Academy, a Clinician at the National Convention in '84, '90, and '94, he hosted and organized four Regional Conventions in New England, and was the National Convention Program Director for the NSCAA National Conventions in '85, '86, and '87. Gettler was a USSF national staff coach, licensing coaches for national C, B, and A levels of certification.
In addition to his influence in coaching development on a national stage, Gettler has personally developed and mentored numerous coaches throughout his career. Eighteen of his assistant coaches progressed to head and assistant college coaching positions, as his infectious passion for the game influenced others to pursue college coaching careers.
Gettler will oversee the coaching development, curriculum design, and player development within Grove United. He will work with the technical staff to refine training methods and will work with Grove United players to make a direct impact in players’ progress.
“We are dedicated to providing the top elite environment for aspiring players. Gettler’s expertise in mentoring coaches to the next level will push our coaching staff to new heights and therefore elevate the development environment for the players,” said Grove.
Bringing someone with Jeff Gettler’s pedigree into the program further highlights Grove United’s commitment to providing the best training and playing environment for its players.
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