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In Episode 10 of Coaching Crossover, and our season finale, we sit down with Jim Koerner, formerly of USA Baseball, and Matt Crocker, former Technical Director at U.S. Soccer.

Matt Crocker: Saudi Arabian Football Federation

Matt Crocker is one of the leading technical directors in global soccer, recognized for his expertise in player development, coaching education, and long-term sporting strategy. In 2023, he was appointed Sporting Director of the United States Soccer Federation, overseeing the federation’s sporting vision across all national teams and development pathways.

Before joining U.S. Soccer, Crocker served as Director of Football Operations with Southampton FC, helping shape one of the most respected youth development systems in Europe. Known for his modern approach to talent identification and player development, Crocker has built a reputation as an innovative architect of high-performance environments.

Jim Koerner: Assistant Executive Director, American Baseball Coaches Association

Jim Koerner is a respected leader in amateur baseball development and coaching education, known for his long-standing impact within USA Baseball. With decades of experience in player development, scouting, and athlete evaluation, Koerner has played a key role in shaping national team programs and supporting the growth of elite amateur talent across the United States.

His work has included mentoring coaches, identifying emerging players, and helping build high-performance environments that prepare athletes for collegiate, professional, and international competition. As a head coach, he led programs at North Carolina Central University, the University at Buffalo, and Marshall University.

Listen as we dive into long-term player development strategies, the impact of over-coaching, and the role of bio-banding and physical maturity in youth sports.