Spiideo
Years of head coaching experience
Michael J. Needham
Elite Player Development | Sports Tech Strategist | 20Y Collegiate Coaching & Recruiting Specialist
Wilmington,NC
Summary
Dynamic, results-oriented soccer professional with a strong foundation in innovative coaching strategies and effective program management. Proven track record of elevating girl's soccer programs through performance enhancement while nurturing a positive, collaborative team culture. Exceptional leadership and motivational skills inspire program success and promote individual athlete development, ensuring every member achieves full potential. Committed to fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, driving both personal and collective growth within the program.
Overview
8
8
3
3
Professional Licenses
23
23
Recruiting and Player Development Experience
Work History
Senior Sales Manager
Spiideo
Remote
07.2024 - Current
- Led strategic sales initiatives to increase market share and drive revenue growth.
- Managed high-performing sales teams, fostering collaboration and achieving ambitious targets.
- Developed comprehensive sales strategies based on market analysis and customer insights.
- Streamlined sales processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing response times for client inquiries.
- Established strong relationships with key clients, ensuring exceptional service and satisfaction.
- Increased overall sales revenue by implementing effective sales strategies and building strong client relationships.
- Exceeded annual sales targets consistently by maintaining a proactive approach to lead generation and pipeline management.
- Cultivated a culture of accountability within the sales team by setting clear objectives, providing regular feedback, and recognizing exceptional performance.
Staff Coach/ ECNL-ECRL
Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC
Wilmington, NC
07.2022 - Current
- Developed training programs to enhance coaching techniques and team performance.
- Executed strategic initiatives to improve athlete development and engagement.
- Assisted in the recruitment of talented players, contributing to the overall strength of the team.
- Enhanced team performance by implementing innovative coaching strategies and techniques.
- Collaborated with other coaches to design effective practice drills that increased skill development and teamwork.
- Modeled exemplary sportsmanship during practices and games as a way to reinforce positive behavior among athletes on our staff''s roster.
Enterprise Account Executive
Trace
Austin, TX
12.2020 - 06.2023
- Developed and executed strategic account plans to drive revenue growth within enterprise accounts.
- Cultivated long-term relationships with key stakeholders to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
- Conducted in-depth market analysis to identify trends and opportunities for account expansion.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align solutions with client business objectives and needs.
- Delivered tailored product presentations that effectively communicated value propositions to C-level executives.
- Led contract negotiations, ensuring favorable terms while mitigating risks for both parties involved.
- Consistently exceeded sales targets by proactively identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.
- Collaborated with internal teams to develop tailored solutions for complex client needs, resulting in increased revenue.
Asst.Coach/ Recruiting Coordinator Women's Soccer
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
02.2017 - 12.2020
- Assisted in maintaining an overall record of 28 wins, 21 losses, and 9 ties. Supported team efforts to achieve a Big Ten record of 17 wins, 10 losses, and 7 ties.
- Achieved 2017 NCAA tournament 4 seed as Big Ten regular season champions, demonstrating competitive excellence.
- Achieved designation of 2017 Midwest Coaching Staff of the Year, reflecting commitment to excellence in coaching and mentorship.
- Achieved designation of 2017 Midwest Coaching Staff of the Year, reflecting commitment to excellence in coaching and mentorship.
- Achieved 2017 NCAA tournament 4 seed as Big Ten regular season champions, demonstrating competitive excellence.
- Secured 2018 NCAA tournament 8 seed by finishing 3rd in Big Ten Conference standings.
- Mentored Big Ten Midfielder, Defender, and Goalkeeper of the Year during 2017-2018 season.
- Guided three All-Americans and fifteen All-Big Ten players in skill enhancement, contributing to the academic success of forty-nine Academic All-Big Ten athletes.
- Achieved significant victories against ranked teams, including Florida, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Wisconsin, contributing to overall team success from 2017 to 2020.
- Analyzed team dynamics and instituted a defensive framework that effectively reduced goals against average 2017-2020.
- Received NSCAA/USC Team Academic Award, highlighting dedication to maintaining high academic standards from 2017 to 2020.
Head Women's Soccer Coach
University of Rhode Island, Atlantic 10 Conference
Kingston, RI
02.2011 - 02.2017
- Achieved most wins in women’s soccer program since 2008 (2014)
- College Sports Madness Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year (2014)
- Defeated 3 Top 100 RPI Teams (Syracuse 11’, Harvard 12’, Alabama 15’)
- Coached 7 Atlantic 10 All Conference Players
- Fundraised in excess of $30,000.00 annually
- Implemented a possession oriented attacking style of play
- Increased goal scoring production
- Improved Goals Against Average
- 2011-2016 NSCAA Team Academic Award; Team GPA over a 3.10
Head Women’s Soccer Coach
New Mexico State University, Western Athletic Conference
Las Cruces, NM
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Built our competitive program from scratch in less than 10 months
- Reached WAC Tournament Quarter-Final in First Season (22 Freshman)
- Ranked in the Top 15 in the Nation in Average Home Attendance (1149)
- Provided coaching and support to three All-WAC players, focusing on individual strengths and team dynamics.
- Mentored 24 All-WAC academic athletes to enhance performance and academic excellence.
- Secured NSCAA College Team Academic Award, demonstrating commitment to academic excellence during inaugural eligibility year.
- Directed construction and planning of new training and soccer-specific match facilities.
- Developed and implemented fundraising strategies that consistently achieved annual targets surpassing $20,000.
Asst.Coach/ Recruiting Coordinator, Women's Soccer
George Mason University, Coastal Athletic Association
Fairfax, VA
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Guided two All-Colonial Conference players in strategic gameplay and personal growth.
- Achieved NSCAA College Team Academic Award, recognizing commitment to academic excellence.
- Implemented support systems and resources to maintain a team GPA of 3.3, fostering a culture of academic achievement.
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance athlete performance and skill development.
- Analyzed game footage to refine strategies and improve team tactics during competitive matches.
- Collaborated with head coach to design practice schedules and optimize player training regimens.
- Coordinated recruiting efforts by evaluating prospective athletes' skills and fit for the program.
Asst.Coach/Recruiting Coordinator, Women's Soccer
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Mountain West Conference
Las Vegas, NV
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Achieved two NCAA tournament appearances, demonstrating competitive excellence.
- Secured two Mountain West Conference championships through strategic team leadership and performance optimization.
- Secured historic victory against first nationally ranked opponent in 2006 to elevate program status.
- Established a new benchmark for school victories with 13 wins in 2005 to enhance team reputation.
- Set a school record for goals against, resulting in a prestigious top 12 ranking nationally with a goals against average of 0.590.
- Mentored two All-West region players to enhance their skills and performance.
- Developed training programs for eight All-Mountain West Conference players to improve competitive readiness.
- Guided twenty-eight academic All-Mountain West Conference players in achieving academic excellence and maintaining eligibility.
- Achieved and sustained second highest team GPA within athletic department, demonstrating commitment to academic excellence.
Education
Masters of Education - Physical Education
Drury University
Springfield, MO01-2004
Bachelors of Science - Physical Education, Exercise Science
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI01-1996
Skills
- Skill development
- Personal discipline
- Motivational skills
- Program planning
- Performance analysis
- Player evaluation
- Domestic and International Recruiting
- Game strategy development
- Staff development
Certification
- United States Soccer Federation National “A” License 2002
- NSCAA Premier Diploma 2007
- NSCAA Advanced National Diploma 2006
- United States Soccer Federation National “Y” License 2001
Software
Hudl
Trace
Teamworks
Microsoft Office
IOS
Quote
Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.
Will Rodgers
Interests
Golfing, Fishing, and Meditation
Timeline
Senior Sales Manager
Spiideo
07.2024 - Current
Staff Coach/ ECNL-ECRL
Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC
07.2022 - Current
Enterprise Account Executive
Trace
12.2020 - 06.2023
Asst.Coach/ Recruiting Coordinator Women's Soccer
The Ohio State University
02.2017 - 12.2020
Head Women's Soccer Coach
University of Rhode Island, Atlantic 10 Conference
02.2011 - 02.2017
Head Women’s Soccer Coach
New Mexico State University, Western Athletic Conference
01.2008 - 01.2011
Asst.Coach/ Recruiting Coordinator, Women's Soccer
George Mason University, Coastal Athletic Association
01.2007 - 01.2008
Asst.Coach/Recruiting Coordinator, Women's Soccer
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Mountain West Conference
01.2005 - 01.2007
Masters of Education - Physical Education
Drury University
Bachelors of Science - Physical Education, Exercise Science
University of Rhode Island