Congratulations to David Kovack, D.C. United's October Coach of the Month!

David Kovack has spent many years playing and coaching soccer. He has worked tirelessly to cultivate a dynamic learning environment for all players he comes in contact with. With his passion and devotion to youth soccer and his desire to put player development first, it is no wonder coach Kovack was nominated. Everyone at D.C. United would like to thank David for being such a great role model and would like to extend congratulations on being selected as the Coach of the Month for October!

Dave began playing soccer in 1971 in Rockville and soon joined up to play in MSI in their initial season. He also played at Peary High School. From there it was on to UNC-Wilmington and then several DC area amateur teams.

He began coaching in 1992 and soon became involved with the Damascus Soccer Club. He first started coaching in the DSC recreational league, and then when older son Dan moved on to the select league, he followed, and has been coaching both boys and girls DSC teams ever since. But that hasn't been all he has done for DSC. In addition to coaching the Dragons, United, and Steel (where son, Tim, played), he is currently coaching the U17 Blaze and the U10 Blast Red and White teams. His club coaching experience led him to become involved in DSC organizational activities as well, first as a board member, then a Vice President, and since 2005 he has served as the Director of Coaching and Player Development. As DoC his vision for the club has been to create a dynamic environment for all players that promotes their development, both as players and as individuals. He's made great strides towards realizing this goal by attracting numerous experienced professional coaches to the club. He has initiated many training programs for the players and coaches in DSC, and has spearheaded an effort to introduce injury prevention, speed, conditioning, and core strength training programs to enhance the development of players as athletes, as well as reduce the risk of injury. His latest endeavor has been to develop instructional videos that less experienced coaches can use to structure their practices. Dave uses DSC players as demonstrators in these videos, highlighting what can be achieved with professional training techniques. This fall he has joined Damascus High School as assistant coach for the girls varsity team. He also enjoys getting to some of his son Tim's college games, who is a sophomore playing at Robert Morris University.

Dave's philosophy for soccer is simple - create a playing/training environment where every player and coach are given the opportunity to reach their highest potential in a fun and challenging atmosphere. Dave is a dedicated student of the game. He believes strongly in player and coach education, and to that end, he is constantly trying to better himself as a coach. Dave has a vast library of books, videos, and articles, and keeps up with latest trends by frequently attending coaching courses. Dave has the USSF 'C' license, the USSF National Youth License, the KNVB Youth Certificate, several FA online learning certificates (philosophy, fitness, match analysis), and attends the NSCAA Convention and as many clinics as possible each year. He also urges the DSC coaches, and players to get educated too. At this point, 7 of the players on the U17 DSC Blaze have either their USSF 'E' license or the NSCAA Regional License, and his son Dan, who helps with the U10 Blast and the DSC training programs, has the USSF National 'D' license.

Through it all, Dave has demonstrated a tireless commitment to the development of his players and area youth soccer in general, contributing to a flourishing youth soccer program in Damascus. While there are many great youth coaches in our area, none is more deserving of this award than Dave. Our soccer community is grateful, and looks forward to benefiting from Dave's leadership and guidance for years to come.