115: 🎙️ Ben Waldrum: Family Legacy and Inside Power Four Coaching (Pitt Women's Soccer)

On this episode of Inside College Soccer, Don Williams sits down with Ben Waldrum - Head Coach of Pitt Women's Soccer and son of coaching legend Randy Waldrum, who joined us on Episode 110.

Ben shares his coaching journey from Notre Dame to FC Dallas to seven seasons as Pitt's associate head coach before being elevated to head coach in May 2025. He gives a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on what it was like holding down the fort at Pitt while his father was coaching the Nigerian Women's National Team at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The conversation covers what it takes to lead a Power Four program, the transition from associate head coach to head coach, and the expectations that come with running one of college soccer's most respected programmes.

Don and Ben also tackle some of the biggest issues facing college soccer today - the 5-in-5 eligibility model, the proposed two-semester college soccer season, and what those changes could mean for coaches, players and recruiting at every level.

Ben also shares his honest thoughts on youth player development in the United States and whether today's development environment is doing enough to prepare players for the demands of the college game.

A fascinating conversation about coaching, family, leadership, player development and the future of college soccer - from someone who has grown up inside the game at the very highest level.

Presented by SRUSA - the world's leading college soccer placement agency.
www.srusasoccer.com