
Episode #114
114: ️ Nathan Kogut: Building a Championship Program & What College Coaches REALLY Look For
On this episode of Inside College Soccer, host Don Williams sits down with Nathan Kogut, Head Coach of Lamar University Women’s Soccer, for an inside look at building a championship-winning college soccer program and developing players capable of competing at the highest levels. Since taking over at Lamar in 2022, Kogut has transformed the Cardinals into one of the Southland Conference’s most successful programs. In each of his first two seasons, Lamar won both the SLC regular-season and tournament championships, earning back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. His 2023 team finished 15-3-3, went unbeaten in conference play, and recorded a historic victory over No. 17 Xavier, the program’s first-ever win against a nationally ranked opponent. The conversation dives into what it takes to identify, recruit and develop players at the NCAA Division I level. Nathan shares insight into what college coaches are actually evaluating throughout the recruiting process, how players can separate themselves from other prospects, and why finding the right fit matters just as much as talent. He also reflects on a coaching journey that has taken him through almost every level of the college game, from helping launch a new NCAA Division II program at Glenville State to assistant coaching roles at Alderson Broaddus, Rhodes College and Illinois College before progressing to Texas A&M and ultimately becoming a Division I head coach. Whether you’re a player hoping to play college soccer, a parent trying to better understand the recruiting landscape, or a coach interested in building a successful program and culture, this episode offers valuable insight from a coach who has experienced the college game from multiple perspectives. Brought to you by srusasoccer.com






