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Initially, coaching seemed the easiest way for Robin Confer (Clearwater Central Catholic) to stay in soccer-playing shape after graduating from North Carolina in 1997.
This spring, Confer accepted the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator position at Georgia.
Selected for the U.S. National Team in 1996 and '97 and drafted by the Boston Breakers in the 2001 inaugural season of women's professional soccer, Confer knew she needed to be in an environment conducive to training consistently.
What she may not have realized was that a coaching career was evolving as she volunteered at her alma mater, then served as an assistant at Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Florida State (2003-'05). "I started coaching straight out of college, so that was a transition for me," said Confer, 29. "Players weren't much younger than me, and that was a big adjustment.
"I had some great opportunities and learned a lot from all the coaches I played for and coached with," she said. "What I realized was that I loved coaching."
Confer's college career was even more record-setting than her high school seasons as a three-time all-stater, the national club championship team's MVP and the 1994 Florida Prep Player of the Year and a Parade All-American. At North Carolina, Confer played on three NCAA championship squads and was named first-team All-American. In 1997, she was picked the most valuable offensive player in the NCAA Final Four and chosen the national player of the year. Confer was captain of the under-21 U.S. National Team and made her international debut in 1996.
Reaching her goal of a pro career was short-lived when Confer injured her back in the first 45 minutes of her first game with Boston. "I wasn't able to play after that injury and had also hoped to play on a World Cup or Olympic team," Confer said. "I had the chance - and only a very small percentage of players have that opportunity - and I was just happy to be there at the camp."
Confer's first and final professional game was played on Fetzer Field, North Carolina's home turf, and having her friends there was a huge highlight for Confer. "I tell the girls to not take opportunities for granted, because things can change so quickly."
Confer was at Mississippi State for three years before Patrick Baker, FSU's head coach, offered her an assistant job in 2003 at Florida State. They met when Confer was in high school and at a regional Olympic Development Program camp. Baker was among the coaches.
"Having worked with Robin at the highest level, I always followed her career," Baker said. "When I went to FSU and needed to make a change, Robin represented what I was looking for."
When Baker was offered the challenge to turn around a 4-9-5 Georgia squad, he again called on Confer. Currently, the team is 10-4-2, including a 2-1 victory over 21st-ranked Vanderbilt. "Robin has truly grown and matured as a coach," Baker said.
MORE SOCCER: Georgia freshman midfielder Kathleen Howe (St. Petersburg Catholic) has played in 13 games.
Nova Southeastern sophomore goalkeeper Nicole Paquette (Seminole) was selected the Sunshine State Conference Defensive Player of the Week this month for a combined 15 saves in two games.
Kristin Weldon (Keswick Christian) is a freshman midfielder for Columbus State.
Lynn's Richard Legg (Seminole) has one goal in nine games.
Travis Young (Largo) is a junior defender for Milligan College.
DIVING: Austin Hampton (Admiral Farragut) made an impressive college debut for North Carolina State by winning the 1-meter event in the Wolfpack's opener.
FOOTBALL: Through seven games, Wake Forest sophomore receiver Kevin Marion (Dixie Hollins) is third on the squad in all-purpose yards. Sophomore walk-on Trey Schmidt (Shorecrest) should see action on Wake Forest's scout team.
Chris Davis (Gibbs) is a senior receiver for Wake Forest, and Chip Brinkman (Clearwater Central Catholic) is a redshirt freshman receiver. Louis Frazier (Clearwater) is an offensive tackle.
Junior linebacker Torri Zaniol (Seminole) has collected 16 tackles for Denison. Junior linebacker Lawrence Dimmitt (Clearwater) recorded his first tackle for Denison in a 53-6 win over Hiram.