This month, we’re excited to feature Coach Dustin Wiggs, the dedicated leader of BVB 12 – Black. We had the opportunity to ask Coach Wiggs a series of questions to gain insight into his journey into coaching, fun facts about his life, and the valuable advice he has for young, aspiring players.
What inspired you to start your career as a soccer coach, and what do you find most fulfilling about coaching?
Growing up, my father was a soccer coach and I really admired the way that he used this opportunity to mentor kids not only in sport but also in life. He changed many kids lives just by being that authoritative father-like figure that most of them needed. Being someone that can possibly change a child's life for the better is definitely the most inspiring thing that I find in coaching.
Can you share a memorable moment from your coaching career that you consider a major achievement?
I can't think of just one moment but being able to coach both of my children has definitely been the highlight so far of my coaching career. Being able to spend the time and watch them grow along with all of the other kids that I have coached for several years has been the major achievement so far.
What’s something unexpected or unique about you that others might not know?
I grew up right here in El Paso and have played soccer since the age of 4. My club team growing up won 3 south Texas state championships and I captained my high school team to district and bi-district championships. I love giving back to this community and for a second job I see home health patients in low income areas of El Paso and Southern New Mexico.
Who has influenced your coaching philosophy the most, and how has their impact shaped your leadership style?
My Coaching style is a mixture of my father's coaching and my youth club team coaches coaching style. I want the kids to know that I care about them and that I want them to succeed in life just like my father did during his coaching career. I also expect a lot of my players and I expect them to succeed on the field with what I have taught them in training just like my club coach on the team I grew up playing for.
What advice would you give to young players striving to improve their skills and achieve their goals?
My advice would be to train on your own at home as much as you can. The more you touch the ball the more comfortable you will be. Even if you think that you are a good player you need to realize that you can always get better. Even the best players in the world train to improve every day.
Benjamin Grajeda
Communications Specialist
BVBIA - El Paso