Cape Coral, August 30, 2020
Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions FC has appointed Yvonne Ploeg as the new Head Coach for the Women’s team. Yvonne Ploeg played for the Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions FC Women’s team herself in 2018 and 2019.
After she graduated at Lindsey Wilson College, she became the Assistant Coach for the University of Charleston in 2019. She is returning as Assistant Coach for the 2020 season as well. FGCDL FC interviewed Yvonne on the upcoming season, her first as Head Coach.
FGCDL: Can you tell everyone a little bit more about yourself?
YP: My name is Yvonne Ploeg, and I am from the Netherlands. I have been in the United States since 2015. I grew up playing soccer with my triplet sisters and older sister and brother. Our parents are our biggest support!
FGCDL: For what clubs have you played?
YP: I am a former player of SC Heerenveen (Premier League in The Netherlands), Lindsey Wilson College (NAIA), Georgia State University (NCAA D1), and Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions FC (WPSL).
FGCDL: In 2019 you switched from playing to coaching, what made you decide to do that?
YP: During my College Career, I had to deal with several injuries, so I started to focus more on the coaching aspect of the game which I really enjoy.
FGCDL: How was your first season as a college coach?
YP: My first season was very exciting! I got the opportunity to work with experienced coaches and it was full of new learning lessons. I also had the chance to bring my own coaching philosophy into the Women’s Soccer program.
FGCDL: How do you look back on your two years with the FGCDL FC Women’s team?
YP: It was a great experience to play with college players from different levels and cultures. It was also interesting to see that we had former professional players from our partner club, ADO Den Haag, joining us for the WSPL season. I believe this is a great way for players to get ready for the upcoming season and to learn and develop themselves into better soccer players. Plus, we won the Conference Championship in 2018 and advanced to the National Championship Regionals, which was great.
FGCDL: How did Covid-19 affect you personally?
YP: I decided to go back home and stayed with my family during these uncertain times. I spent many hours on calls and virtual meetings to educate myself more and also prepare us for the upcoming Fall and WPSL season. So COVID-19 also taught me new insights from a coaching and leadership perspective.
FGCDL: With the 2020 season unfortunately canceled, the club is already preparing for next year. What are your expectations for the 2021 season?
YP: I have high standards and expectations for next season. We are starting very early in our recruitment process and aim to have a great group with a combination of experienced and younger players from both the USA as well as Europe. Our team goal is to win the Sunshine Conference again.
FGCDL: What do you plan to do as far as the recruitment of players for the 2021 team?
YP: We are excited to start a partnership with Kingstalent, this will help tremendously in the recruiting process for the upcoming season with players that have already “proven” themselves in (college) soccer in the USA. Our plan is also to have a large number of international players joining the team combined with talented local players. FGCDL FC will offer try-outs in the US (February/March) but also in The Netherlands (November) for the first time. I am also looking forward to welcoming players through our partnership with Dutch Premier League Club ADO Den Haag Women. So overall we are looking forward to have a great combination of local, US and international players joining the team and providing an exciting mix of players to our soccer community!
FGCDL: What can players expect if they join the team?
YP: From the program, players can expect a very professional environment. From the level of players, the training location, stadium, gear, team meals on game days to also some fun team events. We will train 3-4 times a week depending on our schedule. From myself, they can expect a very passionate coach, who has a clear coaching and training philosophy and puts the standards and expectations high for the Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions FC.
FGCDL: Why should people even come and watch the Women’s team?
YP: The WPSL (Women’s Soccer Premier League) is a very strong league and is a very competitive competition during the summer. It is the second-highest level in the United States, so you can expect great players and games. Several players of the US National Women’s Team played in the WPSL. Twelve players of the team that won the World Cup in 2019 played in the WPSL. And Rose Lavelle, who won the Bronze Ball, played two years in the WPSL for our sister club Dayton Dutch Lions FC. I believe it will be a exciting to see the Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions FC live in Cape Coral. Also, the club will organize great fun/entertainment activities before and after the games!
The exact try-out dates to join the Women’s team will be announced in the coming months. The schedule for the 2021 season will be made in January 2021.