Coach Jen Grubb:

Q: When did your interests in soccer start?

I became interested in soccer when I was about 4 years old because my older brother played. When I was younger, I wanted to be like him, so I started playing, too. Then I fell in love with the game. 

Q: How would you define success in the sports world? 

This is something I have used with my teams in the past “Character, Commitment, Success.” I think if you approach things with a high level of integrity and commit yourself to the thing you’re doing, you will find success. That could mean a lot of things to different people, but for me, success is doing well at something you’re committed to. 

Q: How do you stay motivated as a coach? 

This is easy!  I love seeing my players develop their skills and their relationships with their teammates. When players find success, it’s really easy to stay focused as a coach. Separately, I love teaching the game that I love to others!

Q: What is your favorite sports memory?

Probably wearing the US jersey for the first time. It’s a feeling that I can’t even describe. I had just turned 18 about ten days earlier, so I don’t know if I knew how cool it was then! Later in the tournament, I had the game winning assist against Norway, so that was pretty awesome!

Q: What are three things you like about being a coach for the Switchbacks Unified Team?

1)The athletes are amazing!  2) Being a coach allows me to stay connected to the game. 3) Seeing the dedication that is present every time we are on the field. 

Q: What are your favorite sports teams?

I’m from Chicago, so I was a huge Bulls fan when I was younger.  Honestly, now, I don’t really follow any specific teams- I just love watching sports!

Q: What do you like to do outside of soccer?

I do a lot of hiking and walking with my dogs. I love doing my other work which is mental health therapy. And I love to eat!

Q: If you were an animal, which animal would you be and why?

I would be a hawk. Obviously, flying would be pretty cool. But, more importantly, it has been my favorite bird for a long time. They represent courage, fierceness, and loyalty, and those are all really important qualities to me.

Thank You to Colorado Behavior for sponsoring and partnering with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks Unified Team. Colorado Behavior and Learning Group is a behavioral health center with a group of BCBA’s providing ABA behavioral therapy for kids with autism across Colorado’s Douglas, El Paso and Teller Counties.