Coach Information

Name: Sam VerPlanck

Team : 10U Academy Head Coach

Years Coaching with Dips: Since Fall 2023

About the Coach

Coach Sam  is a dedicated and supportive leader who stepped up when he saw that DIPS team needed guidance and consistency. What began as helping occasionally grew into a commitment to leading the team, fostering both skill development and a love for the game. Coach Sam brings enthusiasm, reliability, and a genuine investment in each player’s growth, creating an environment where young athletes can thrive.

Coaching Philosophy

Coach Sam's coaching philosophy is to challenge players to push past their perceived limits while ensuring the process remains enjoyable. He believes in fostering a disciplined environment where hard work and resilience are developed, but he always balances that intensity with fun and engaging activities. The ultimate goal is to help the players grow their skills and confidence, discovering their full potential without losing their passion for the game.

Highlights & Achievements

• Coached the 8U Community Cup Champions (Diplomats 8U Club, Fall 2025) 

Why They Coach

Coach Sam first recognized the need for involved and dedicated coaches while watching their own children begin learning the sport. Although his original intention was simply to support from the sidelines, he often found himself volunteering  to help. Over time, this naturally evolved into taking on the head coach role to ensure the team had a dependable leader. This experience inspired Coach Sam to create a positive, encouraging environment where players could grow, and it has proven deeply fulfilling to learn the game alongside the children while watching their skills and passion develop.

Fun Fact

Grew up playing lacrosse and ice hockey but not soccer so Coach Sam tries to bring the mentality from those sports over to the game of soccer.