Director of Coaching Education & Development
Ray Nause is the Director of Coaching Education and Development for Rio Rapids Soccer Club. In addition to his on-field responsibilities as a coach, Ray leads the Club’s programming in the areas of college search, coach education and member safety and welfare. He is especially passionate about guiding players and parents through the college search process and helping them to prepare for and find that perfect fit college. Ray has 16 years of experience as a collegiate soccer coach and athletic director. He has also worked as a member of the Region IV ODP camp staff, as a New Mexico ODP head coach and as a coach education instructor for NMYSA, NSCAA, USYSA and SAY Soccer courses.
Ray earned his B.S. in Nuclear Engineering magna cum laude from the University of Cincinnati. He also holds the U.S. Soccer A License, NSCAA Premier Diploma and USYSA National Youth License. Ray was drawn to New Mexico by the high desert climate and landscapes and the many bright sunny days. He appreciates the midwestern values he was introduced to growing up in Ohio and enjoyed the experiences he had while living in Vermont and upstate New York. In his time away from soccer, Ray cherishes opportunities to travel and experience the outdoors and you might also find him at the hard rock concerts coming through town.
COMPANY RELATED
Q: What are 3 words to describe Rio Rapids SC?
A: Development, Integrity & Professionalism
Q: What drew you to become a part of Rio Rapids originally?
A: The opportunity to work with an outstanding, committed and experienced group of coaches as well as a shared vision regarding the value of supporting coaches in their development.
Q: What is your favorite part about Rio Rapids SC ?
A: I am passionate about and truly enjoy working with member players and their families to help them navigate the college search process.
Q: What is your role at Rio Rapids?
A: Each year I coach one of the Club’s high school age girl’s teams – currently the 01/U18G, and I also coach the 08/U11G Premier age group. In addition, I oversee the Club’s coach education and development, college search support program and member safety and welfare efforts.
PERSONAL
Q: What is the first concert you went to? What is the last?
A: I’m a huge fan of live music. I saw so many concerts in high school and it was so long ago that I couldn’t tell you what the first one was! I most recently saw Stryper at the Historic El Rey Theater downtown – I actually admit to being a big fan of 80’s heavy metal.
Q: Any favorite line from a movie?
A: Carl Spackler in Caddyshack as he prepares to dynamite the gopher tunnel: In the immortal words of Jean Paul Sartre, ‘Au revoir, gopher’.
Q:: Best vacation you’ve been to?
A: I love traveling and two of my favorite places to visit are the rocky coastlines of Maine and British Columbia – ocean, mountains, great views and great seafood.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote?
A: “Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
Q: What books are at your bedside?
A: “Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R Tolkien and “Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I find it incredibly rewarding to follow the growth and development of players while they are with the Club and as they move into college and their careers. I see this as the privilege of coaching.
Q:: What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?
A: The internet! I can barely remember how I used to research trips, book flights/hotels/rental cars when we only had the phone book and a land line!
Q: What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?
A: Live in and enjoy as many moments as you can – life goes by in a blink.
