Carabins of the University of Montreal | Nadège Akamse’s recipe for success

The rise of Nadège Akamse occurred in stages. One step at a time, with advice and learning.

After more than 10 years as an assistant coach for the Université de Montréal Carabins women’s soccer team, she took over the reins of the team on an interim basis last winter. Her efforts were recognized last week when she landed the permanent position, becoming the fourth head coach in program history.

“It was easy to continue, but now the real work will begin,” she said in a phone interview with The Press.

However, before going any further, she wanted to evacuate any kind of speech concerning her hiring: “I am not here because I am black or because I am a woman. Admittedly, she will be the only woman to lead a Quebec university soccer club next season, but she got the job thanks to her qualities, she recalled.

However, she wanted to salute the “openness” of the leaders of the Carabins and this “step forward”. His success, however, is due to the guidance of his predecessor, Kevin McConnell.

A student of McConnell

Akamse’s assistant coaching role came after six seasons as a player, from 2004 to 2010. McConnell, her coach at the time, asked her to join his coaching staff.

“I was already a football fan, but I think that through our discussions, he may have detected something. This coach fiber. And that’s why he called on me,” she noted.

Once in office, she became McConnell’s runner-up. The latter, whom she described as a “genius”, passed on his knowledge to her.

“I felt Kevin’s support in his speeches,” she explained after her appointment. He gave me a lot of room in the office and in managing the girls. He trusted me 100% and he’s never far away. I will continue to discuss with him. »

But hey, now that she’s in charge of the team, McConnell is no longer in charge. Akamse will bring his own game philosophy and touch to the team.

Key Concepts

There are two fundamental principles for Akamse: honesty and transparency. This is how the former player believes she can get the most out of her players.

“It’s easier to understand their reality [puisque j’ai joué au niveau universitaire], but it all starts with good communication, she said. I have to have a good relationship with the players without being their friend. To show that they can be in an environment where they can flourish. »

On the tactical level, the pilot does not want to paint herself in a corner by limiting herself to a strategy or a tactical scheme. According to the players at her disposal, she wants to remain flexible while respecting the Carabins’ DNA of play, which is based on vertical play.