Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eric Capone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Eric, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

My journey into coaching youth soccer began during one of the most challenging times of my life. In October 2020, I lost my son, Noah, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. His strength and perseverance taught me lessons in resilience, patience, and compassion—qualities that now define my coaching philosophy.

Shortly after moving back to Arizona from California, where my family had lived for six years, I reconnected with my former soccer coach. He invited me to an orientation for Phoenix Rising’s youth soccer program. At that point, I was searching for purpose and a sense of direction, and this opportunity felt like the right step forward.

On my first day, I worked alongside Mick Reevey as an assistant coach for a 2012 girls’ team. It was immediately clear that coaching was more than just a job—it became a calling. The same life lessons I learned through my journey with Noah—resilience, problem-solving, honesty, and kindness—translated seamlessly onto the pitch. Coaching has allowed me to channel my experiences into something positive, helping young athletes grow not just as players, but as individuals.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I currently serve as the head coach for the 2012 program at Next Level Soccer Academy, one of the top youth soccer programs in the country. My coaching philosophy focuses on personal growth alongside delivering a comprehensive soccer education. The level of dedication required to maintain our standing among the best is both demanding and deeply rewarding.

My own journey has taught me the profound impact a coach can have on a young person’s life, especially during difficult times. I strive to be that positive influence for the athletes I work with, helping them pursue their dreams while also developing resilience, discipline, and character. This role is both a responsibility and a calling—one that I feel uniquely prepared for because of my life experiences, not only in soccer but in overcoming personal challenges.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Throughout our journey with cancer, my son and I made a conscious decision: no matter how tough things got, we wouldn’t let it stop us from smiling or finding joy in the moment. I firmly believe that if you can find a reason to smile, you can overcome anything. During his treatment, I came across a quote from Marcus Aurelius that resonated deeply with me: “Wherever a life can be lived, so too can a good life.” That became our mantra.

Even in the darkest moments, we found light. We would be awake in the middle of the night in a hospital room, jumping on the bed and blowing bubbles, or heading straight to the park to go down the slide right after being discharged. From the outside, the situation may have looked grim, but within our little world, we were making the best of every moment—and, believe it or not, we were genuinely having fun.

Of course, I felt anger and sadness. But I knew those emotions wouldn’t help or serve our journey. My focus was on making Noah feel optimistic, supported, and surrounded by love. After his passing, it was his resilience—his ability to smile through the hardest moments—that became my greatest inspiration. His strength gave me a new sense of purpose: to live fully and help others push through their own struggles.

Now, as a coach, I honor Noah’s memory every day by helping young athletes navigate their own challenges, both on and off the field. The resilience, patience, and perspective he gave me are qualities I strive to pass on to every player I work with. For that, I will always be thankful—because Noah didn’t just shape my life as a father, but also gave me the tools to become the mentor and coach I am today.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I don’t believe in the concept of unlearning. To unlearn something would imply erasing a lesson, an experience, or a perspective that once held meaning. But I see life as a continuous evolution—every belief, every challenge, and every ideology I’ve carried has served a purpose at some point. Even if I grow beyond a certain way of thinking, that doesn’t mean I need to reject it entirely. Instead, I integrate those experiences into my personal growth, recognizing that they were stepping stones to where I am today.

Life isn’t about forgetting—it’s about refining. If an idea no longer serves me, I don’t discard it; I simply evolve past it. That lesson, however imperfect, still contributed to my journey. Moving forward isn’t about erasing the past but understanding it in a new way, taking what’s valuable, and allowing myself to grow without resentment or regret. True wisdom isn’t in unlearning, but in learning how to reinterpret and apply knowledge as we change.

One of the greatest shifts in my own thinking has been realizing that happiness and purpose aren’t found in serving myself, but in serving others. There was a time when I believed fulfillment came from chasing personal goals, but I’ve learned that true meaning comes from lifting others up. Coaching has given me that in ways I never expected—watching young athletes grow, helping them overcome challenges, and guiding them toward their own successes. That’s where the deepest sense of purpose is found, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Ericcthecreator

Image Credits

Jami Asanovich