Alumni on the Sidelines - Austin Reynolds

Austin Reynolds

At the age of 25, Austin Reynolds is already making a name for himself in the coaching world. Austin is currently an assistant coach and analyst with Philadelphia Union II, as well as an academy staff member with the club. This is his second season as a member of the Union, where he has worked to alongside some of the brightest young prospects in the country. 

As a player, Austin’s knowledge of the game set him apart from an early age. His decision making and tactical understanding on the field was at a very high level. 

Austin knew he wanted to pursue coaching from an early age. In his senior year of high school, he worked as an assistant academy coach with the Bolts alongside coach Marco Koolman. He returned the following year as an assistant coach and match analyst for the Bolts USL 2 in 2016.

Since then Austin made stops at Oakwood SC (MLS Next) and Nashville SC (MLS), and earned a USSF B license before joining Philadelphia Union in 2020. We are extremely proud of everything Austin has achieved already to this point, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for him in his coaching career!

What was your favorite part about being a member of the Boston Bolts?

My favorite part of the club was the excellent mix of coaches that were a great blend of demanding and supportive, alongside the players and the atmosphere of each training session. I remember looking forward so much to every training session, it was the highlight of my day. Being around other people that were as passionate about the game as I was really refreshing and inspiring, and pushed you to become better every day. Each of the coaches brought something a little bit different to the table, but regardless that atmosphere stayed constant, which overtime led to me developing really close relationships with not only my teammates, but the coaches as well.

What parts of your Bolts experience have you taken with your coaching career?

I try to take several parts of each of the coaches I played for at the Bolts and merge them together, doing my best to trust my instincts about which approach works best at which time to get the best out of individual players. Not one size fits all, and I remember that really well feeling inspired by how I was pushed by the club, as throughout my time I changed. Some days I needed some harsher feedback, while others required a more nurturing approach, which I hadn't really been exposed to before I joined the Bolts. They showed more understanding for the individual athletes than I had been exposed to at that phase in my life, and use that as the main starting point for how I interact with players on and off the pitch.

As a coach, what traits do you look for in your players?

Love of the game, risk taking, and willingness to learn. For me, love of the game is not just about watching every game on TV and knowing all the players, but rather loving every bit about the actual game itself and wanting to master the smallest things that don't appear to be very important to the casual eye but make a big difference. Whether that is the specific technique a pass is played with, timing of movements, or high defensive intensity, I love players that love the game so much that they are willing to go above and beyond to improve and win. This includes their off the field preparation and professionalism, making sure they are at 100% to play as much as they can be.

I also rate players who try things a bit outside the box at the right moments, attempting solutions that I didn't see myself. At the same time though, as they discover themselves within the game, if they are willing to receive tidbits about what could make them a better version of themselves, those traits when they come together lead a really great combination for player development.

In your experience, what is the biggest factor for any player who is looking to have a successful playing career?

Humility is the biggest one for me. While talent can get you through the door, hard work and staying humble not only keeps you in the room, but can open up other rooms that put you where you want to go. As the levels get higher and higher, the physical and technical advantages generally become smaller and smaller, so the way to distinguish yourself is about how and when you do things, which in the ever increasing speed of the game, requires you to be switched on and ready at every moment. If you coast through training or games, someone else is going to take advantage of that as everyone is fighting to fulfill their dreams of making it at the pro or college level.

What's one piece of advice or lesson that a coach taught you that will stay with you forever?

I remember when I first joined the Bolts, my coach at the time said something about us changing the way we thought about the game. Looking back on it, I really know what he was getting at. At the time, we all came from different settings and our focus on the game was more improvised. Once I joined the Bolts, I started to see the bigger purpose of actions within the game, seeing multiple steps ahead, and the "why" behind what we were doing.  I'll never forget the foundation that provided for my eventual coaching career, a choice that was inspired by my time at the club.