Testimonials—Former Players
Kara Moore
High School: St. Johns Country Day
Club: Clay County
College: Florida Southern College
A great coach can steer the path of a season but an excellent coach can steer the path of a life. From a young ambitious soccer player to a four year college athlete, Coach Pickett was with me every step of the way. Coach Pickett will show you how to love the game of soccer more than you already do. With top level technical and tactical training sessions, you will develop skills and personal mindsets you have never achieved before. Coach Pickett has an incredible ability to not only get you to the next level, but ensure you have the skills to be successful when you get there.
Delaney Tauzel
High School: Creekside High School
Club: Florida Elite Soccer Academy
College: University of Florida
Coach Pickett is the best soccer coach and person I have ever had the chance to meet. He has such a high knowledge of the game, and knows how to develop players more than anyone I’ve met. I have seen him take in players and improve them to 10 times their current level in just one year. You will not regret the choice to train with him!
Erica Burt
High School: Ponte Vedra High School
Club: Ponte Vedra and Creeks
College: Florida Atlantic University
Coach Pickett has coached me since I was 13 years old. My technical ability and knowledge of the game developed immensely throughout my club career under his guidance. Every summer prior to college, I would attend his 1v1 camp and team camp at NFSA. During summer breaks in college, I would train with him to prepare for my next season. Whether it was fitness or ball work, I always entered preseason ahead of the game. Without Coach Pickett I would have never gotten the college coach exposure or the training levels necessary to be prepared for the next level. Excited to see what comes next in his coaching career!
Michelle Hiatt
High School: St Johns Country Day
Club: JYS
College: Jacksonville University
Coach Pickett is definitely one of my favorite people on this earth! His enthusiasm, passion for the game, and love for his players made every season an incredible experience. If I had to think of one word to describe him as a coach, it would be INSPIRING. He gave me the knowledge to succeed at the college level and continued to support me after I graduated. Most importantly, he supported me in so many other aspects of life beyond just soccer, and I am forever grateful for that!
Carson Pickett
High School: St. Johns Country Day
Club: Creeks
College: FSU
Pro: Orlando Pride / Brisbane Roar
Not only is Coach Pickett my dad, he is the reason I am living out my dream of playing professional soccer. I knew when I stepped on the field with my dad, he was going to provide every detail to make me the best soccer player I could be. The trainings are organized and planned to a tee, so that every minute that you are on the field, you are getting rep after rep and not wasting a minute. He stresses doing the little things well and that has been the difference in my game. I can now identify when something isn’t up to standards, because I can hear his voice in my head saying “the little things will be the difference maker.” He wants the best for every single player that steps on the field and he will no doubt get you to whatever level you strive to be at. Whenever I get a chance to go home, training with him is the first thing on my list. If you get the chance to train with him, you will not only become a better player, you will become a better person.
Chelsea Burns
High School: St. Johns Country Day
Club: Creeks
College: Duke University
Pro: PSV Eindhoven
Coach Pickett has had a huge role in who I am - as a player and as a person - today. Of course, Coach Pickett coached my technique and decision-making. For example, few players learn the value of critically watching film in high school as he taught us. He also understands his kids at an individual level by learning what drives them and what their goals are so that he can push them to their next level. When I was in high school, one of Coach Pickett’s favorite phrases was, “You’re either getting by or you’re getting better.” He would announce it constantly during a difficult workout, but he also exemplifies getting better everyday himself. He is as dedicated to the game as anyone, and he is just as dedicated to each of his players. All that he demands is that you, a player, demonstrate the same commitment and desire to improve. Coach Pickett provides the opportunity and environment to do so.
Morgan Schooley
High School: Pedro Menendez High School
Club: Florida Elite
College: McNeese State University
I have been playing for Coach Pickett for almost three years now. In those three years, I have grown so much as a player and person. His training sessions are focused on preparing us for the next level. Every session is well thought out and planned, based on what we need to improve on. Coach Pickett’s main goal in his sessions are for his players to get better each time we step on the field. Not only physically, but mentally as well. Although it might not be easy, each time I am out there I know I am getting better. After being coached by Coach Pickett over the past few years, I feel like I am ready to take on the challenge of playing at the next level.
Tori Grambo
High School: Bartram Trail
Club: Florida Elite
College: University of Florida
Having Coach Pickett as my coach for 6 years before going off to college prepared me in the best way possible for the next level. He is very committed to creating the best person and player out of everyone he coaches. For him, it is not solely about the result of the game, it is about creating tactical and technical players that will succeed in the next chapter and level of their career.
Megan Rogers
High School: St. Johns Country Day
Club: Creeks
College: United States Naval Academy
I was lucky enough to play for Coach Pickett for nearly seven years, and he was by far the best coach I ever had. He prepared me and taught me everything I needed to know in order to succeed at the collegiate level. He's definitely a coach that will bring out the best in you; his expectations are high, and he wants you to give 110% every day, practice or game. He gave the same of himself, always energetic and ready to train. He wasn't afraid to call us out and demand more of us, only because he wanted to help us reach our full potential. He also wasn't afraid to crack a joke and use his humor to help us get through a difficult practice. His knowledge of the game is incredible, and playing for and learning from him at such a young age really helped me throughout my career. For example, we would study film nearly every week, and as a middle-schooler, I didn't quite understand why. But as the years went by, I realized that it was an integral part in individual and team progress and success. Coach made you feel OK with learning from your mistakes. As any good coach should do, he helped us become better people off the field. The lessons we'd learn in practice and games about grit, determination, teamwork, work ethic, and perseverance translated into who we became as people. These ideals that I learned back in 7th grade helped me succeed at Navy and now as an officer in the Marine Corps. Coach Pickett will help you get to where you want to go, and he'll make sure you're beyond prepared.
Sarah Voglewede (Voigt)
High School: St. Johns Country Day '11
Club: Ponte Vedra
College: University of Notre Dame '15
WPSL: Florida Sol 2012-2014
Coach Pickett will provide the push aspiring collegiate players need to get to the next level. His knowledge of the game and years of experience speak for themselves, but his ability to empower players to set and achieve their goals is what truly sets him apart. Being trained by Coach Pickett throughout my high school and club career gave me the exact preparation necessary to be successful at the Division I level.
Kamy Loustau
High School: St. Johns Country Day
Club: Florida Elite
College: Princeton University
I would honestly say that playing for Coach Pickett has been one of the biggest blessings that God has given me so far. He knows probably more than anyone should about the game of soccer, from the proper foot position to receive a ball out of the air, to how to shoot the ball, to the proper technique to head the ball, to even how to hit a proper punt and goal kick. He has the tactics of the game and the responsibility, positioning, and movement of every position down to a science, regardless of the system you may be playing. He also knows the college recruiting process like the back of his hand and is one of the best resources to go to, even if you don’t play for him, when you do start being recruited because he just has so many connections, and is eager to share them. Like a true student of the game, he never stops learning and seeking to gain more knowledge about soccer each and every day and brings that mentality of always pushing to the next level, to every training session. But even greater than his knowledge and passion for the game, is his heart for his players. Coach Pickett truly invests everything into each individual he coaches. He taught me to have confidence in myself, even when I feel like I am the worst on the field. Coach Pickett is as much my coach as he is my second father. I continue to reach out to him even in college, so if you have the opportunity to train with him, even for a day. Do it.
Avery Patterson
High School: The Bolles School
Club: Florida Elite
College: University of North Carolina
I have been playing for Coach Pickett for the last 10 years, and he has always trained me to perform at my best physically and mentally at all times. He pushed my creativity in 1v1 drills and taught me everything my soccer brain knows about tactics. He always asks “are you getting bye or are you getting better?” Coach Pickett always fuels his players’ drive to get better. He’s so much more than a soccer coach and has made me the player and person I am today.
Alisa Detlefsen
High School: St.Johns Country Day
Club: Florida Elite
College: Troy University
Coach Pickett has been coaching me since I was in third grade and has been a big part of my soccer career for the past 10 years. His training has helped me become the diverse player I am today. Due to him, I am a player that can use my non-dominant foot just as well as my dominant foot. If it wasn’t for the countless amount of hours that I worked with Pickett, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.
Kirsten Pavlisko
High School: St. Johns Country Day
Club: Florida Elite
College: Florida State University
When I met Coach Pickett, I couldn’t kick a ball more than 5ft with my left foot in a straight line. He drilled into me how important it is as a soccer player to be able to use both feet, and now I have coaches that ask me if I am left footed. Coach Pickett has taught me a lot about soccer and about life. We faced many difficulties together and he has helped me get to where I am today. He helped my soccer development more than I could have ever imagined. I have spent countless hours on a field with him encouraging me in different ways. Some days it was an absolute rip and other days it was helpful critiques and encouragement, but it took all of that and him caring for me to realize where I could go with soccer. So I thank him for all of that and his amazing efforts.
.Paige Hunt
High School: Bartram Trail High School
Club: Florida Elite
College: Troy University
I grew up playing with Coach Pickett for 7 years. He helped develop me with my skills individually and how to be a good teammate through tactics of the game as well. He taught me many lessons about soccer, but more about life including: how to work harder than others, to push through adversity, and be the best you can be in all that you do. With his resume, all of my teammates, including myself, got extensive opportunities to be able to get looks from college coaches of all levels. He is the best coach I have ever had, and like a father to me.
Abbey Newton
High School: St Johns Country Day
Club: Florida Elite
College: Florida State University
I had the opportunity to play and train with Coach Pickett for 7 years. He pushed me to be a better player and to get out of my comfort zone in many areas, especially in the air on 50/50 challenges, which helped separate me from other players. Having someone to help develop me as a player and then direct me in the appropriate way in interacting with college coaches and the recruitment process was invaluable.
Aubrey Ramey
High School: The Bolles School
College: DePaul University
I have had the pleasure to know Coach Pickett for the past six years and I can easily say that he is one of my biggest role models. As a coach, Coach Pickett has continually pushed me to be the best player I can be. His training sessions are always intense but every time I leave the fields, I feel like I got better in that session. Whether it is a practice of duels or technical work Coach Pickett creates a high energy, competitive environment where my teammates and I push each other to be the best soccer players we can be. As a person, Coach Pickett is one of the best human beings I have ever met. Not only has he coached me as a player, he has coached me as a person. Coach Pickett preaches about having discipline on and off the field. But also what it means to just be a good person. I am truly blessed to have been able to be coached by Coach Pickett.
Madison Waltz
High School: Fletcher High School
College: USF
Coach Pickett is one of the most intelligent and driven coaches I have ever worked with. After taking time off from club soccer to focus on the technical and tactical side of my game, Coach Pickett gave me an opportunity to join his team. The few months playing under coach Pickett gave me a chance to work on my weaknesses of the game and become a more well rounded player. Without coach Pickett, I would not be where I am today.
Testimonials—Parents
Coach Pickett has been working with our daughter for over 8 years, first at his camps and then on his team at SJCDS. During that time, we've seen her grow tremendously not only on the field as a soccer player, but also as a person. Areas on and off the field that were her weaknesses have become strengths, while her strengths have continued to improve. From technical skills, to tactical concepts, to challenging our daughter to keep pushing herself further, there is no one better. If your daughter has a passion for soccer, Coach Pickett is the ideal coach.
Joseph Lemieux, Jr.
Everyone knows this man is a legend in the game of soccer even though I am not sure he does. As a mom who is supposed to be her daughter's biggest protector... I remember watching my young daughter walk terrified onto the soccer field worrying about this "new guy" who was taking over her soccer team and supposed to make her a better soccer player. I will just say I'm pretty sure she really wanted to please her family back then more than any coach. But over the next many years my amazing daughter has not only developed into a D1 college soccer athlete (Go TROY TROJANS), but also, and more importantly, into a very very mature young female. I wish I could say her family could take the most credit, but Coach Pickett has had such an amazing effect on my daughter. He taught her soccer tactically, but he most importantly taught her mental toughness, humility, confidence, and perseverance. I can't say enough about the man, and you would hear the same from my 18 year old daughter. I always told her when he stops "yelling at you", that is when you need to be concerned. He puts great effort into what his talent is which is to recognize and develop young ladies who desire to become amazing soccer athletes!
Kim Hunt
Coach Pickett is probably the biggest blessing to our Family when it comes to Soccer training for our daughter. His Knowledge, Love and Passion for the game of soccer is amazing and his desire to help his players on and off the field as an athlete and how to navigate through life as a kind, caring person is mind blowing. My daughter’s knowledge of the game, technical and tactical part and her desire to be the best she can as a player and teammate has changed exponentially. His training is hard and intense, and he is great at pushing the players to be the best that they can and to reach their goals. Our daughter has always enjoyed his 1v1 camps and her soccer seasons are always an enjoyable one where she learns so much year after year. We know that our Daughter will have a trusted Coach and Friend for Life and as parents we are so grateful to him for being there to help her. I would highly recommend him for any player to have as a Coach he is truly one of a kind.
Rachel Mateo
Coach Pickett has been a game changer in the life of my daughter Maddie. He thoughtfully assessed her confidence and technical skills at a younger age(14) and placed her on a Club team that allowed her to grow in confidence and as a leader on and off the field. It was this decision, with individual attention to what Maddie needed at the time, that was pivotal in her development as a soccer player on a State Championship Team and ECNL club team. He also teaches grit, responsibility, accountability and self assessment, skills that are invaluable beyond the soccer field. Lastly, he ensures the team and girls give back to the community and practice gratitude in the many team volunteer experiences he champions. I did not mention his soccer coaching ability or tactical soccer genius, because they far exceed my expertise to comment, but I think 9 straight State titles speak for themselves..
Looking forward to having Maddie work with Coach Pickett and the individualized attention to her development as a person and a soccer player!
Laura Grippa MD
“Coach Pickett has always been a positive influence on our daughter Reese. Coach Pickett has been able develop Reese into a more well-rounded soccer player and confident individual. He always finds the balance between being challenging, being encouraging, and being relatable. Reese’s experience with Coach Pickett has been invaluable and will always be something we will be thankful for.”
Keith Wheeler
Clubs don't develop players, coaches do. Coach Pickett knows how to develop soccer players at any level of the game and does so better than anyone we have ever seen. His knowledge of the game, and ability to get inside the head of his players, sets him apart from other coaches. Coach Pickett clearly knows how to "win", but developing great players and people are his greatest attributes. Training with him isn't easy, but it is worth it!
Brad and Tyree Crews
“Our daughter loves training with Coach Pickett and, as parents, we feel at ease knowing that she is always getting excellent training with him while in a safe, competitive environment. He combines the importance of technique, field intelligence, hard work, competitiveness, and fun to get the absolute best out of her and every player. He truly cares about all of his players, and is committed to helping them achieve their goals in any way he can.“
Erika Williams
Michael Pickett came into my daughters life as her Coach when she was 12 years old. He was known to work with older girls but took on our young team and made a commitment to Coach the girls until college. He was crucial in helping her receive a scholarship to University of Florida.
His reputation in Northeast Florida was impeccable as the St Johns Country Day School High School Coach. Not only was his daughter Carson a successful player but his experience with many other local female soccer players was well known.
Mike teaches dedication, discipline and hard work which is reflected not just on the field but in my daughter’s school work, attitude and how she handles life.
My husband and I couldn’t have asked for a better role model, Coach and mentor for our daughter. Any athlete that gets the opportunity to work with Mike is extremely lucky and if they are willing to put in the work will see the reward!
Jon and Tania Grambo
Coach Pickett has enriched my daughter Madi’s life on & off the Fields. He has an innate ability to emotionally commit to Players, harvest their talents & bring out the best in them. He lives & leads at the highest level of excellence which he instills in his Players as well. My daughter became a better Player, Teammate & young woman’s under his leadership. She had the upmost respect & drive to exceed his expectations. She wanted to be all she could be for Coach Pickett & her Teammates. She became a better Goalkeeper through his 1:1 development committed to helping her overcome the odds of her size. Massive focus on communication & distribution of the ball. Huge focus on technical & tactical side of her role.
We would highly recommend Coach Pickett...You couldn’t have a better man leading the development of your Athlete. We are grateful for the positive impact he made in her life and her soccer game.
Bruce and Jenny Fike
"We moved 300 miles to have Coach Pickett train our daughter. She has been in Club Soccer since the age of 8, and has worked with many big club coaches over the years. Coach Pickett is, by far, the best coach she has ever had. It is amazing how much she has learned and improved in such a short amount of time. He is excellent at identifying strengths and weaknesses, and working with those. He is a very unique and gifted coach, and we are very lucky to have him."
Ken and Paige Wilson
Mike Pickett is the best youth coach in any sport that with whom my family and I have interacted. His achievements reflect his own work ethic and commitment over decades. Mike insists on sportsmanship and respect and guarantees this to others. Mike creates an environment where players reach their potential, but never to the detriment of their health or safety. Mike’s record for winning youth and school soccer games is pretty much unparalleled in Florida – but Mike does not allow winning to overtake his ultimate goal for his players – to be empowered, inspired, and motivated to become good human beings. This may be difficult for some to hear – Mike is gifted at managing parents as well as children. Some youth parents wish to inject themselves too much in their child’s activities. Mike is wonderful at something other youth coaches struggle with routinely – creating a healthy relationship between players and parents and kids at the same time. Finally, Mike has fostered and shepherded so many young ladies through the process of achieving college soccer scholarships. He is admired and trusted by college soccer coaches to develop the qualities in his players which they desire for their teams.
Christopher G. Burns, Esq.
Our experience with Coach Pickett has been a wonderful 7+ year journey. His knowledge of the game of soccer is beyond impressive and he taught our daughter skills that elevated her soccer IQ to an elite level. His training is well thought out and effective. He has the unique ability to develop talent in players in a way that helps them grow and shine. He always had our daughter’s best interest at heart. His dedication to his players is like family- you feel like you are part of something special. Always felt he was fair and wanted to get the best out of each and every player. Love his values and how he constantly wants to improve the level of the game!
Bill and Andrea Horton
“Coach Mike Pickett is an incredibly knowledgeable and motivating soccer coach. He builds great team rapport and unity and leads with confidence and positivity. More importantly, he is a kind and caring coach who teaches important life skills that are valuable both on and off the field. My daughter has benefited greatly with his direction and we are blessed to have Coach Mike in our lives.”
The Follenweiders
Coach Mike Pickett has outstanding knowledge of the game of soccer. He has unique insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He will push you through and beyond your comfort zone mentally and physically to help you grow in life and sports. His comprehensive training programs cover every aspect of the sport. He requires players to personally invest in the training program by holding them accountable for fulfilling their responsibilities. He provides honest evaluations, realistic expectations as well as a competitive training environment tailored to the individual strengths and weaknesses of the players.
If you want to play at the next level, you need to train under the guidance of someone with each of these characteristics. These are the reasons we chose Coach Pickett to train and coach our daughter. She will be playing NCAA Division I soccer in the Fall. We have no doubt Coach Pickett was integral to her achieving this lifelong goal.
Megann Schooley
We have had experience with a multitude of coaches and trainers, all with varying levels of licenses, philosophies, and expectations. Mike brings another level of expertise to the game. He does more than coach, he shares his knowledge by teaching all aspects of the game and helps shape each player based on their individual goals. Mike is not only the best tactical and technical coach but is also the most dedicated to the players personal growth on and off the field.
Danny and Glenda Towers
My daughter was lucky to have Mike Pickett coach her even if it was for a short time. There are many positives that I could list about Coach Pickett but the most valuable ones that stand out for me are his depth of knowledge for the game and his dedication to the girls he coaches. During the time my daughter played for Coach Pickett he quickly got to know her as a player and a person. He saw her strengths and weakness and figured out how to push her in order to help her improve on those weakness while she still worked on her strengths. In the time she spent training with him she has grown as a player on and off the field. She has learn a great deal about the game itself, the recruiting process and how to work to become a better all around player. We are very thankful for what he has given our daughter.
Kelly McDonald
Mental fortitude and grit. These are two important qualities Coach Pickett instilled in my daughter. He will spot your child’s weakness, tweak their ability to strengthen their weakness, and most importantly - make them understand the game. His wealth of knowledge from every level (High School, ODP, ECNL, College, and Professional) is one of the main reasons why you need to expose your child to his training. We’ve been fortunate to know Coach Pickett, he has made lifelong impact. Thank you Coach!
Boots Sadler
We highly recommend Coach Mike Pickett. He has been Delaney's club soccer coach for about 8 years and also worked with our other daughter Katelyn through his training camps. Delaney will be playing soccer at the University of Florida in 2020 and Katelyn plays on the UCF Womens Club Soccer team. Coach Pickett's many years of experience as a PE teacher and club soccer coach gives him a unique perspective and skill set to provide an individual and group soccer curriculum that focuses on purposeful engagement and development. He is an excellent trainer of the technical, tactical and mental aspects of the game. For our daughters and all players, he sets high expectations, challenges, gives feedback and charts data to help them better understand their current strengths/weaknesses to set goals and create a personal path for growth. He develops a professional, respectful, trusting relationship with each player that is key to motivation and character development. As a mentor for our daughters, he has instilled such qualities as having belief in one's effort, perseverance, resilience, and being a team player. Our daughters truly love the training and conditioning as much as playing in a game. Through fun and rewarding training, Coach Pickett has instilled a personal work ethic and passion for soccer in our daughters. Coach Pickett will help your player achieve new skills, goals and future opportunities.
Melissa and Mike Tauzel
My daughter only had a brief time with Coach Pickett ... we only wish she would have joined him earlier. He was able to pinpoint her strengths and weaknesses immediately, and his style of coaching was positive, optimistic, and development focused. He was able to combine Madison's skill set and potential with his extensive network of college coaches and helped pave the way for a relationship with The University of South Florida, where she will be joining the women's team in the Fall.
Greg Schwartzenber