Brian “Jaws” Jaworski became the men’s soccer’s head coach in 2004. In 2006, he also took the position of head coach for the men’s golf team, and has been an assistant track coach for throws for two years. Jaworski played soccer for DePauw University’s soccer team from, where he became the first and only player in the school’s history to earn all-America honors for men’s soccer. He was inducted into the DePauw Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002.
Where does the nickname ‘Jaws’ come from?
It goes back to when I was in high school. With my last name, people started calling me “Jaws.” It’s just a lot shorter to say. It was my nickname all growing up. Now it’s “Coach Jaws.”
How difficult is it to coach two different teams?
Initially, it was really hard. It was most hard in that I can’t teach the golf swing. I’m not an expert. It was difficult originally because I wasn’t getting that teaching satisfaction that I got with the soccer team. There was the anxiety of coaching two sports. When other soccer coaches are out recruiting, I’m at a golf meet. So I’m trying to build up a soccer team, but you need to recruit to do that. Over time, I have really enjoyed coaching both of them.
What are your expectations of the teams?
The expectation, for both teams, is that you are going to have to play as hard and as unselfishly as you can. In order to play as hard as you can, you need to be in very good physical condition, so that is an immediate expectation. The second expectation is that you have to be a good teammate, which is easier said than done.
Do you have any pre-match rituals?
If I can get a pre-match workout in before a game, that is ideal. I like a big Mountain Dew. Also, just going out and greeting the other coach, that’s a fun thing to do.
Have you found a coaching method that works for you?
There’s no doubt that I like to develop a personal relationship with each player. I like to go the extra mile for the players that I coach. I think that gets extra effort from them, if they know I’m working as hard as I can to help the team … That’s really it.
How did you get involved in coaching?
I knew I wanted to be a coach since I was about 10 years old. I had good coaches growing up. After college, I had student loans and goals, so I got a job at Mobil Oil for a couple years, gave them my two week notice, married my wife and then started at [DePauw University] to start coaching.
Do you have a favorite golf course to play?
I probably play less golf since I was named golf coach … I don’t know why, but that’s how it is. The best courses we play are in Tucson, Ariz. in the spring. I really enjoy the Tucson Country Club. That’s probably my favorite course.
Do you ever feel inspired by your players?
All the time. What I have always loved about coaching is how the student-athletes show you how incredible they are. How resilient they are. How quickly they can bounce back from a really tough defeat. What they are willing to do for each other. The sacrifices they make. How they get along. I like to see emotion. My golfers and my soccer players here have given me incredible memories. They have given me all that they have, and that is what means the most to me.
