Educate.Motivate.Train isn’t just the name of John Wilson’s business – it’s his passion. As a speaker, coach, and championship-winning athlete, John advocates for the importance of joy, playfulness and enthusiasm in all areas of life. Humbly starting his soccer journey in a pair of Converse high tops, John’s winning mentality and talent with the ball allowed him to experience the sport at the highest collegiate and professional levels.After helping the Clemson University Men’s Soccer program win an ACC Championship, #1 NCCA national team ranking, and an Elite Eight Division 1 Championship finish in 1998, John embarked on an illustrious 15-year professional soccer career with Major League Soccer and the United Soccer League. He won an MLS Cup with the Kansas City Wizards, a Supporters Shield with D.C. United, and 3 USL Championship Titles with the Charleston Battery. John currently serves as an Assistant Coach with the Charleston Battery, an ambassador for the sport to undeserved communities, and a thought leader for business communities on risk taking, trailblazing and teamwork.
Here, find out what brings him creative inspiration, where he gets his coffee fix, and how he made the shift from soccer to speaking.
And don’t forget to mark your calendar for August 17th – John is sure to inspire us all during his #CMCommunity talk at The Gibbes Museum!
What do you love most about your work?
Coaching: That I never think about it as work and everyday there is an opportunity for me to affect someones life through sport. Speaking: I love being able to use words to make people laugh, smile, and to inspire them.
How did you get into public speaking and training? Did you always know you’d wind up in this field?
Unofficially, I started speaking at my dad’s church and would also speak to soccer teams once I turned pro. From there, I started traveling the country on behalf of NCSA, educating parents and athletes on the recruiting process.
I didn’t know I would end up being a speaker. I stuttered as a kid and for some time public speaking terrified me. Once I got over my fear, I realized that I got the same rush on stage that I would get when I was playing soccer.
I always knew that I should be in coaching, but never truly made a commitment at the youth level until recently with ELITE FUTSAL CHARLESTON. I enjoy coaching the pro players, but think I can make more of an impact at the youth level.
How do you start your day? With a prayer and verse/quote, music, 2 glasses of water, coffee, and sometimes a run or gym session.
Tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment.
Becoming the first person in my family to graduate college. Being selected as a TEDx speaker and going through with it. Winning 4 Championships: 3 with the Charleston Battery and an MLS CUP with the Kansas Wizards. Being drafted by Major League Soccer. Having my high school jersey retired.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I’m still searching for it :)
Who or what gives you creative inspiration?
My family, friends, and running.
Coffee gets all of our events going. If you’re a coffee drinker, what’s your go-to order? Medium roast coffee with a little bit of creamer and agave. If I’m feeling something a little sweeter, I go with a vanilla latte. Kudu, the Harbinger, and the Daily are a couple of my go to’s. If I’m in Mount Pleasant, I go to Vintage Coffee.
What is your favorite place in or around Charleston?
Hampton Park and Sullivan’s Island.
How do you unwind or de-stress
Run or play pick up soccer.
Rapid fire:
- Morning person or night owl? Not a morning person.
- Summer or Winter? Summer
- Mountains or beach? Mountains
- Pancakes or Waffles? Waffles
- Fiction or non-fiction? Non-fiction
Photos by Keely Laughlin Photo
