School URL
Chicago State University
NCAA DI • NEC
Date: September 29, 2026
Would Recommend
Tags
Playing for Coach Banks was an experience that challenged me both as a player and as a person. He holds high standards and expects you to take ownership of your development, but you always know that those expectations come from wanting you to become the best version of yourself. One of the things that stood out most was how much he cared about the details of the game. Training was never just about going through exercises. There was always a purpose behind what we were doing and an expectation that we understood the “why.” He pushed us to think about the game, not just play it. His sessions were demanding, competitive, and designed to prepare you for the realities of the game. As a coach, he is very honest and direct. If you weren't doing something well, he would tell you, but he would also give you the tools and information to improve it. He didn't sugarcoat things, but you never felt like his criticism was personal. You knew he was trying to make you better. He also gave players responsibility. He wanted us to communicate, solve problems, make decisions, and take ownership rather than constantly looking to the coaching staff for answers. That helped me become a more independent player and understand the game at a much deeper level. What I appreciated most was that Coach Banks genuinely invested in his players. He wanted to know where you wanted to go and what you wanted to accomplish, and he tried to help you get there. Whether that meant challenging you, giving you confidence, or having an honest conversation when you needed it, he was invested in your development. He's a demanding coach, but he's also a coach who believes in his players. Playing for him taught me that talent only takes you so far. Your attitude, commitment, effort, and willingness to be coached matter just as much. Looking back, I think the biggest thing I took from playing for Coach Banks wasn't just becoming a better soccer player. It was learning how to approach life with more accountability, intelligence, competitiveness, and professionalism. Those are lessons that stay with you long after you leave football.
