Meet Jay Scruggs

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jay Scruggs. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jay, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I was raised with the belief that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. Following a traditional path, I completed high school and pursued higher education, earning a degree in Civil Engineering from Trine University. As one of the few in my family to graduate from college, this accomplishment was a source of great pride for me.

After graduation, I returned home to be with my family and began building my career. I had a well-paying job and was positioned in an environment where I could excel, yet something always felt missing. While I had achieved a lifestyle that many strive for, I found myself asking, Is this it? Is life just about working day in and day out?

At the time, I enjoyed the financial stability and social life that came with my 20s, but I was also deeply influenced by role models like my father and grandfather—individuals who made a lasting impact on those around them. I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps, creating meaningful change and influencing others in a positive way.

That realization led me to reflect on what had been a constant in my life—soccer. No matter what stage of life I was in, the game was always there. My decision to attend a Division III school in Indiana was driven by my passion for soccer. Post-college, my social circle continued to revolve around the sport, from my Sunday league teammates to the identity I built in high school as the captain of my team and a club soccer player. Looking back, it became clear that soccer was more than just a game for me—it was a calling.

Fast forward to today, and I have fully embraced that calling. I am the head coach of a Division 4 semi-pro team, an academy director, the owner and manager of one of the largest soccer leagues in Houston, and an entrepreneur constantly seeking new ways to grow and develop the game. The passion I have for soccer far outweighs any comfort or stability I once had in the engineering world.

I was raised to choose fulfillment over complacency, and I stand by that. I would take a tough day in the soccer industry over a great day in engineering any time. I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, and I truly believe that all of my hard work has been a blessing. While I didn’t pursue a professional playing career, I can still say with confidence—soccer is life.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am actively involved in multiple projects that keep me engaged and constantly evolving. As a recent new father, I balance my time between coaching, managing, and creating opportunities within the soccer community.

I serve as the head coach and Sporting Director of Katy Jaguars FC, a UPSL team that I have been building and growing since 2023. In just our first two seasons, we reached the league championship, winning the title in our second season and earning promotion to the top tier of the fourth division of U.S. soccer. The mission of the Jaguars program is to provide a platform for talented and hardworking players to pursue their dreams. What I love most about this program is our morning training sessions—our players start their day by chasing their goals, a privilege that sets the tone for their journey. We are currently expanding by building an academy program, integrating younger players into the system, with current players serving as mentors and beginning their own coaching careers.

In addition to coaching, I run and manage Small Goal Soccer (SGS) in Houston, a community-driven 6v6 league that fosters a fun and competitive environment for players of all skill levels. Currently, we operate over 60 teams across four nights in Katy and Cypress, and since our launch in 2016, we’ve built a strong, supportive community. Our leagues extend beyond Houston, with a national presence that allows us to facilitate nationwide competition. What makes SGS special is its focus on connection—I have personally formed lifelong friendships and witnessed countless bonds develop through our league.

Lastly, I am the founder of Soccer IQ, a training program designed to enhance player development by focusing on the mental and tactical aspects of the game. Soccer IQ helps young players learn how to be effective beyond just physical ability, allowing them to think, strategize, and grow into intelligent, well-rounded players.

What makes my work so fulfilling is the pathway I have built—each of these programs complements the others. SGS serves as a scouting ground to identify and bring together top talent. Those players then have the opportunity to progress into the Katy Jaguars program, where they compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, Soccer IQ prepares youth players with the skills and knowledge needed to elevate their game. I also integrate my high school players into the adult leagues, providing them with early exposure to high-level competition.

This vision has been years in the making, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the infrastructure I’ve built create real opportunities for players. My focus now is to continue expanding, strengthening these connections, and ensuring that every player who comes through my programs has the support and platform to succeed.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities have been instrumental in shaping my path: taking action, building a strong support network, and developing resilience. These qualities have not only guided me through challenges but have also helped me grow as an entrepreneur, coach, and leader.

1. Take the Leap – Just Get Started
The hardest step in any journey is the first one. That initial leap is filled with uncertainty, doubt, and fear of failure. I had all of those thoughts when I started, questioning whether I was making the right decision. Looking back now, I am incredibly grateful that I took that chance.

There is no such thing as a perfect path—you will learn as you go. But when you move forward with passion and love for what you do, even the toughest moments don’t seem as dark. The key is to keep going. There were times when I faced setbacks—locations that didn’t work out, marketing strategies that failed, or projects that didn’t gain traction. However, every failure still put me further ahead than if I had done nothing at all.

I live by the phrase: “Choose your tough.” It’s tough to struggle and feel stuck, and it’s tough to push forward and build something great. I’ve experienced both, and I will always choose the tough that leads me toward my goals.

2. Build a Strong Support Network
Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road, and surrounding yourself with the right people is essential. One of the most valuable things I did was build relationships with like-minded individuals who were also chasing their dreams. Whether it was meeting up with fellow entrepreneurs at coffee shops to work on projects or having deep conversations that sparked new ideas, being around others on a similar journey kept me motivated and inspired.

Additionally, seeking mentors played a huge role in my growth. While every journey is unique, there are always people who have walked a similar path and can offer guidance. Learning from those who have navigated the challenges before you can help you avoid common mistakes, gain new perspectives, and refine your approach. Eventually, your path will diverge and become your own, but until then, the wisdom of others can be an invaluable resource.

3. Develop a Goldfish Mentality – Move Forward Quickly
As Ted Lasso famously said, “Be a goldfish.” Things will not always go according to plan—I can guarantee that. Some of the biggest successes in my career happened in ways I never expected, and some of my toughest failures turned into my greatest lessons.

If you dwell on mistakes too long, they can hold you back. I’ve faced challenges that tested my commitment—losing money, struggling with league failures, and dealing with coaching losses that forced me to rethink my entire game plan. I’ve also encountered situations where people took advantage of me, but instead of letting resentment slow me down, I focused on what was next.

Entrepreneurship is a race at your own pace. The most important thing is to never stop moving forward. You have to be willing to adapt, let go of setbacks, and prepare for the next challenge. Success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about how quickly you can learn, adjust, and keep going.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

Whenever I feel overwhelmed—and it happens often—the first thing I do is write everything down. With so many projects, ideas, and responsibilities constantly running through my mind, writing things down gives me clarity and control over the chaos.

I start by listing the 10 most important areas of my life—family, friends, health, my businesses, and other priorities. Under each category, I write specific action items that contribute to maintaining or improving that aspect. This helps me break everything down into manageable steps rather than letting it all swirl around in my head.

Once I have my list, I identify what I actually need to handle personally and what I can delegate. In the past, I tried to do everything myself, which led to constant stress and burnout. Over time, I learned that not every task requires my direct involvement, and building a reliable team has been a game-changer. Delegating allows me to focus on the most impactful tasks while ensuring that everything still gets done efficiently.

With a refined list of tasks that truly require my attention, I then choose five action items to focus on each day. Some are small, routine habits—like walking my dog—while others are bigger projects that require more time and effort. Even if I don’t complete all five, this method keeps me accountable and moving forward.

This approach ties back to Kidlin’s Law, which states:
“If you write the problem down clearly, then the matter is half solved.”

By writing things down, I not only organize my thoughts but also create a clear action plan—which often makes challenges feel much more manageable. When I can see my priorities on paper, I gain the perspective needed to act decisively, delegate where needed, and keep progressing.

For anyone struggling with feeling overwhelmed, my advice is simple: write it out, assess what truly needs your attention, and take action—one step at a time. Over time, this habit builds a system that helps you stay focused, productive, and in control.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.smallgoalsoccer.com, www.katyjaguarsfc.com
• Instagram: @socceriq, @smallgoalsoccer, @katyjaguarsfc

Image Credits

Photos by @Aldoc_photo