Meet Naji Shatliff

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

Naji, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

For a long time, I thought my purpose was just to win games. Growing up, soccer was about competition, about pushing yourself to the limit, and about celebrating the victories that came after hard-fought battles on the field. But when I transitioned from playing to coaching, something shifted. It wasn’t immediate. At first, I approached coaching the way I had approached my previous career—focused on results.

Before coaching, I spent years in IT sales, chasing financial success. My days were filled with quotas, targets, and the constant drive to close the next deal. It was rewarding in some ways, but I eventually realized it lacked the deeper fulfillment I was looking for. I knew I wanted to make a bigger impact—not just on my own life, but on the lives of others. That’s when I made the decision to leave behind the pursuit of money and shift my focus toward helping children develop both on and off the field.

When I started coaching, it was easy to fall back into the mindset of focusing on wins and losses. But then something happened that changed the way I saw my role. It wasn’t during a big game or at a trophy ceremony. Instead, it came in the quieter, more unexpected moments.

One season, I had a team that struggled. We weren’t winning, and as someone who had always been results-oriented, that was hard to accept. But I began to realize that the kids weren’t fixated on the scores the way I was. For them, the game was about more than winning; it was about friendship, joy, and the pride of learning something new. Watching them, I realized my true role wasn’t just to make them better players but to help them become better people.

I found my purpose not in teaching the perfect strategy or winning championships, but in helping kids develop resilience, confidence, and life skills that go far beyond soccer. Whether it’s teaching them to handle defeat with grace or encouraging teamwork and discipline, I now understand that my impact extends well beyond the field.

Leaving IT sales and the world of chasing financial rewards behind was the best decision I ever made. Coaching has given me the opportunity to influence the next generation, helping them navigate both the challenges of soccer and life. And in return, these kids have taught me what it means to truly win—not just in sports, but in the journey of personal growth.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At Shatliff Soccer, my focus is on building well-rounded soccer players who not only excel on the field but also develop essential life skills that go beyond the game. Our training philosophy is centered around three core values: **Positivity, Leadership, and Grit**. These qualities help us nurture highly skilled players while also fostering personal growth and character development in each child.

We believe in starting with a strong technical foundation, especially for younger players. Training sessions are designed to maximize touches on the ball, encouraging familiarity and confidence. Mistakes are viewed as valuable learning opportunities, and we emphasize the importance of thinking critically on the field. As players advance, we introduce more tactical elements and create training environments that push them beyond their comfort zones to prepare them for real game situations.

What excites me most about our work at Shatliff Soccer is the culture we’ve built—an environment where players are challenged to think for themselves, problem-solve, and understand the “when,” “where,” and “why” behind their decisions on the field. We guide players with thought-provoking questions, rather than dictating every move, so they can gain a deeper understanding of the game. This approach not only builds better soccer players but helps mold independent, resilient individuals.

We also place great importance on respect and discipline, both for our players and the overall training environment. Players are expected to be punctual, respectful, and prepared, and our coaching staff ensures that every training session is organized and professional.

Looking ahead, we are expanding our programs to offer more specialized training, including goalkeeper development, which is a growing focus for us. Our aim is to continue providing players with the tools they need to succeed both on the field and in life, while also fostering a lifelong love for the game.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey as a youth soccer coach are resilience, adaptability, and empathy. These skills not only shaped me as a coach but also guided how I work with young athletes today.

1. Resilience: There were times when results didn’t come, and I had to remind myself that progress isn’t always linear. As a coach, and even in my earlier career in IT sales, there were setbacks and challenges, but resilience kept me focused. My advice to those starting their journey is to embrace failure as part of the process. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and improve—especially when working with youth, where development is ongoing. Don’t let short-term losses define your path; stay committed to the long-term goals.

2. Adaptability: Coaching requires constant adjustment. What works for one team, player, or season might not work for the next. The ability to shift strategies, communication styles, and approaches was crucial for me. For anyone beginning their journey, be open to change and ready to pivot when necessary. Whether you’re managing a team or a business, learning to adapt to new circumstances will help you stay relevant and effective.

3. Empathy: Understanding where others are coming from, whether it’s a player, parent, or colleague, has been instrumental in my coaching journey. This allowed me to connect with players on a deeper level and help them grow not just as athletes, but as people. For those starting out, remember that leadership is about relationships. Cultivating empathy will help you create trust and motivate those around you. Take time to listen and put yourself in the shoes of others; it’ll go a long way.

Developing these qualities takes time, but by staying patient and committed to personal growth, they will naturally become part of your skillset.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I focus on two things: prioritizing and taking a step back to reset.

1. Prioritizing: When tasks start piling up or situations become stressful, I remind myself that I don’t need to solve everything at once. I focus on breaking things down, identifying what’s most important, and tackling that first. This not only makes things more manageable but gives me a sense of progress, which helps ease the pressure. My advice here is to always keep a clear list of what’s urgent versus what can wait. When you focus on one task at a time, you avoid getting paralyzed by the big picture.

2. Taking a step back: Sometimes, when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I give myself permission to take a break. Whether it’s a short run, tennis, or even just stepping away from the screen for a few minutes and listening to some music, hitting pause allows me to reset my mind. Often, stepping back helps me return to the task with a fresh perspective. For others facing similar feelings, I’d say: don’t be afraid to step away for a moment. It’s better to come back with renewed energy and clarity than to keep pushing when you’re mentally drained.

Lastly, I also lean on the support system I’ve built, whether it’s asking for help or talking things through with someone I trust. My advice: don’t carry it all on your own. Whether it’s professional or personal, having someone to talk to can make all the difference!!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shatliffsoccer.com
• Instagram: @shatliffsoccer
• Facebook: @shatliffsoccer

Image Credits

Shatliff Soccer