Scott Juniper Position: Head Coach

Scott Juniper is entering hisfourth season as head coach at UC Irvine and fifth overall with the program.

In 2009, Juniper's Anteaters reached the Big West Tournament for the second time in his first three seasons going 12-7-2 overall and 4-3-1 in Big West play finishing in a tie for fourth place.

In 2007, Juniper led UCI to a 11-7-2 record overall and a 5-2-1 record in the Big West. That season the `Eaters finished third in the Big West to qualify for the Big West Conference Tournament. In 2006, Juniper was an assistant coach at UCI under April Heinrichs.

Prior to joining the Anteater program, Juniper was an assistant coach for the UC Riverside men's soccer program for three seasons from 2003-05 and an assistant coach at the University of Bristol (England) from 1998 - 2002.

Juniper earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Bristol (England) in 1998 and went on to receive his Master`s in sport and exercise science from the University of Bath (England) in 2002. His Master's thesis investigated the group dynamics of elite soccer teams. Juniper's research which was published by the English F.A. Coaches Association Journal in 2003 and "The Sport Psychologist" in 2006 was based on work with top ranked collegiate soccer programs in the U.S. and a number of professional academies in England. "I have been fascinated by the psychological components of elite athletic performance for many years and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to study in this area. My research outlined how an understanding of role states can help coaches affect the cohesion and confidence of their athletes and teams. It has certainly influenced my coaching style and I continue to explore a variety of ways in which sport psychology can impact our sport." Coach Juniper also delivers soccer specific sport psychology presentations to a number of organizations including the Region IV Olympic Development Program.

As a collegiate soccer player in England at the University of Bristol, Juniper was named both Freshman and Player of the Year in 1996 and was the leading scorer in 1996 and 1998. During that time, Juniper represented England Universities at the regional level. In 1995, he captained the Colchester Sixth Form College to a high school national title and in 2001 he was part of the National Championship winning team at the University of Bath. He also played for a number of semi-professional teams in England.

Juniper holds the U.S. Soccer Federation "A" coaching license, UEFA "B" license, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA Goalkeeper license, and a Speed, Agility and Quickness trainer accreditation. He is also on the Cal South coach education staff and coaches with the Boys and Girls Cal South and Region IV Olympic Development programs in addition to local clubs and community programs.

Juniper's Publications

Juniper, S. W. & Mellalieu, S. D. (2003). The Impact of Role States on Team Effectiveness. INSIGHT - The Football Association Coaches Association Journal, 4, Vol. 6, 59-61. Mellalieu, S. D., & Juniper, S.W. (2006). A Qualitative Investigation into Experiences of the Role Episode in Soccer. The Sport Psychologist, 20, 399-418.

The Juniper File