From Goalkeeper to Storyteller (Episode 52 ft. Jeff Attinella)

From goalkeeper to storyteller. Jeff Attinella spent 11 years as a professional goalkeeper, nine of them in MLS, including time with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. In this episode he gets into the blame and pressure that come with playing in goal, unlearning perfectionism after soccer, the injuries that ended his career, and the second life he has built as a coach, children’s book author, and the brand and content voice trying to grow the game for the Rowdies. Filmed at Studio 21A in Downtown Tampa. Chapters: 0:00 From Goalkeeper to Storyteller 1:19 Icebreaker: The Most “Goalkeeper” Thing About Him 2:51 More Blame Than Praise: Life in Goal 4:42 Unlearning Perfectionism in the Real World 8:26 Leadership: Reading People On and Off the Field 11:14 The Injury at His Career Peak 12:50 Coming Home to Tampa and One Last Shot 15:36 Losing His Identity After the Game 17:34 Coaching Kids: What This Generation Gets Right 19:44 Picking One Sport Too Young, and Starting the Academy 21:15 Plot Twist: Writing Children’s Books 23:57 Growing the Game: Reaching Casual Fans 27:06 Rapid Fire 29:06 Where to Find Jeff and a Free Rowdies Ticket Connect with Jeff: Instagram: @jeff_attinella1 LinkedIn: Jeff Attinella Facebook: Jeff Attinella Catch a Rowdies match at Al Lang Stadium in St. Pete. First-timers can reach out to him for a free ticket. Subscribe for a new guest every episode, sign up for our newsletter, and tune in next time. 21 Minutes With… is produced by The 21st Agency.