A series of exit interviews is part of the winter routine inside the Sporing Kansas City organization. Before players depart for the offseason, they meet with the coaching staff to establish expectations for the following year.
Last November, the conversation with rookie winger Connor Hallisey hinged on a flaw in his mentality rather than one in his skill-set. The desire to make an impression with veteran teammates had made Hallisey passive in his play. He passed the ball often. He showed only rare aggression.
"He needed to come back (this year) with a mentality that he's not a rookie.