Coaches Corner
"A Young Team "
I think we are a young team. If you consider our experience on the field, you would think we are a veteran team. And in that instance, you would be correct. But mentally, this team is still searching for “why” they play soccer.
Throughout this season, we have played to the level of our opponent. This has been a theme amongst the players in the locker room and on the field. This became an issue during the Kiwanis Classic and has continued through the past four games we have played.
Everyone wants to discuss Trinity. They are a very good team. This is my favorite team for them since All – American Card played up front for that group. I emphasize team as I did raise an eye brow due to some of the on the field antics from a player or two Friday night.
 Yet we neutralized everything Trinity was trying to do. I could not have been more proud of Joseph Fisher and John Templeton. They were amazing against Trinity and inspired the team to keep pushing on. We did what was necessary playing at the nation's number one. We stayed in the game and worked for our chances to win or draw the match.
I spent the entire day with the group prior to the game with Trinity. I knew we were in for a great game. And it was just that. Yet, I explained to the group at pre-game on Sunday morning before Southwestern, they were not ready to play. And our play was obvious on the field.
What this tells me is that we have a young team. This group is searching for “why” they play soccer. We need to get back to our soccer being about ourselves. Against Southwestern, our play had more to do with Southwestern as a team we felt we could beat. We deserved the win.
I want our soccer to be about the enjoyment of playing together. Our kids were mentally focused against Trinity. Ready for anything, their focus was on themselves. They had nothing to lose. Against Southwestern, we had everything to lose in our eyes and as the official, unreal wind, or a well organized defense held the game close, we began to show cracks in the foundation.
This is a mental attitude that comes with maturity.
I felt blessed to spend time with Taylor LeMaster and Trevor Collier this past weekend. I will give you some insight as well to these two players. Aside from making fun of me for my last Coaches Corner submission, both faced early challenges as players that ultimately effected their playing time. Yet I saw the light bulb go off with both players as they grew up. They saw soccer for what it was. They began to base their soccer not on playing time or win / lose goals but on time spent with friends. Soccer became fun again. This in turn brought about more playing time and success for both players.
I hope our players realize that while our NCAA Tournament run is in major  doubt, they still need to enjoy playing soccer. We define ourselves based upon NCAA bids. I hope that maybe we can better see that we are defined by how we rebound in life. In the end, soccer is about being with your friends, being happy, and taking on challenges as a group. These three points generate momentum that in team sports becomes contagious, which in turn creates a team no one wants to play against.
Finally, I have to say thank you to Josh Will. He took time out on Sunday to pick up my grandfather in Austin and drive him out to the game against Southwestern. My grandfather, Mr. Don Holt, is 98 years old. He has not missed a Southwestern game since 1990.
I am anxious to see the crowd for the Centre Soccer Weekend. I hope everyone is gearing up for this Alumni / Family event and comes to Danville so they can show their support for our team. There will be plenty of food and most important, a chance to spend time with friends and family while supporting something that plays a role in our lives, Centre Soccer.
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