To the untrained eye, soccer may seem simple – players just running back and forth, kicking a ball into the net; however, if anyone knows that’s not the case, it would be the coaches.
In order to maintain success at such a high level, you’d need a great coach to lead and provide strategy to crush opponents. In the case of GRC soccer, that would be boys coach Braden Powell, and girls coach William Contreras.
Prior to this season, Coach Powell coached the boys soccer team at Model High School in Richmond. Although it is his first year coaching at GRC, he is still very familiar with the soccer program.
“I played here for two years back when I was in my freshman and sophomore years of high school, so coming into it, I was very familiar with the district, the region, and how this program is set up through KHSAA,” said Coach Powell.
For Coach Powell, all success stems from a good defense.
“For us, everything starts on the defensive end,” he said. “We’re a very strong team defensively. Offense has been kind of up and down so far. We just haven’t been able to put away our chances and put the ball in the back of the net like we wanted to. It all comes from our defense, so that’s kind of where success starts and then we kind of try to go from there.”
Experience is necessary for any team looking to go far. Seniors play a big role in team leadership.
“We have a very experienced group that features 11 seniors, including our two senior captains, Hayden Cockrell and Landon Clark. Both are very vocal leaders and constantly work hard,” said Powell.
Hayden had high praise for Coach Powell.
“Coach Powell has made me more offensive minded and I have been able to give myself more opportunities to score and assist,” Hayden said. “He has been a great influence off the field, connecting with us, and holding us to a higher standard which makes us better men on and off the field.”
Senior Cole Horn noted how Coach Powell was supportive of him through adversity.
“Earlier this season I battled a concussion, and Coach Powell was constantly checking on me and understanding of my concussion protocol, whether it be through text, or when I’d see him, he always made sure to see how I was doing,” said Cole. “That meant a lot to me. It showed how much he cares not just as a coach but as a person.”
Not only does the boys soccer team have a new coach making positive changes for the team, but the girls soccer team is also under new leadership this year.
Coach William Contreras is debuting in his first season as the head coach for the girls soccer team; however, coaching is not new to him whatsoever.
“Prior to this year I was an assistant coach for the boys team, and now with me coaching girls, the relationship building is completely different,” said Coach Contreras. “I still expect the same intensity from the girls team that I’ve had with the boys team.”
Although it is his first year coaching this group of girls, their prior years of playing together has made team bonding much easier.
“All nine of my seniors have been playing together for so long, and they’ve built a really good base together,” said Coach Contreras. “Their chemistry is the heart of the team. The effort they put into every game and practice does not go unnoticed. They make the younger players want to go harder and be better.”
Senior center back Gracie Cecil provided insight as to how Coach Contreras has affected her senior year.
“Coach William has given us a new positive perspective on our senior year,” said Gracie. “He is holding us accountable and making sure we do our job as seniors by preparing the younger class. Off the field, Coach William is always making sure that we have all the tools we need to succeed and prepare for our next game.”
Senior Anna Barnes said Coach William is making her senior year one to remember.
“Coach William is constantly pushing us and motivating us to be the best that we can be,” she said. “His confidence in us has made our confidence as a team skyrocket. He has kept my mindset positive throughout the whole season, making my senior year that much more enjoyable, allowing me to look forward to every game and practice.”
