By Lucy Stoter

News Editor

    After years of success in the men’s soccer program, Coach Sabio has decided to step back, making way for Adam Roach to fill his role as head coach. Hoping to continue the accomplishments of the team, Roach has introduced new rules and expectations, placing more value on unity and the success of the team as a whole. He also expects players to be more driven and determined.

   “Skipping practice for certain things is not tolerated anymore, and communication is definitely a requirement,” junior captain Alex Kuhner said. “Roach has a larger emphasis on communication for the team this year. He expects communication with him, ahead of practices, and ahead of games.”

   Despite his short time as head coach, Roach has already made a significant impact. The team has earned several wins, and he has provided players with knowledge to elevate their game. He’s been coaching for four years and played himself for twenty-four years.

    “I think he has brought in a new perspective with more insight,” Kuhner said. “Roach has different ideas that he conveys in different ways. He has new ways to correct our mistakes and help us improve.” 

    With all of the new adjustments to the team, Roach and the players hope to keep some things constant- namely, their goals and expectations.

    “As a team, we want to continue to focus on winning habits, doing well in conference, and getting our guys in a position to win a playoff game,” Roach said. 

     Considering the youth of the team, none of the players have much experience playing together. With limited preseason time, collaboration amongst the boys is crucial.

    “Our team being a majority of underclassmen makes it both difficult yet very advanced, junior Juan Orbe said. “We have trouble being serious when the time comes, but when we do work as a team, our young minds can come together to be more than just a team.”

    Coming together as a team means more than just working together on the field. Full commitment to shared goals is crucial. 

    “The team has definitely had to change their mentality this year,” Kuhner said. “We obviously still have the same goal to be successful, but now it’s so important that the guys have respect for one another and push each other to want to be at practice and to get better every day.”

    In order to grow as one, it takes a group effort. Everyone has to be willing to work, show up, and challenge one another daily.

    “Surrounded by people my age, it is definitely a learning experience with something new every day,” Orbe said. “Each day we grow stronger as a family and team, and it’s comfortable to feel that way on a team like this.”

    The team knows that achieving its goals this season will not be easy, but everyone is willing to put in the work. 

    “I trust we will be successful this year,” Roach said. “We have a young team, and the next few years are promising.”

    The team holds so much potential, and Roach is ready to unlock it. The future looks bright for men’s soccer.