The Tiger soccer teams are hard at work practicing for upcoming battles against SLOHS’ toughest rivals. Photo collage courtesy of freshman Sloan Retsek.
San Luis Obispo High School has seen much success in its soccer programs recently, so why do both boys and girls soccer programs have new head coaches this year?
Last year the former head coaches led the teams to some impressive records in league. For Girls Soccer they had a 14-3-4 record and for Boys Soccer a 14-5-1 record, but these coaches were not a right fit for the program leaving empty spaces to fill. The girls’ coaching space was filled with a familiar face: former SLOHS principal Leslie O’Conner. For Boys Soccer, the space was filled by former SLOHS attendee Neal Hetzel.
“I plan to bring a pragmatic, almost old school, approach to the program. We will be solid defensively and explosive in the attack. I like the term ‘vertical soccer’ as I believe the soccer world has been obsessed with possession over the last ten years and I do not see that working well at this level,” said Hetzel.
Hetzel’s approach to soccer, and to coaching, is going to bring the team to another level. From turning to the focus from possession, to attacking and defensive strength will keep more goals out and help get more goals in. Hopefully, improving on the great record from last year.
However, the Girls Soccer program has a slightly different approach.
“This year, we are focusing on a quick press and attacking. We want to be able to score as quickly as possible and battle to keep the lead. We operate very quickly and engage in a high press at all times,” said senior Riley O’Conner.
The Girls Soccer program is turning the focus from possession, to attacking and scoring. With the new focus on attacking and the deep bench of skilled freshman and senior veterans, we can already tell that this team is bound to succeed.
“I’m excited to form relationships with coaches and teammates, as well as traveling and playing different teams. I can’t wait to see what this season brings,” said freshman Mallory Cushing.
Come out to Holt Stadium December 11 and January 10 to support the hard working soccer teams. Good luck out there Tigers, have a great season!
Source: maxpreps.com
