The girls varsity soccer team celebrates after Analiese Engler scores in their 3-1 win over Novato in the Queens of the City game on Feb. 1, 2024.
“With each new coach, we are starting from square one,” Logan MacDonald, senior and co-captain of the girls varsity soccer team, said.
MacDonald and other four-year varsity players—Angelina Barkus, Maddie Boone, Brittany Casper, and Mackenzie Leggett—have faced five coaches (or coaching groups) within the last four years.
“It’s affected the quality of soccer and the team atmosphere,” said co-captain Casper.
“Every time a coach leaves, our communication and teamwork is disrupted, making it a challenge to work together and maintain a positive mindset,” MacDonald said.
Junior Nelly Grasso believes that the current quality of soccer has led to a decrease in energy.
“Our results haven’t been that good… which has put our energy way down,” Grasso said.
In the last two seasons, there have also been mid-season coaching changes, which Athletic Director Tyler Peterson has helped guide the team through.
“We’ve made decisions at our level, with myself and Admin, that we think are in the best interest of the team,” Peterson said.
Junior Avery Blake appreciates the constant support from Peterson.
“Tyler has been a very big supporter of our team,” Blake said. “He comes to every one of
our games and is always there for the team.”
The team went 7-9-1 last season, but MacDonald thinks that a steady coaching staff could make all the difference.
“I fully believe that this team has the ability to beat schools like Branson and Redwood,”MacDonald said.
In comparison to San Marin, Redwood’s varsity girls soccer head coach has been with the school for four seasons and Branson’s for nine. They consistently sit at the top of Marin County Athletic League rankings.
Local travel soccer coaches Jeni Harrison and Daniel Sahagun have stepped in to coach for the time being, but it looks as if next season is still up in the air.
“We’ll reopen the job up again, but from what I know, they want to apply for next year,” Peterson said.
Players have taken well to the new coaching team, and Blake hopes they will stay for next year.
“I really like our new coaches; they push our players to play their best and constantly give us feedback and ways to improve,” Blake said. “I would love to have them again next year.”
