New soccer and track coaches look forward to a promising season

It’s only been a few weeks into quarter 3, and SMIC-I students have already begun to break into what the season is offering in sports. Both soccer and track have kicked off on the same day: Monday, the 26th of February. Despite the cold weather, students of all grades showed their eagerness to participate in these sports, as evidenced by the large turnout of participants for both HS soccer and track.

A new season represents a new beginning for coaches and student athletes alike. Both the track team and the girls’ soccer team have adopted new coaches, who strongly expressed their anticipation to lead the teams this season. Ms. Raydan Phillips, the new coach of the Varsity Girls soccer team, showed her excitement towards coaching SMIC-i students. “With my experience in playing and in coaching, these girls will learn many many new skills and tools to lead us to where we need to be to succeed on and off the field.”

When asked about the biggest challenge facing the teams this year, Coach Phillips voiced her concern with the team adapting to a new coach and all the changes that will come with that. However, she maintains a positive outlook, commenting, “It is a new season with a new coach and things will be much different in a positive way. We can only move forward and use what we already know to change what we do next.”

Having the experience of coaching cross-country in the past, incoming English teacher Mr. Timothy Cushing now serves as one of the much-needed coaches for the high school track team. Regarding the application of his past experience for the track team this year, Coach Cushing believes his knowledge and experience with long distances as well as specific workout regiments will prove useful in training for track meets. The team will also be helped by Ms. Amy Krauth, Mr. Sean Costello, Mr. Daniel Yenshaw, and Mr. Jeffrey Martinez.

But track is not without its own challenges — for one, not having enough time to practice for their first meet, which is coming up next Friday. Although faced with the tough competition from other schools that have already been training for over a month, the SMIC-I track team has not been discouraged. Coach Cushing displayed full confidence in his team, stating, “We only have two weeks to get ready for our first meet, which isn’t that long, but we’re trying our hardest, and we’re gonna give a great showing at the meet next Friday.”

From the first week of practice, it can already be seen that the positive spirit of SMIC-I athletes and coaches is endless. If you are not part of these sports teams but still would like to contribute to the success of their season, come to cheer them on at practice after schools on the field and track!

Featured Image – Coach Phillips instructs Co-captain Yaya during the Varsity Girls Soccer practice Courtesy of Stephanie Chen