In the past four years, the Panther Creek soccer program has had a considerable amount of changes in coaching staff. Coach Sam Young stepped down after the 2021-2022 school year, to which Kristopher Hanks became head coach for two years. Now, in the 2024-2025 school year, the position is held by former Junior Varsity coach Anthony Dominowski.
In 2015 the women’s program claimed the title of State Champion. However, in recent years, their record dropped significantly, which became a largely demotivating factor for the team. Junior on the team, Darcy Yuckman expands, “I felt the change in coaching staff has added a layer of stress in my PC soccer experience. It’s just another thing to think about on top of performing well and being at practice and games.” As players develop talent, a contributing factor to their success is confidence. Players feed off of coaches and look to them for support, and a reliable coach reinforces encouragement. Without that relationship, it prevents the team from reaching their full potential.
However, while coaches are able to help foster a positive environment, ultimately it is up to the athletes themselves to take initiative. Four year Varsity starter Julia Potter describes the role of the upperclassmen, “I definitely agree, it [the team’s chemistry] has improved but there definitely is still more room for improvement. The structure of everything has changed but when one of us that have been on the team for a while takes initiative, it helps build each other up.” Taking a hopeful approach to the changes, she leads the team with a positive mindset as the season progresses.
Despite the rotation of three coaches in four years, it is a much needed change for some. Junior Olivia Trantas emphasizes the importance of how the program has responded to the challenges they have faced. As she puts it, “It also made us have a new outlook and mindset on what’s happening. I feel like the change in coaches was needed for a new playing style but it’s the way we’re adapting to it that makes it better.” Every team is going to have their struggles; it isn’t about what or when they happen, but how the team responds when these obstacles inevitably appear.
In the end, the women’s soccer program is in its rebuilding phase. The team is hoping that as confidence in not only the newly appointed coaches, but the team itself, rises, the success the program is looking for will follow.
