Soccer, one of the most universally-loved sports, is back! With the upcoming soccer season, many are curious to know about how things will play out. Today, Olympia’s phenomenal girls’ soccer coach has granted us some intel about the team’s progress, coaching, and what the soccer team hopes to accomplish this season.
First, it is still very early in this season; with that, there is the question of what the team’s goals are. Coach Widerman explains that the team is “very young”, and has “lots of potential,” and it is for that reason that they are “very capable of becoming District Champions and moving on to Regionals.” This season, the soccer team will make a very promising aim at competing on a Regional level.
Next, to paint a picture of the team’s current situation, Coach Widermen explains that there are currently “20 [players] on Varsity, and 15 on JV”. They have worked very hard, and this is sure to be a promising season!
To further explore the dynamic of the season, many were curious about what the soccer practice schedule looks, and what is covered. Coach Widerman states that, for Varsity, the team practices “every day there is not a game.” Practice sessions mostly focus on “confidence on the ball” and “ability” thereof, but “defensive shape and attacking play” drills are mixed in. When the team is “stronger” during “postseason”, they will begin training in the weight room.
On to more intangible ideas, Coach Widerman was asked about his coaching philosophy. He describes that he has “learned a lot from many different coaches,” which has resulted in him “cherry-pick[ing]” the ideas he likes. “From my high school coach, I learned that you must push the players to find their limits and then keep them at that level, so they perform at a higher level,” he goes on to explain. “I also believe that we are a team and that we play better when we think of ourselves as a ‘family.’ I will always defend my players and work through the season to build on what they have to offer, and in return, I expect them to give me 110% and trust the process.” This philosophy creates a sense of community, and encourages integrity.
Finally, to end on a more idealistic note, many were curious as to what the coach would change about Olympia’s soccer program if presented with one option. Coach Widerman would, “in a perfect world,” create “a class that is meant for soccer itself so that we can spend all year in the weight room, learning the style of play and watching games to help build on the knowledge of the game.”
While we don’t know if this body of work will become a reality, it is clear that the soccer program has brought a skilled, hardworking team with lots of potential.
Overall, we are very excited to see what this season will bring. The team has been working around the clock, and things can only go up from here!
