New beginnings are coming for our women’s soccer team at Daytona State. The team has been without a head coach for a big piece of their season thus far, after saying farewell to their former head coach, Brittany Jones. Luckily, the men’s soccer team’s head coach, Bart Sasnett, has stepped up temporarily until the position can be filled. Sasnett has also been provided aid from the women’s assistant coach, Maggie Manville. But, with a new head coach coming in, what does the future of the team look like?
One of the team captains, Courtney Magnan, expressed how she first came to the team with a positive outlook. “I chose Daytona State College to play soccer, due to coach Brittany and coach Maggie making it feel like home,” Mangan said. Courtney hopes that the new coach is able to change things up, providing a training environment that is both fun and strict. “New views and coaching styles may be exactly what our team needs to win the national championship this year.”
Midfielder Elena “Lanie” Stevenson expressed that she too came to play soccer for Daytona State College, due to the welcoming arms of the coaches. She is also optimistic for the changes to come. “I am looking forward to the different ideas the new coach will bring,” Stevenson informed. Stevenson agrees with Mangan regarding the training style the team needs. “I would like a coach who can have fun with their players, but know their limits and be strict when necessary,” Stevenson said.
One thing is certain, the moral and drive is still thriving with this team. Center midfielder, Hailey Turner, explained how the team needs to welcome in a new coach with open minds. Turner also expressed her love for the soccer program here at Daytona State. “I chose to play soccer at Daytona State College because of the dedicated coaches,” she said.
Nevertheless, while all three girls are eager to meet their new coach, they all are grateful for Coach Maggie in this time of need. “Having Coach Maggie stay with us and keep us going has been very beneficial, making the transition easier than we could have expected,” Mangan said. One thing is for sure, while change is bound to come as the torch is passed from one coach to the next, these girls are determined to win a national championship.
Congratulations to those select few women who have already received soccer scholarships to various universities.
