New coaching staff inspires Valley boys soccer team

By: Shawn Annarelli
Thursday, August 29, 2019 | 7:31 PM

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Optimism can be hard to come by following an 0-16 season, but a new coaching staff has rejuvenated the hopes of players in Valley’s boys soccer program.

Senior Michael Odrey said he hasn’t felt this eager for a new season in years.

“I’m very excited, because I’m realizing the potential we have now,” Odrey said. “I’m realizing we can confidently make one-twos, keep possession and I haven’t seen that a lot in the last few years I’ve been here. We have the talent and discipline to maybe put a few goals together in a game.”

Raw talent was on display from the team’s first summer practice, but Valley coach Anchoi Ricardo Headley noted the team’s lack of endurance in drills and lapses in confidence.

“I saw a team with a lot of heart and willpower to learn,” Headley said. “Just based on past history, they haven’t always had quality playing, but the first thing I got from practicing with them early this summer was their passion.”

Headley called it a “brand new program from the ground up.”

“I’m trying to be all about the development, fundamentals and high intensity, because that’s what pays off,” Headley said. “Hopefully, as we improve, the program will look more attractive to other students who want to be on the team.”

Kenardo Forbes, a midfielder for the USL’s Riverhounds, also joined Headley — the two are childhood friends and former teammates from Jamaica — on the coaching staff.

The new coaching staff’s goal is simple in that winning won’t be the priority as much as improving every day will be the standard of success.

“The key to us is growing and everyone becoming better players,” Forbes said. “It’s been a lot of fun helping these kids.”

Incoming freshman Ethan Harclerode said the feeling is mutual.

“I think our coaches can help us improve and take us to another level,” Harclerode said. “I think everyone respected them since Day One, because of their experience and how they made it clear that this was serious, and we need to improve every season. Already our fitness and chemistry are better.”

Harclerode hopes his class can lead the program to a winning season. Odrey could see that happening, too.

“Our freshmen are truly talented, and it’s a pleasure to have them around,” Odrey said. “They’re coming from a middle-school team that didn’t do too bad. I see their abilities in practice, and adding them to the team makes me feel like we can make a little bit more noise this year and they can improve year-after-year.”

Tags: Valley