The Grants High School Lady Pirates soccer team has a new coach, new coaching style and new season. Second year math teacher and GHS alum, Shaun Sanchez has taken over the helm after the departure of Jessi Gamboa.
“The change in culture was a bit shocking, however, they are seeing the benefits of my program and are excited now,” said Sanchez of implementing his coaching program.
“My goals are first to develop basic skills with a secondary goal to win games,” said Sanchez of his coaching philosophy.
Sanchez added, “I am a hands-on coach, I lead them through what I am looking for and watch them execute it and point out any struggles they may have–we are all developing as we go,” said Sanchez.
Sanchez has four seniors who are currently serving as the core leadership of the team and has upcoming underclassmen who are “stepping up” to be future leaders. Along those lines, Sanchez believes his team's camaraderie is good, and said the players are able to “talk it out” when issues arise.
The Lady Pirates will scrimmage against Rehoboth this Wednesday and Sanchez expects to field his best 11 players to start, then substitute and move around players to have a good idea of the talent and skills the team has.
This year, the team will be tested early because the athletic season begins this weekend for the Lady Pirates, who will travel to the four corners to play in the Aztec Tournament.
“This is a great opportunity to see high level competition and to get ourselves tested with what we have for the rest of the year,” said Sanchez.
Their first game will be against Aztec on Thursday, August 21. Last year, the Lady Pirates went 3-13 for the season.