Soccer at San Juan HS

THE ROUND-UP
by Tad Barton
Along with many other changes occurring at San Juan High this fall is the addition of soccer. Roughly 20 girls will make up the first ever soccer team for the Broncos beginning this fall.
Like with most things new, having a soccer team at San Juan has come with a level of excitement as well as apprehension.
Change is never an easy thing to deal with, but Coach Jay Jones and his team feel up to the task of ushering in a new era of Broncos athletics.
Here is a glimpse at the newest extra-curricular activity at San Juan.
Coach: Jay Jones (First year)
2017 Team Strengths: Excitement; the girls on the team are excited to be the first soccer team at San Juan High.  There are also a lot of very good athletes that possess a great desire to compete and learn. 
With drive and the talented athletes, they should set a firm foundation on which to build for the future.
2017 Team Weakness:  Experience; a new coach starting a new program where many of the girls haven’t played much if any organized soccer. General knowledge of the game and the skills necessary to compete.
Coach’s expectations: Coach Jones has a desire for the girls to do their best in both the classroom and on the field. He hopes to develop the mission of San Juan School District in his athletes, which is: Unite, Educate and Empower. 
When asked about his thoughts and feelings about this upcoming season Coach Jones said, “This season will be great because we will get to see how the students handle the challenge of being the first soccer team from San Juan High School.”
He continued, “We have girls with varying degrees of talent, and it will be fun to see how they learn to work together and overcome challenges.” 
One of the main goals Coach Jones and his team have set for this season is to work hard and develop teamwork. He wants to help the girls accomplish, set and reach individual goals.
He also hopes they “enjoy the opportunity we have to have soccer as an option at SJH.”
Lastly, he believes, “With the ability and skill that these girls have, I see us being competitive in the games they will play. It’s going to be a great season.”
San Juan girls soccer team opens their inaugural season Thursday, August 24 at South Sevier. The game begins at 4 p.m.