Coaching a sport is a rewarding and challenging experience. A coach has the essential role of encouraging players to communicate, reflect, strive for improvement, and motivate them to do their best. However, a coach has to sacrifice a lot to work with such great athletes. Building and strengthening team bonds takes time, effort, and energy, all of which can interfere with other important aspects of a coach’s life. Abraham Lincoln Girls Soccer head coach Robbie Miller made the decision to step down from the position in order to spend more time with his family.
Miller first started coaching the AL Girls Soccer Team in 2011 as an assistant/JV coach and soon became the Varsity coach in 2015.
“I grew up playing soccer and always had a mind for the game,” said Miller. “A few years after I had been hired to teach at AL, there was an opening to be the assistant for the girls soccer team. I reached out to Jeff Novotny about it, got an interview, and was thankfully hired. I wanted to coach, because like teaching, you can have a major impact on kids’ lives and help them grow as people.”
Assistant head coach Kelsey Cheney grew up playing soccer and even played for AL when she was in high school. Her hope for this season is to see players keep believing in themselves and continue to bring the positive energy that Miller has laid out.
“I want players to know that no matter what this year has in store, I will be there for them through all adversities,” said Cheney. “I want them to continue the positive team culture that Coach Miller has instilled in the team.”
Junior soccer player Gabby Loudon is looking forward to the new season starting in March, excited to work with a new coach and new players.
“Playing with new girls, adapting to a new gameplay, and working with a new coach may be a challenge to get used to at the start, but that’s what makes the sport exciting,” said Loudon. “I hope to create new bonds, have fun, and keep up a more positive environment.”
Miller feels that it is now time for a change, hoping for a “new voice” to take the soccer program to greater heights.
“AL Girls Soccer is something special,” said Miller. “Many players of the past have laid the groundwork to make the program what it is today. The key is to build yourself through your character and everything else, including on-the-field success, will fall in line after that.”
