Building a successful team not only involves patience and determination from players but coaches as well. Everyone learns, progresses, and grows together. A coach that embodies traits such as communication, leadership, encouragement, and empathy can make a team flourish. Kelsey Cheney, assistant coach for the Abraham Lincoln Girls Soccer Team since 2019, was just recently announced as the new varsity head coach. 

Although a little nervous, Cheney is excited about the challenge and is ready for the journey to begin. 

“We have some pretty big shoes to fill with all Coach (Robbie) Miller has done for the program,” said Cheney. “I’m also a little sad thinking about him not being there this season but I’m ready for the challenge and excited to see what this chapter brings. This season I’m really hoping to build off of the relationships I have with the girls, as well as establish new relationships and use those to have a successful season.”

Sophomore soccer player Addie Cohrs is excited for a new season of learning and growing with a new coach.

“This season I’m looking forward to working with our new coach,” said Cohrs. “I’m looking forward to growing not only as a player but also as a teammate. I really enjoy playing for AL and I’m excited to play soccer with everyone this season. I hope our team as a whole will have a growth mindset coming into the season knowing there are changes and create a positive environment no matter what happens on the field.” 

Cheney wants to continue to build upon the positive team culture that Robbie Miller has established, both on and off the field. 

“Off the field, I hope to increase parent support through creating a booster club,” said Cheney. “I also want to build up our connections with younger players, hoping to increase the amount of soccer players coming to ALHS. On the field, I really want to empower the girls to let them know that they can and will be successful; all they have to do is believe in themselves.”