Coaching leadership contributes to Eagle girls soccer success

The leadership of the coaching staff has much to do with the success of the West Valley varsity girls soccer team, who have a 7-1-1 record.

The team is lead by head coach Will Williams, assistant coach Susan Mueller, fitness trainer and goalie coach Roger Hatton and defensive coach Ken McNeeley. Each high school coach has to have a special coaching license to coach a team.

The girls soccer coaches not only teach the game, they also teach their athletes about nutrition and conditioning. The coaching staff puts the girls through a tough practice day in and day out.

Williams has been coaching a variety of sports for the past 25 years, with a few breaks in between seasons. He played on his high school team and has played while in the Air Force over in Germany and on local German teams.

Currently Williams plays in a Coed Adult League in Redding and is a licensed Referee. This is his second year coaching the West Valley girls team.

The West Valley girls team is made up of 16 players, nine of whom are returning from last year. JR Mueller, Danae Hodges and Hannah Emmon are this year's seniors. Williams feels that the teams strengths are in their defensive play, and are still hard at work on their offense.

Williams's goals for the season are to strengthen the teams offense and beat the Anderson Cubs in both of their games. He would also like to see the girls have a fun season, always leaving the field with their heads up and knowing that each and every win was earned, along with keeping their self respect and respecting all others that are involved.

In the game played on Jan. 15 the girls played Corning and won their game 3-1. Their next game will be played against Central Valley on January 22, at Redding Soccer Park.