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Photo by Rebecca Townes
PSA boys’ soccer kicks off season after 1 week of prep
The Putnam Science Academy (PSA) boys’ soccer team is set to open its season under new head coach Chris Steele, who has had only a week to prepare his squad for competition. Despite the quick turnaround, Steele is eager to guide the team through what promises to be an exciting and challenging season.
“It can be challenging taking over a team so close to the season,” he said. “I am super excited for the opportunity to coach at PSA and be part of the winning tradition the school has.” Steele’s experience at both the club and college levels has given him confidence in his ability to adapt quickly to his new role. “I have never been shy and I plan things out, so with my club experience and my college coaching experience, the level of adjustment just seems natural.”
The team arrived on campus last Saturday, and with minimal time to prepare, they immediately jumped into action. Steele said, “The major challenge is getting everything organized and making sure we are on the same page.” Another significant challenge has been overcoming the language barrier, as the roster features players from all over the globe. “We have players from Brazil, Spain, England, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe...now we have to become one team with one clear message,” Steele added.
Despite these challenges, Steele remains optimistic. His primary focus is not only on the team’s performance on the field but also on their growth as individuals. “For me personally, it’s about watching them grow both in the classroom and on the pitch,” he said. “Of course, we are here to play a sport we all love, but it is important to me for them to be balanced.”
With players bringing diverse playing styles, the team has the potential to play a versatile brand of soccer. “There is a lot of talent on this team. We can play so many different styles and adjust on the fly. My main point to them was no matter my coaching style, I will never take away their creativity. I think it’s important to let them be who they are on the pitch.”
As the season begins, Steele’s main goal is to see if the team can blend their different cultures and styles into one cohesive unit. “The goal for me is to see if we can blend all the different countries into one,” he said. “My goals for them are to play a possession-style game and, when we have opportunities, to take them. I think we will be a solid, balanced team that can compete, and my goal is to help guide them.”
With the season opener just around the corner, the team’s preparation may have been brief, but their potential is immense. Steele’s excitement is palpable as he leads his new squad into what promises to be a memorable season.
Rebecca Townes
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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