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PSA adds boys' soccer
PUTNAM— Growth continues to show at Putnam Science Academy. Last year PSA added a girls’ prep basketball team that went on to have great success in their first year.
PSA has now added a boys' soccer program led by Head Coach Ivan Damulira.
Damulira, at just 25 years old, has had a long journey to Putnam. He was born in Uganda before settling down in Bluefield, Va.
Damulira picked up the sport of soccer and eventually would play for the Alleghany Highlands United team. In Virginia, Ivan attended Bluefield College where he played soccer before his career would come to an end after breaking his leg. Down and out, he found comfort in his Bluefield College coach Peter Dryer.
“Coach Dryer helped me get back on my feet and have confidence again. He kept reiterating to me that it’s not over.” Dryer eventually would give Ivan a coaching gig where he could return to his stomping grounds at Bluefield College. “That’s when I knew what I wanted to do” said Damulira.
Ivan went on to coach the U13 and U14 team and also was a finalist in the highly touted Red Bull Academy soccer program where he gained experience in his time there.
Damulira then made the 730-mile trek to Putnam Science Academy to interview for new boys’ soccer head coaching position.
So what does Ivan look to bring to Putnam Science Academy with the installment of a new soccer program? “Our goal here in the first year is to work hard and develop chemistry.” With roughly 8 high major athletes on the team and 10 students from all around the world, Damulira isn’t worried about a language barrier.
“Soccer is a universal language” Ivan said with a smile. “I understand the environment and look forward to the challenge.”
Ivan is a soft spoken man but don’t be surprised when that switch flips once he’s on the pitch. “I’m extremely passionate about this game and I want my players to feed off of the energy that I bring not only to practice but to the games as well.”
The Putnam Science Academy Soccer Program begins practice next week with their first scrimmage scheduled for Sept. 6 on the road.
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director