State High Athletics added a new coach to the roster this year on Jan. 13. Kent Dwyer was hired as the new girls soccer coach. Dwyer has been part of the State College Area School District for four years as a Spanish teacher. He was the assistant coach before he stepped up to take on the head coaching role.
“It is a lot more work, but I enjoy head coaching more,” Dwyer said.
Dwyer has taken on a greater leadership role and stepped up in a big way. He is leading the team to success and maintains a good attitude and mindset while doing so.
“He’s a great coach. He’s very supportive. And something that I’ve noticed is he never really gets mad at us, but he just always supports us and wants the best for us,” sophomore player Kennedy McConnell said.
Dwyer stays positive when working through any tough situations the team may face during games. Currently, with a record of 1-7, the team is staying strong and ready to demonstrate what’s inside of them every match.
Dwyer and the team are preparing to play teams for the second time this season. They’re ready to show what they have been working on and all the progress they have made to change the outcome this time around.
“We are hungry to get another crack at some of these teams that we faced early on because we’re becoming a better team, day after day,” Dwyer said.
Outside of just learning soccer skills, Dwyer has taught the team many other important things, such as stretching and nutrition. McConnell shares some of what she’s learned.
“I think stretching is really important, most exercise and also nutrition is also really important, like making sure that you’re eating after practice, like, preferably soon after, and making sure you’re fueling your body,” McConnell said.
Dwyer has also taught the team how to support each other and how to have a good attitude. Having a good and positive mindset as an athlete is one of the most important and valuable skills to have. Along with this, the girls soccer team has created a very positive and supportive community.
“We were down 2-0 against Central Dauphin on the road late in a match, and I actually took a yellow card because my bench was too close to the touch line cheering their teammates on. Those are things that I celebrate because it’s a reflection of the culture we’re trying to create,” Dwyer said.
While Dwyer does love being a Spanish teacher and educating students in a classroom setting, he loves coaching even more.
“I love being a teacher, but my favorite way to interact with kids is through coaching them. And this batch of girls, coming from the tumultuous season they had last year and coming into it and buying in, is just a wonderful group of kids to know,” Dwyer said.
The next chance to support the team comes on Wednesday, Sept. 24, when they take on Central Dauphin at the North Turf.
