The new face of FHHS girls soccer…

As a former Friday Harbor High School soccer player since freshman year, it will feel strange to not go through the week long 2 practices/day that starts up just after the Fair ends. But I’m not the only one who will feel a change this year. Along with a new batch of kids, there will be a new coach, by the name of Paul Hopkins. 

Paul at his work – the San Juan Fitness Center

Paul first got the notion that he’d be a good candidate for coach at the Field of Dreams Fundraiser back in May. He has had experience coaching soccer at the elementary and middle school ages for the past 7 years, and helped coach high school softball last spring. His enthusiasm and excitement are easily sensed, but he also has a deep appreciation for how significant his role as a coach is. Some of the major things he expects to build as a team and for each individual are work ethic, playing smart, and helping the team achieve its own goals.

What’s in store for the fall?

Paul has all sorts of plans for this year, which has has already started a bit with summer sessions. He expects about 30 girls to try out, which he will divide into varsity and JV. Nobody is guaranteed a position, regardless of year. The JV team, led by Emily Carrington and John Carrier, will not be making cuts, so anyone who wants to play soccer can. Some of the JV players will also play through San Juan Soccer, making their schedules extremely full with a total of soccer 7 days a week. That’s a serious love of the game!

The transition to high school soccer shouldn’t be terribly difficult for Paul, as he will have the help of last year’s assistant coach Sarah Ware, plus his daughter Samantha knows the ropes from playing JV last year. He’s been coaching both his daughters’ age groups for years, so he knows the families and kids very well. I believe that seeing their progress over the course of high school will be particularly rewarding for him.