A new Carlmont soccer staff member has been appointed to coach the varsity boys soccer team after having coached the JV team for multiple years. Ryan Freeman, a former student and player at Carlmont, is taking over the varsity coach role for the first time and is motivated for success.
Freeman’s goals for the program are endless. Despite varsity’s struggles for success over the past few years with a different coach, he wants to gain the success the program had when he played in 2014.
“We had gone to back-to-back CCS open division semifinals. Two years later the program went to an open division final, that included two league titles in that span. My goal before anything else is to get Carlmont’s reputation back as the team to beat in the league and a recurring force in the playoff picture,” Freeman said.
Similar to his JV principles, Freeman values opportunity and school representation, setting high expectations and goals for all players.
“Before anything, wearing your school’s name on your chest and its colors has to mean something to you. If it doesn’t, why are you here? My coaching staff and I all honor the school and we expect the players to as well,” Freeman said.
Having coached last year and going nearly undefeated, Freeman plans to carry the success for the upcoming season. He also adopted a new JV coach, Sean Campos, who works with him outside of school.
One thing I like about Coach Ryan Freeman is that he is very merit-based. Whether it’s for making the team, playing time, starting spots, or anything else, he makes absolutely sure that players work hard to earn these things.
— Jayden Lee
“Ryan is one of the better coaches I’ve seen out there. That guy knows what he is talking about, and has one of the best coaching attitudes I’ve seen. It is just the perfect combo,” Campos said.
The coaching job means much more to Freeman than solely representing Carlmont. He plans to build a strong program this year and for years to come as new players join the program.
According to Freeman, bringing players up to varsity and junior varsity is essential to providing kids with experience for their future playing for the Scots. He makes players earn their spot on the team daily which motivates the players to try their best during every practice. However, he incorporates fun into training by letting kids play out of position.
“I feel like my level of play improves so much when I want to earn it rather than it just being given to me,” said Jayden Lee, a sophomore on varsity. “Many of the players at varsity tryouts are one or two years ahead of me, so proving that I can compete with them gives me the confidence to keep improving.”
Freeman is looking forward to the season and believes that his players show lots of potential.
“Having a talented group of players allows me to move individuals among all three levels, helping us create the best team possible. We have a strong chance this year and I hope to maintain that success in years to come,” Freeman said.
