Nowen

A great twist of fate, Nowen joined my rec team after a coaching change where his current rec coach moved to a different town.  A fellow parent asked who to go to when his parents were seeking a new team.  Luckily for me and my son, they chose my team. 

From the moment I saw Nowen at the first practice, it was clear he was an exceptional soccer player. His skill and instincts stood out, but what struck me even more was his positive energy and love for being on the field with his teammates. As the season wrapped up, I found myself pointing out Nowen’s impressive defensive skills to another player, a talented forward who was two years older. After challenging Nowen on a couple of plays, he said, “Coach, I see what you mean.”

Nowen and my son have developed a wonderful friendship, showcasing one of the true joys of sports. They’ve never attended the same school, yet their bond has flourished through their time on the soccer field, and they now spend time together outside of soccer as well. Their connection underscores how this incredible sport has the power to bring people together.

I trust Nowen implicitly on defense; he rarely comes off the pitch during games. His stamina is remarkable, and I can always count on him to safeguard our goal. Watching him play indoors this season, I’ve seen his instincts grow, whether it’s supporting his fellow defenders, stepping up to intercept passes, or unleashing powerful long shots. His improvement since last year is impressive.

Year after year, Nowen has transformed into an outstanding player and a real talent. It’s been both an honor and a privilege to coach him and witness his growth. I eagerly anticipate seeing how he continues to develop in the years to come.