Cookeville Lady Cavaliers Girls Soccer Head Coach Bralen Clouse said it is never easy during any coach’s first season.
Clouse, who also coaches the boys soccer team, said he has enjoyed his time as the girls’ head coach.
“It’s really, really rewarding to take over for the girls.” Clouse said. “They really, they really try and listen and, and take what you say to heart and do it on the soccer field. They, they love to be there, they love to have fun.”
Clouse was an assistant coach for the past several years before taking over as head coach last season. Clouse said he got to know the girls quite a bit as assistant coach.
“It’s a little bit of a learning curve for the girls, and that’s understandable.” Clouse said. “But they have definitely welcomed me with open arms.”
Clouse said building up that confidence makes for a very good team.
“I’m very proud of the girls for how they did in the first year.” Clouse said. “It’s never easy accepting a new head coach but I can’t wait for the next five to ten years of what’s to come for the girls because it’s, they can shoot for nothing but the stars with how they play and how they learn.”
Cookeville recently transitioned to District Three for girls soccer. The Lady Cavaliers finished 4-5-1 in the district last season. Clouse said he would like to see the team control the ball more in the future.
The Lady Cavaliers will return 23 players for their next fall soccer season.
