As the season approaches, the Pleasant Valley Boys soccer team welcomes a new head coach. The transition came after the retirement of coach Wayne Ward. Coach Ward left an impressive legacy at Pleasant Valley after guiding the team to back-to-back state championship wins in 2021 and 2022.
Stepping into the role for the team is Logan Teagarden, a 2012 PV graduate, an alumnus of the boys soccer team. “I was a four-year varsity player for the program, and soccer was always my first priority. Returning to soccer, specifically, is somewhat of a full-circle moment and is very easy to instill excitement for,” said Teagarden.
After high school, he went on to play at Liberty University, a University of Iowa club team, and for the Cedar Rapids Inferno. Teagarden has had previous coaching experience as an assistant coach for the Linn Mar Boys soccer team and for the PV Girls soccer team.
After being announced as head coach, Teagarden reflected on his new role. “Coming back to coach for the Spartans is quite the opportunity and experience, definitely one that I never thought I would have,” said Teagarden.
Teagarden expressed some traditions and play styles from his time as a PV athlete that he doesn’t plan on changing, but he is excited to bring some new ideas to add on to the program’s success. “ I have a strong connection with the soccer program because it was extremely helpful in supporting me during my mother’s 3.5-year battle with cancer while I was a student,”
Being skillful at soccer is helpful, but connections with your teammates can make soccer a whole lot simpler. “My cultural outlook is one that is team-centered and brings light to this concept,” shared Teagarden. “A team-centered, inclusive soccer culture builds trust, accountability and a shared sense of purpose, which directly translates to stronger performance on the field.”
Teagarden went on to explain that in soccer culture, team-centered players will feel more confident, resilient and cooperative. When players buy into a collective mindset, it helps accountability and communication, and effort comes more naturally.
Players on the team, like senior Elisha Dale, have begun incorporating a team-centered culture to prepare for the season. “I am most looking forward to the super competitive atmosphere and the way we push one another every practice,” said Dale.
Currently, the soccer team is conditioning and preparing for the season during small-sided indoor soccer league and morning open fields opportunities. “I believe that our team will be more than ready to have a great season. We have been working really hard in our morning practices, and it also gives us a great opportunity to get to know our new coach,” said Dale.
As the season gets closer, the boys team and Teagarden are putting all the pieces together for the Spartans to have a very successful season.
