Men’s junior varsity soccer coach Rory O’Connor will take over the position of men’s varsity head coach next season.

“I applied for the position once I was informed it had become vacant,” O’Connor said. “I am excited about it and I think there is the nucleus of a very good team there from what I saw [this] year.”

Co-Athletic Director Megan Hernandez said the athletic department advertised the position in several places and interviewed the applicants in person and on the phone. She and Co-Athletic Director Jeff Peters felt that O’Connor was the best applicant.

“Mr. O’Connor has an extensive coaching background,” Hernandez said. “He brings great enthusiasm, passion and respect for the game of soccer.”

O’Connor coached the men’s JV team this year, and has had experience coaching various age groups in Ireland and in the United States. He has coached players U12 up, including a university team and an academy team. He has also coached the Piedmont U12 – U14 girls team and U17 boys team.

“As a coach, I like to have a fun atmosphere around the place with good camaraderie between the players,” O’Connor said. “But, it must never take away from the work that needs to be done.”

O’Connor said he encourages his team to play soccer with a focus on attacking and counterattacking.

“I like to teach my players to think for themselves on the field and avoid spoon feeding them,” O’Connor said.

JV player sophomore Bryan Ford said O’Connor is one of the best coaches he has ever had and has drastically improved his game.

“Rory combines the perfect amount of humor, skill and focus to effectively coach,” Ford said.

Varsity co-captain junior Matt Baringer said in a new coach, he looks for someone who can be both strict and passionate, and wants to help win games as well as help each individual grow.

“I hope [O’Connor] brings a higher standard of athleticism and fitness and a new way of playing to the team,” Baringer said.

O’Connor said he wants to help his players develop both individually and as a team.

“I try to fire my teams up as much as I can and usually bring heart to my teams,” O’Connor said. “I bring a lot of experience and I hope that these kids will learn that you can only look as far as the next game.”

Varsity player junior Irvin Xu said although O’Connor has not officially coached him, he is familiar with him and knows he will continue to improve the soccer program.

“Hopefully, Rory will show his vision for our program and set goals for the team to achieve throughout the season,” Xu said.

Joel Higgins will be taking over the role of JV coach next year. O’Connor said he is excited to have him as the JV coach because he is very technical and will set up for good varsity teams in the coming years.

“It is very hard to have a successful varsity program without the same at JV,” O’Connor said. “We need to bring the programs together and have a solid relationship between the two.”

O’Connor said as of now, he does not have any concerns with taking over the position as the varsity coach.

“From what I know of the current team, they are a great bunch of lads and are a great prospect for next season,” O’Connor said. “I am very lucky with the players I have inherited.”

Xu said his only concern regarding switching coaches is the transition in playing style, which might take time to adjust to.

“I am confident that Rory will lead the team to a successful season,” Xu said. “Hopefully, we can even win NCS.”