Badgers’ Soccer

Team unity and determination characterize 2014 squads. Article by Robert Lavala. Photos courtesy Robert Lavala & Julie Golder.

I spoke recently with a super enthusiastic girls soccer coach, Erin Delude. Erin, the head coach for Bonners Ferry High School girls varsity soccer, had no idea that she was about to be interviewed, but her upbeat attitude and love for coaching these athletes really beamed as we spoke.

I asked the 'pat' question that every coach must detest: “How are the girls doing this year?” Every coach wants to say that everything is great and they are right on track. The thing I liked immediately about coach Delude is she remained totally upbeat as she explained that the team is in a “learning year” due to the fact of being so young. She said that eight of the fourteen girls on the team are totally new to the sport, and in that mix there is only one senior.

She went on to say that she “loves it” that the team is so young. “They are moldable, coachable and teachable. They are great teammates to each other which enables a lot of learning to happen, both me (Delude) teaching them and them learning from each other. They all want to get better.” She added that as a coach “...this is something that I love!”

Coach Delude's work ethic is not lost on the girls as they condition quite a bit. Even if they lose, they are right back at it pushing each other to get better and stronger as players. To prepare for matches, the girls do inter-squad scrimmages and competitions and are really united as a team.

I asked the all-important question: What is your record so far this season? I was pleasantly surprised by the candid answer: “I don't even know!” Coach said with a giggle. And then followed up with “I know that we are fourth in the league. We have won a couple and have learned a lot from each game. That is my focus,” she said. “That we are getting better with each game.”

When asked about going to State, she responded, “Not this year but probably next year. If all the girls return next year and we get a few more involved, I see great things for this team.” When asked what she would say to potential players reading this she said, “I think there is amazing team dynamics and zero drama. I don't subscribe to drama. It's fun and exciting and if you have never played soccer before, I can get you there!”

Coach Delude has another attribute that most parents will find appealing: Everyone plays. She said, “I think that every athlete that comes to me deserves opportunities to grow and they are not going to get better by watching.”

On the boys’ side of the soccer field I spoke with senior Trevor Pew. I asked him what he thought was the biggest obstacle on the field for the guys. His answer was two part: “Motivation and communication while playing.” I asked about going to State and he was quick to say “We've gone to State every year; we are being 'pushed' by the addition of Timberlake to the roster.”

So whether on the girls’ or the guys’ side of the field, there is plenty of great entertainment for the entire family. If you have never been out to a soccer match, come on out and get behind our Badgers!

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