Head womens soccer coach Jeremy McGinnis, knows what it takes in order to be successful on the field. McGinnis is Allen Community Colleges winningest head coach in its 20 years, leading the Red Devils to a national ranking in 2013.
Up until last season, McGinnis had led the Red Devils to the playoffs every year. Now, the Red Devils look to rebound from last years 6-12 season.
Last season ACC ran into the injury bug. This preseason, the Red Devils are dealing with a similar issue. McGinnis admitted seven-day-a-week practices may be the culprit.
A lot of it is kids needing to come in fit, and realizing that this is nothing like the level they were from, McGinnis said. It is a big jump, especially with the speed of play, and the workrate we are asking of them.
McGinnis sets an intense tone in order to get the best out of his players. He says that he expects the best, and nothing but the best, and hopes his players are thinking the same way.
Last year, the Red Devils werent at the level they needed to be to win matches. ACC notched only 18 goals in 18 games, far short of what was needed to win.. McGinnis has First Team All-Jayhawk Conference and his leading scorer, Destiny Smith, returning in attack. McGinnis expects a big season from her, along with finding goals from other areas.
We had Ivory Lawless who was in the midfield last season, and we are possibly thinking about putting her as a striker, or deploying her in the wing, McGinnis said. We are looking at Nicole Cortez to do some creating, and play in some crucial balls. Also, we have Dorothy Usher coming in from England, who is a very technical player and can provide some goals as well.
As far as the defensive side of things, the Red Devils have Honorable Mention All-Jayhawk Conference center-back Amanda Wray returning. McGinnis also has high regards for Alani Snook, who will provide the back line with leadership. If Trinity Crowder is able to regain fitness, she is another player who can provide AC with a strong presence in defense.
McGinnis will employ a 4-3-3 that can turn into a 4-5-1, that will allow ACC to go forward when on the ball, but also lend the Red Devils support when pushed back near their own box. McGinnis is still searching for those players that will fill those roles with a high workrate.
It varies from season to season and player to player, McGinnis said of his expectations. You have this picture in your mind how things are going to happen, and then all of sudden it changes. Because at this age, the only thing that is consistent is that they are inconsistent. So, there is always a wrench that is thrown in and you have to adjust, which always keeps you on your toes and always busy. But it is exciting, because it makes you a better coach.
Besides an injury-prone team, McGinnis is lamenting a rainy August that is preventing the women from practicing on their grass fields.
ACC will need a healthy squad, and time on a well-groomed pitch when they start the 2019 season at Southwestern College on Tuesday.
