With the new season starting, the boys’ varsity soccer team is seeing more change than the usual roster adjustments. After 12 years, former head coach Bob Robidoux retired from his position, leaving the team with new head coach Austin Downie, who also teachers physical education classes at the school. Downie played soccer and football at Satellite High School  and won scholarships for both sports upon graduation. He attended Mount Union College in Ohio where he won two national championships as a kicker on the football team.

“I have played soccer all my life growing up,” Downie said. “I have had the opportunity to play with top players on really competitive teams and be coached by some top coaches around Brevard.” 

Previously, Downie coached boys JV soccer for the past three years. 

“I believe that with coaching JV in the last three seasons I have been able to earn the boys’ trust and feel that I can lead this program in a positive direction,” he said. 

Returning varsity center-mid player Tommy Brownlie said he has faith in Downie. 

“Coach Downie is going to be a solid coach going into this varsity season due to his strong experience with the game,” Brownlie said. “I think he’s going to be able to take us far into this season and make us work hard for every game.” 

Fifth-year right-wing player Ian Nemes agrees with Brownlie and said he believes Downie’s experience coaching JV will also be a factor towards the team’s success. 

“While watching the JV games, I got to see Coach Downie’s style of coaching and I’m sure his coaching style and previous experience will serve us fine and I’m certain he received guidance from Coach Bob,” Nemes said.  

By Grace Mannix