For three years now, Ethan Maurer has been head coach of the Warren Central girls soccer team. Maurer has brought many new dynamics to the soccer program as he aims to create an advanced athletic program. Maurer has seen many memorable moments in his time here, but one moment specifically stands out.
That moment was when the team beat Christel House during a sunny Senior Night match on Aug. 28. Spirits were high on and off the field as they honored their 10 graduating players and added a win to their roster.
“Our team won 5-0, the most goals we’ve scored in a single game in over three years,” Maurer said about the game. “It was a testament to how hard our girls have worked to improve offensively and defensively to earn the shutout victory.”
Maurer tries to maintain a positive attitude toward players, as well as opposing teams. Maurer is all about bringing a mentality that, whether the team wins or loses, there is always room for more hard work. Many players, like senior captain Abigayle Greiner, believe this sets Maurer apart from other coaches, and it is key to the team's culture.
“So many coaches I find define their teams based on how many games they have won and how many points they put up, but Maurer is different,” Greiner said. “He always makes sure to remind us that no matter the score we need to remember to have fun because sports are so much more than a record and a scoreboard.”
Maurer can connect with players. He wants the best for all of his athletes, the girls say. He especially likes to look at the mental side of the game, how players can get lost inside their heads and start becoming nervous under the pressure on the field. He believes that if players look into the mental side of the game, and can correct what is wrong, then success is imminent.
“I haven't met a coach that wants his own team to succeed the way coach Maurer does,” senior Samaria Powell said. “One of my favorite things about Coach is he makes sure to look at the mental aspects of the game rather than just looking at the physical aspects of playing soccer.”
Soccer can be a very big mental sport. Athletes have to be able to keep calm and collected so that they do not alter their playing for other teams' advantage. They have to have precise aim at times so that they can put the ball in the right spot for a tough pass or to score a goal. If they cannot stay calm, none of this is possible.
Maurer knows that the schedule for the team will never be easy, and there will be a lot of talented teams to play. Because of this, he has to prepare the team for some hard matches that will be fought in the trenches.
He understands, though, that no loss is ever imminent, just like no win is guaranteed, regardless of the other team’s record. For this, he builds a strong focus on what the team has done well and where there needs to be improvement.
“We play a tough schedule against some excellent competition,” Maurer said. “For our tougher games, the coaches try to focus the team on what our goals are, to stay determined and play with no quit, and to point out our successes. I speak for our coaching staff when I say our girls’ efforts have exceeded our expectations each and every game this season. Our [team does] not quit.”