Evolving Game - November 2023

Page 6

MEET THE COACH Bret Altimore, FC Ballyhoo - National Presidents Cup Winner What’s your background in the game? Earliest memories, introduction to the sport, etc. I started playing club at the age of 6, played up to my Junior year in HS. Played on a few men’s teams post HS. To be honest I wasn’t a talented player. Who were the coaches you had as a player that you have most learned from or most appreciate now that you are a coach? That’s a great question, I have had a lot of great teachers and coaches, met a lot of great coaches not only in soccer but other sports as well. My track coach in HS Mr. Lawler had a big impact on me. The biggest in uencer is most de nitely Barry Wray. I never played for Barry, but he was and is a close friend and has been a mentor to me since I started coaching. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have such an exceptional resource and role model who has guided me not only through coaching but life as well. The things I appreciate about Barry are his honesty, his willingness to help and his ability to teach. He was inducted into the South New Jersey Hall of Fame as a Surreal. Having him on sta is a gift. His knowledge

soccer coach in 1994.1 You went on quite a journey with

and vision of the game are outstanding. I trust his opinion

the Ballyhoo 07 Black team last

wholeheartedly. He also possesses incredible

year, making it all the way to the

communication skills. In fact, the night before the

Presidents Cup and winning it in

championship match, Jake gave a very heartfelt speech

Wichita. What clues did you have

that not only resonated with the team but with me as well.

along the way that this team had

It’s a unique experience that the team can look to a coach

what it takes to win a national

that is still in the arena. They can watch him practice what he preaches on his match days. Jake is a true competitor,

competition? These guys are a very special group of young men.

his passion and commitment to the game is unparalleled. I

Their attitudes and work ethic are nothing short of amazing.

am certain that he will be an incredible head coach. On a

Of course, they are very talented. They are a close group

personal note, any time that I get to spend with either one

on and o the eld. If I had to point to one moment it would

of my children is a blessing. Having been able to

be our rst loss of the spring season that occurred in the

experience this memory with Jake is one I will certainly

regional tournament. It appeared everything was against

cherish for the rest of my life.

us. We were down a goal and a man for at least half the giving into negativity, I saw our boys reach another level. I

Is it more or less nerve-wracking watching Jake play or coaching in a knockout competition with him on the sidelines? Honestly, I do not get nervous. The only thing we can

had a feeling at that time that if we could nd a way to play

really ask of an athlete is to give their

with that intensity and drive, we could compete with any

best. The outcome for me is not nearly

other team. We ended up losing the match, but the lessons

as important as the performance. If

learned were invaluable.

he can walk o the eld in either

match. Instead of complaining about our situation and

You lifted a trophy with your son Jake as an assistant. What was it like to share that special moment with your son and how did having him on the sta help [6]

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the team accomplish such a monumental feat?

scenario and honestly say he gave his best, what else is there?


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