Managers for Boys Soccer

Senior boys soccer player Gavin Clayton works with team manager Rami Kawar on shooting drills to warm up for the game at Brownsburg on Thursday, Sept. 15. Photo by Avery Roe.

Playing a new position

Varsity boys soccer utilizes seniors as managers for this season

Avery Roe roeave000@hsestudents.org

This season, seniors Noah Rowland and Rami Kawar are filling new shoes on the continue their relationship with the team even if they are not out on the field with them. Although boy’s varsity soccer team at Fishers. The two boys have been players for the team in previous years, however, this year they took on the roles of team managers. “We haven’t always had managers,” varsity boys soccer coach Philip Schmidt said. “During COVID, we went without managers just to kind of decrease our numbers. We wanted to keep the boys in the program, so we asked them if they would be managers.” With knowledge from being on the team and of the sport in general, the boys have done what they can to help the team with everything they need. They have been working as hard as managers as they did when they were players. “Having managers on the team is helpful,” Coach Schmidt said. “Especially when you have good managers that know the game and can run the tape or camera one day. They will run an errand for us. A lot of times, they are helping us with a drill. Having managers that support the team and support the coaches is a great asset for the program.” In addition to their knowledge, the two boys have worked to this is freshman Brady Grace’s first year on the team, he’s been able to get to know and work well with the senior managers. “They know everyone that was previously on the team,” Grace said. “They can get along with everyone, and they know what everyone’s needs are and how they can work with everyone.” The biggest reason the boys were offered their roles as managers is because this is their final year with the team. Giving them their last year on the team was essential to the program. “We’ve treated them just like any other senior in the program,” Coach Schmidt said. “They are important to us, and they are great kids. They are treated equally and interact with their teammates no differently than the players.” Sophomore and varsity soccer player Caleb Hernandez had not been on a team with managers before this season and has seen the large impact they have had this year. “They know how things work, so that takes the stress off the coaches,” Hernandez said. “They really do make a big difference.” The team’s managers do not only support the players during practices. They are open to helping the program and coaches in any way they can. “Our managers help the coaches with anything they need them to do or help them prepare for our games,” Grace said. “They share any news we need to know. One of our managers also takes pictures for us.” Another benefit the team has noticed is that the managers can step on the field if necessary. The boys know drills and can also help the players warm up. “They fit in great with our culture,” Coach Schmidt said. “They’re good friends with most of the team, which adds to the locker room. They are good players, so they’re able to help and fill in when needed from time to time.” The support the managers have added to the team has also removed stress on the coaches and players. If they continue to have managers in the future, Noah and Rami will be leading examples. “Rami and Noah are role model managers,” Coach Schmidt said. “They’ve done a great job. It’s not an easy role for somebody to fill, and we have a great appreciation for Rami and Noah.”