The Houston Christian girls soccer program is in the midst of culture change.
After spending some time as an assistant, Rochelle Hobbs will now be taking over the duties as head coach for the team moving forward with steadfast optimism.
“I’ve had a very positive experience with the program up to this point,” said Hobbs. “The team is ready to go and they’re excited for the season. I feel like they’ve really embraced myself and the two other coaches that I work with.”
“I would say our point of emphasis has involved doing everything for each other, as opposed to being individual athletes. I want them to be the best at what they do and know the role they have on the team, while being able to fulfill that consistently.”
Following their 6-7-2 final record a year ago, the Mustangs have plenty of depth to build upon, which is exactly what Hobbs is preparing the team for.
“I think the difference this year is the idea that they’re committed to themselves as a team,” she said. “We have built a lot on our foundational skills since we started, and we incorporate the fundamentals of passing and dribbling, while keeping possession of the ball in order to build an attack.
“That’s what we’re working on right now. I think that will help us to be more successful this season, and I think the girls are very encouraged by the improvements that they’re making on a daily basis in practice.”
Samantha Muro (Sr. D)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
▲
Lana Raddatz (Sr. F)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
▲
Fortunately for Hobbs, that ‘foundation’ she speaks of consists of numerous returning starters who she will turn to once the season begins.
“Our attack will likely begin with Lana Raddatz (Sr. F),” said Hobbs. “She’s going to be a difference-maker for sure. She’s going for the school record of career goals, so we’re hoping to see some big numbers put up by her. Defensively, Samantha Muro (Sr. D) holds up my back-line. She will definitely be a game-changer for me.
“Aside from that, I think the really exciting thing is that I have a very strong middle corps. They’re all sophomores – Connally Kuykendall, Gracie Cervantes and Lauren Clark – who I kind of view as the team’s spine on the field.”
Given that this is her first year leading the program, what is it that Hobbs is trying to empower her players with, both on and off the pitch?
“The idea that they know they are more than what they do on the field... more than an athlete is essential,” she said. “They’re a daughter, they’re a friend and they’re a sister in a lot of ways. You can mimic that within a team, because I tell them that we’re a family. So, knowing that they’re value comes from more than just their performance has been instilled in them, and will benefit them down the line.”
With a new direction in effect, Houston Christian should be reinvigorated heading into the 2024 season.