As the school year gets started, numerous athletic teams are still battling with the hardships of COVID-19. On top of these hardships, Men’s Soccer head coach Brandon Porter has another challenge, his first year as head coach of Pacific, is one with no season. The pandemic has caused numerous teams to suspend competing and practicing in order to try to reduce the severity of this issue.
Pacific Men’s Soccer Head Coach Brandon Porter came from Oregon Tech. Porter said that when he found out about the job, he immediately applied for it because he wanted to come back and coach for the school that made him the man he is today.
With the postponement of their season to the spring, Coach Porter explains the plan for them to get back to practicing in the next couple of weeks and having “minimal contact” and “gradually getting back into things.” Like Porter, the players are excited to get back on the field. Junior Defender, Alex Passman states that, “Everyone has been trying to make the most out of the situation by working on our individual game as much as we can.” Passman added “With the hope of a spring season, the team has been able to stay motivated despite the lack of games.”
The Pacific graduate mentioned his days playing soccer for Pacific. He said each of the guys on his team, “bled black and red” because it was their drive to make a name for Pacific. Senior Midfielder, Braden Kojima, explains how new head coach Brandon Porter makes things better for the players. Kojima says, “I’m really excited to be working with our new coach. He makes you feel proud to wear the Pacific uniform and to play for the school.”
The new coach states that, “It’s important to change the culture,” not for just the team this year, but for the teams to come in the upcoming years. Passman added “Coach Porter’s passion for the game, as well as the program, has the team really excited to get going.”
While the fall season is cancelled, Coach Porter’s plan seems evident. Create a program where players are proud to play for and represent their University. — Todd Takeuchi
Photo: All fall sports have been suspended for the 2020 season due to COVID-19. They hope to resume in the spring (Todd Takeuchi)
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