Soccer has always been a passion for longtime Derby assistant coach Chad Schwartz.
He started coaching in 2002 when his son was 4 years old, following him as he grew up until he took the assistant coach position at Derby in 2014.
For Schwartz, being on the soccer field is his solace.
“I have a passion for the game,” Schwartz said. “A bad day on a soccer pitch will still be better than a good day at work. Aside from my family, it is my happy place.
As coaches of this age group, it is not about just making better soccer players. It is about helping them become better people and helping them be part of something bigger than themselves.”
The Derby boys soccer team are coming off a 10-7 season, where they had 11 players earn All-AVCTL I honors. There will a mix of returners and new players to help work to get back to state.
“This team is going to be very young, but with a couple of older players that have already stepped up as true leaders – that should help the young guys know that the older players are trying to help them be a part of the family,” Schwartz said. “Many times when you are going from a very experienced team to a younger team, the leadership element is what you are missing, but this group is going to be set in that regard.”
The main group of returners, especially the seniors, will face a lot of pressure, but with such a highly talented group of players, the Panthers expect more success.
“Senior Dallas Tritt at center back is calm, strong and an amazing communicator. He is an all-out leader,” Schwartz said. “Anthony Cruz in the midfield will lead by example as he is not outspoken, but will communicate, and Jonathan Esquivel at forward. He just knows how to attack, but will work hard, even harder if he makes a mistake. He will be the first to get it back.
“All of these guys have an amazing respect for the game, and it shows in their play.”
Schwartz knows that the Panthers can be special, but he knows it won’t be easy.
Still, he is eager to get started.
“I have a simple motto,” Schwartz said. “Love the game as much when you lose as you do when you win. It does not mean you have to like losing. You must have a love for the game that keeps you coming back and working hard every day.”
