By CAYDEN SANDERS
Tiger Media Network
The FHSU Men’s Soccer program has gone through a whirlwind of changes during the offseason. One of the biggest changes came with a new head coach stepping in to lead the program. Alex Nichols was hired in January.
“When applying for this job, I was told from our administration that it’s a strong family atmosphere and they’re passionate people and passionate about winning,” Nichols said. “We both agreed about having our student-athletes be successful on and off the field as well as the community and as individuals.”
The returning eight players feel that hiring Nichols will send FHSU in the right direction going forward.
“Once I had heard Coach Nichols was hired and was able to meet him in person, I thought this was the perfect hire for this program,” Senior Defender Chris Rios-Cruz said. “I mean, the way he carries himself, wants the team to carry themselves on and off the field, is something that I have enjoyed.”
Nichols brings years of experience at the NAIA level, along with national championship experience.
After being hired midway through the recruiting cycle and with only eight returning players, Nichols spent the past few months filling out the roster, signing 28 new faces to the program.
“There is going to be a whole lot of new for this team,” Nichols said. “And only having half a recruiting cycle and getting a coaching staff alike, so first and foremost, we need to see everyone’s talents, skillsets and different backgrounds and just learn from each other. We are excited about each of our guys, who all seem very motivated. If we have a lot of guys that are motivated and excited for the future, that’s normally start of some success.”
Nichols wants to set a foundation for this team going forward.
“We want each and every player to give everything they’ve got,” Nichols said. “We can’t ask for more than that. So if our mindset is right, we can achieve our goals throughout the season.”
After spending three weeks of training camp and practice to prepare for today’s season opener, the team will continue to bond over the course of the season. In addition to adding nearly 30 new faces, 25 of FHSU’s signees are foreign-born with 21 players coming to Hays from Europe.
“There’s a lot of new players, coaches, cultures, backgrounds and so it’s going to be fun to get to know each other and try to compete with one goal in mind,” Rios-Cruz said.
For Rios-Cruz and the other seven players who stayed with the program after Nichols was hired, the change in leadership has a breath of fresh air.
“I felt that our administration did a great job with hiring Coach Nichols,” Rios-Cruz said. “Ever since meeting him, us returners that have stayed are really happy he’s here to lead us and this program in the right direction.”
FHSU begins its season today against Rockhurst University. First touch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at FHSU soccer stadium.