SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums SCHSSCA Newt Merricks Resigns at North Myrtle Beach

Newt,

Where to begin. First let me thank you for all that you have done for me both on and off the field. You have taught me a great deal in the 5 1/2 years I've been your assistant at NMB. In your speech you thanked me for sharing the ride with you, but it is you that I should thank for allowing me to part of such a great program and community. You brought me in and helped guide me along the way in so many things other than soccer. When I asked your opinion you were always straight with me, even when it was not what I wanted to hear but that is one of your truly great qualities. You know how to push the right buttons to get the most out of everyone, not just players. Your guidance will be deeply missed in the soccer community. You really have no idea how much all of your present and past players admire you. I just want to again say thank you for all that you have done and hope your days ahead are as meaningful and happy as the ones you have spent on the pitch with all of us.

Good Luck,

Jason Mueller

Newt has always been there as my coach ever since i was four years old. He taught me everything and helped me get better and better. i can't even imagine playing without him. Thanks for everything.
- Zack Okun

Newt please please come back to us. We could not keep on going without you. You represent North Myrtle Beach, you represent us. You made all of us what we are. I need you, we all need you. So please don't leave us yet, its too early!
I love you.
-Alberto Alducin

The testimonials from the players are amazing. That sums it all up. They could give you the "gold watch" Newt, but it wouldn't compare to what your players have written.

Congratulations.

Newt,

I know I'm on the girls team, but this is hurting me almost as much as the guys. i just cant picture the soccer program or soccer itself without Newt Merricks.

you've helped me so much throughout the years. Thank you for allowing me to join in on your practices, giving me constructive criticism, pushing me to my limits and passing on your knowledge and passion for the sport. You gave me the motivation to regain my strength after i tore my ACL. I really appreciate all of the individual attention you have given me. You are the reason i was driven to ever play soccer. You mean everything to me, the rest of the girls, and all of the boys. We love you

-Toogie Clyburn

Newt,

Although i haven't been in the soccer program at NMB all that long, I just wanna say thank you for everything you've done for me. I respect you in every way possible and am very glad you've given me the criticism to grow into a better soccer player. You put a fire in me to step on the field that no other coach could ever do. I'll never forget you, Newt. I appreciate you letting me come to practices to better my play. I'll work on staying focused and keeping my head in the game. I hope I'll be seeing you soon because NMB soccer won't be the same without you. I respect your decision and am very happy for your family to have a guy like you.

Love, Andee Dees

Newt,

I hope that you read each one of these posts that people have taken time to write. I think it is really easy for people to overlook the impact that they have on a community, and you truly have made one. I see the different experiences that the current players have posted and I can relate to it as well. I’m so glad that you have touched so many people in the same way you have with me. Each player that you come across you have a way of working with that player to bring out their true potential. I have played for you since rec soccer all the way through high school. You saw something in me to put your heart and knowledge in to help me succeed on and off the field. I know today that without you I would not have become the player that I am. Having the ability to play at a D1 college and do well, I attribute to you and the many years that you trained me. I can honestly say that out of all the coaches I have had you were the one that always made the biggest impact. There were days when I wanted to quit, but I had the heart and the desire to prove to you that I could do it. I look up to you not only as a coach, or a friend, but a father. Words cannot express the feelings I have for you and that all of your players have for you. You deserve this time for you and your family because you have dedicated your time to others for so long. You will be missed at NMBHS. It will be hard to think of NMB soccer with out your name next to it! Thank you for all of the great years!

Love,
Blair Monroe

Newt,

I know I wasn't one of the players that played with you for 12 years or so, but I still wanted to thank you for the effort that you put into my soccer ability. I appreciate everything you have taught me about the game of soccer. You were an amazing coach for the time that I played for you and you taught me so much about the game in such a short amount of time. For this I thank you.

-Nick Simeon

I don't know Coach Merricks but I have followed AAA soccer for a long time and North Myrtle Beach has always been a Top 10 program. That in itself is a testimony to the consistency and quality of his leadership. From reading the posts in this thread Coach Merricks can certainly walk away from the pitch with his head held high for making a tremendously positive impact on the youth of the Little River and Grand Strand areas. Congrats Coach!

Newt, you are a class act. Best wishes and I hope we see you around the state at events you are able to attend. Your presence on a regular basis will be missed by those of us in the association. Good luck in your future endeavors, whatever they may be.