W&E,
Let me attempt to touch my sensitive side within the development of players coversation
1. Players develop the majority of their technical skills before the reach HS. It is that way for all techniques (reading, music, soccer etc.) Although a HS coach can help to improve technique, they most likely aren't going to turn a rec player into Abby Wambach
BUT
2. a HS coach is solely responsible for the tactical approach to the game of their team. even if you have 40 club kids, they will all play different systems. it becomes the HS coach's job to get them on the same page. this is where a team with less technical talent can become competitive. a great coach will be able to take an athletic or smart athlete and fit them into the system. a great athlete can be made into a great marking back if the coach can teach the tactics and technique of 1 v 1 defending. (easier than attacking 1 v 1) I would say that players without great technical skill can flourish if placed in a good tactical scheme (AKA Pablo Mastroeni and Chris Armas, they aren't Zidane but the sure have been taught how to disrupt an offense) a great coach makes adjustments (not major changes W&E) to take advantage of what they have. My example was more of a praise for the NW coach. beat up the first time, tactical changes for the 2nd game resulting in a win. This is where your "role player" development can be rested on the HS coach. developing an athlete into a role within the team tactics.
As far as club player = HS success. I highly doubt if you were to go back and look at the final 8 teams at 4AAAA over that past that any of them had rec players on the varsity or JV for that matter.
As far as record, it does seem to me that a great sophmore class with 1 or 2 exceptional players (Big Daddy) could have alot to do with a huge jump in record. I hope that this program can continue to have a high level of success once that group is graduated. more good HS teams means more good soccer players, which is good for SC.
By the way W&E, is the Clover coach moving up to college? What other kinds of "rewards" can a HS coach be given? Just curious.
