New Era Underway For LHS Girls Soccer

New LHS Girls Soccer Coaches (left to right): Roman Hubach (Varsity) and Ted Nagel (JV).

Lakewood resident Roman Hubach has been a soccer coach for 40 years, and has played the game since he was 8 years old. For years he made the trip from Lakewood to coach the boys soccer team at Padua High School. He never intended to leave Padua, but decided to apply for the Lakewood girls soccer job when it came open. Hubach was hired, and players and parents are pleased with the results. The program has had a lot of coaching turnover in recent years, so Hubach’s experience is a welcome tonic to the Rangers.

“I believe I am, and try to be, a player's coach,” said Hubach, “I am not too much of a screamer, as in the players need to be able to work out their problems on the field by themselves. I like possession soccer and believe that skills, tactics, fitness and mental attitude are the foundations for success.” He brings an easygoing manner to the job, but also has a lifetime of experience and knowledge. The team has worked hard in the offseason, and Hubach’s methods are paying off. For example, they defeated Gilmour Academy 3-1 in a recent scrimmage at FFL Stadium.  

Hubach brings long term vision for the program. “My long term goal for the program is to coach the girls well enough to be able to compete against the top team in the state and vie for State Championship.” As for this season, he says, “I do like the cards I have been dealt at Lakewood. It all comes down to how we can compete under pressure and how the girls mesh together.”

The Rangers’ home season begins with a match against Vermilion on August 22nd. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at First Federal Lakewood Stadium. In the words of Coach Hubach, “I have set my goals high and hope that the players are ready for the ride of their lives...”

Mike Deneen

Mike Deneen has extensive experience covering sports and community stories for the Lakewood Observer. Mike has been a Senior Industry Analyst for the Freedonia Group in Cleveland, Ohio, since 1998. He has appeared on CNBC’s Closing Bell, NPR’s MarketPlace and has been quoted multiple times in The Wall Street Journal. He has made multiple guest appearances on ESPN Cleveland radio. Mike also writes for Inside Northwestern, a website that covers Northwestern Wildcat Athletics. You can reach him on Twitter at @MikeDeneen1 

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Volume 12, Issue 17, Posted 10:25 PM, 08.16.2016