Lake Boy’s Soccer looking to the future as new head coach is looking to make an impact.
The Lake Middle High School Boy’s Soccer team has hired new head coach Brad Dobney for the 2025 season as previous head coach, Casey Rife, steps down.
“After lots of talking through people I respect and praying about it, ultimately it came down to my kids,” said Rife. “Just their ages and where they are in life and starting their soccer journeys. Just really being a part of that and not wanting to miss it. It was time to step away and be dad for a little bit.”
Regarding leaving his position, Rife stated he was happy to see old traditions being carried. Rife acknowledged that with such a big change comes challenges along the way and when he took on the challenge he experienced similar obstacles. “I’ve loved it and I’ve seen the roller coaster. Where we do really well and then we have some years where we really struggle a bit. What’s never changed is the attitude of the players.”
When asked about the expectations of the new head coach, Rife explained he hoped that the “Lake Soccer vibe” would be kept alive, that the team would continue to support each other through the highs and the lows. “I just hope the new coaching staff can really instill confidence and love into their players as I tried to do.”
While new faces arise on the team. Dobney and Rife share their standard and expectations for the team. Dobney’s first impression of the team was the attitude of the players. “Regardless of the score they would just keep fighting.” Coach Dobney hopes to continue to move forward with the same ideals.
Dobney hopes to achieve great things with the team both with the players and with results. “I want to create a program where the worst player can talk to the best player.” Coach Dobney wants to continue to have an environment where players can feel comfortable with each other and pour into one another to improve not only as players but as people. Regarding results, Dobney has set his sights on winning the district championship.
Coach Dobney briefly touched on the challenges he’s had to face with the new change of scenery. Coach Dobney commented on how he is trying to find the best way to approach each player to get the best out of them. Dobney wants to have his own legacy while also keeping the central ideals of Lake soccer. “Trying to figure out how I fit in as a coach of Lake, to carry on the traditions they want but also to put my own stamp on it has been one of the more challenging things,” said Dobney.
While hiring a new coach can be exciting it has come with its challenges with the team having a 0-8-1 record. When asked on the matter Dobney stated, “I’m concerned that confidence will drop but I really do think that we get one win and I genuinely think a lightbulb will go on.” Coach Dobney is hopeful and trusts his players and their abilities. “We’ve had a rough start but that doesn’t change my opinion of how good these guys can be.”
To gain more background and get the players’ perspective varsity captain Angel Montelongo was also interviewed on the matter. Montelongo had high praise for the new head coach stating, “With him being new I don’t know him much as a person but as a coach I think he has good values, he always has a drive to go forward and improve.” With all the high praise from the captain Coach Dobney has obviously had a positive impression on the players. ;Angel followed up by saying, “He always says one thing I don’t want you guys to do is give up. I think that tells you a lot about him as a person.”
“If at the end of the year, most of the guys, when we’re parting ways in November, are happy that I coached them, are happy I was here, I’d be happy with that.” Coach Dobney hopes to have a lasting effect on the players and is looking forward to all that is to come.
