Vashon Island High School Fall sports
update: Coach Edition
By Cassie Gasser, Reporter
As we head into a new school year, here at Vashon Island High School, our fall sport programs start to pick up speed. So amidst the crazy, we checked in with this year’s coaches for our fall teams.
Head Coach Scott Nicolino, Girls Soccer
What’s the season like so far?
“It’s been great so far! Each and every player on this team is very talented. As a coach, it’s a great feeling to have such a tremendous amount of trust in such a large group of players.”
How would you describe the team dynamic? Is the team more in sync than last season?
“The team dynamic is very good. Everyone gets along so well together. Many are friends on and off the field and that kind of chemistry shows in their game play on the field,” Nicolino said, “I’d say the team is more in sync this season. Part of that comes from learning the various systems that are being put in place and getting minutes on the field with players that only play together during the school season. Some play on the same club teams the rest of the year, but many only play together during the high school season.”
What’s the skill that you can improve most on going forward with your team?
“For us, we have so many talented players that each player just needs to remember to trust in the other players around them. That will come with minutes on the field together.”
What’s your favorite part of the season? Least favorite part?
“My personal favorite part of the season is seeing our players succeed — having success in the various tactics and strategies that we have been working on in practice. And, helping our senior players go as far as they can in the regular season and playoffs in their final year of soccer for VHS,” Nicolino said, “Oh, and beating our various arch-rivals in the Nisqually League. That’s always fun too! My least favorite part is the season ending sooner than it should, and Covid 19 affecting the season for teams and individual players all around the state.”
Head Coach Laura Johnson, Cross Country
What’s the season like so far?
“Our numbers are down from two years ago, but up from the COVID season of 2020, so I’m taking that as a win,” Johnson said, “Our returning athletes had been running all summer, which puts them at a great advantage over many of their competitors who started their training at the start of the season.”
How would you describe the team dynamic? Is the team more in sync than last season?
“The 2021 cross country team has a good work ethic, and they work together well. As the miles go by under their feet, the Pirates are becoming closer as a team, supporting each other as unique, talented and important human beings,” Johnson said, “We spend time struggling, sweating and ‘embracing the suck’, but we also fit in time to bond with some things other than running. Our team has taken several hikes, a swim in the sound, [and] a trip to run at Greenlake – I try to blend team building and fun with the rigors of training. So far, it seems to work.”
What’s your favorite part of the season? Least favorite part?
“I look forward to every practice as it is an opportunity to build happy people and good athletes. I enjoy each competition as it is an opportunity for every runner to test their skills, find their personal limits for that day, and draw a new line in the sand for what is possible in the future,” Johnson said, “As far as my personal ‘favorite part of the team’ I’d say every eager ‘hi coach’ at the beginning of practice and every happy ‘goodbye coach’ at the end. I don’t have a least favorite part of the team.”
Head Coach Rick Doussett, Boy’s Tennis
What’s the season like so far?
“Very positive start! The team has won all three of our conference games.”
How would you describe the team dynamic? Is the team more in sync than last season?
“[We have a] very large team compared to last season — which was only 6 months ago — but [it] has a fantastic team spirit.”
What’s the skill that you can improve most on going forward with your team?
“The serve, which is the most important shot in tennis. Followed closely by the volley.”
What’s your favorite part of the season? Least favorite part?
“I believe that [my favorite part] would have to be Districts — how well they fight. [My least favorite part] would be their execution of volley [helps] put ways.”
Assistant Coach, Leah Andrews, Girl’s Volleyball
What’s the season like so far?
“This has been a great season. Players are motivated and want to get better. Every volleyball season is a good season.”
How would you describe the team dynamic? Is the team more in sync than last season?
“Every year is different and the program is definitely growing. I really enjoy this group of girls, and we’re coming together as a team.”
What’s the skill that you can improve most on going forward with your team?
“Communication is key on the volleyball court, and that is an area we could improve on.”
What’s your favorite part of the season? Least favorite part?
“I’m not sure there is a favorite or least part of the season. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities. It has been a pleasure to watch this team develop their skills and start to have more fun on the court.”