Brock Netter, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
WHEELERSBURG — Kevin Powell has been the ultimate staple within Wheelersburg’s girls soccer program since its inception just nine years ago.
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
He’s been there since day one — literally — and will now continue to be there for the foreseeable future. However, as the program enters its 10th year, his voice will carry a little more power than usual.
He received a call earlier this summer with rather shocking news that longtime coach Todd Jarvis had resigned. After a conversation with school administration, he was named the program’s new head coach.
“The administration called me, asked to talk and I agreed to take over. It wasn’t something I was pursuing by any means. It just happened that way,” Powell said. “We’ve truly built something great at Wheelersburg and that’s a testament to the kids for how hard they work, as well as the trust they’ve had in us coaches. It’s definitely different being the guy and the voice, as opposed to just a guy who’s helping. I’m excited to help continue building upon that standard for this year and beyond.”
Powell has just about seen it all during his time as an assistant. In the past nine seasons, the Pirates have won six Southern Ohio Conference championships and four district titles.
Now with the program in his hands, he aims to add more hardware to the trophy case.
“We’re not going to drastically change the way we attack or our formations or anything like that because it works for us,” Powell said. “Our goals are still high and I believe we have the team this year capable to accomplish anything, including winning our first regional tournament game in program history.”
Powell already knows the program inside out, as well as the SOC II conference. He’s ready to lead his Pirates into 2023.
Fresh off winning 10 games and appearing in a Division III district final match against North Adams, the Pirates have seven starters back in the fold — a list that’s headlined by the likes of Bella Miller and Mia Vastine, as well as a talented freshman group that’s ready to contribute.
“We have some great leadership, and the younger kids are really buying into our philosophies when it comes to practicing hard and putting in the work,” Powell said. “The older players who have been around me understand how I am and what I expect every single day, whether it’s during a practice or in the game. I’ve been really pleased about the progress I’ve seen from the players and we’re ready to go.”
Wheelersburg begins its 2023 season on Aug. 19 at home against Unioto.
“Our goals are still the same. We want to win the conference and compete for a district championship. That’s our standard,” Powell said. “We’ve made three straight district finals, but came up short in the last two years. We’re not content with just getting there, we want to get there and succeed.”
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