New girls soccer coach shows promise for Fossil’s soccer program

Haley Rockwell • December 11, 2016

As the school year 2016-2017 began, the Fossil Ridge Athletic Department prepared to hire new coaches for the girls soccer program. On Friday December 2, Athletic Director Brandon Carlucci and the Hiring Committee offered Ian Wale the position as the girls soccer varsity head coach. Mr. Wale became Coach Wale on Wednesday, December 7, when he accepted the job; and his acceptance was publicly announced.

Coach Wale brings passion, integrity, hard work, dedication, and experience into the upcoming spring girls soccer season. He indicated he is extremely excited to work with Fossil’s athletes and thinks highly of our school. He stated, “Fossil Ridge is a very established and respected high school, and I believe I can help the athletes make that become a reality.” Prior to his interview for the position, Wale met with several members of the team; he was impressed. The passion and enthusiasm for soccer that the athletes expressed weighed positively in Wale’s decision to accept the coaching position.

With past experiences coaching at Lewis Palmer and Greeley Central, Coach Wale has a lot of success under his belt. During his term as coach, both programs were ranked No. 1 in state. One of the primary reasons he was hired is his coaching success. Carlucci stated, “We chose Ian because we believe he is the best person for the job. His experience and past success speak for itself. His commitment level and coaching philosophy are also in line with the values we hold at Fossil Ridge.” Wale’s coaching philosophy and goals include:(1) provide an opportunity for all to develop their skills and create a safe learning environment that is constantly challenging and enjoyable, (2) create and foster within the athlete an interest and enthusiasm for soccer, and (3) direct interest and enthusiasm through sound fundamentals taught imaginatively, intelligently, purposefully, and inspirationally.

As a new coach of a soccer program that has had the same coach for several years, Coach Wale may face challenges. Coach Wale said, “Gaining a relationship with the athletes as quickly as possible is vital and that will take quality planning and commitment from all.” By creating positive player-coach relationships, Coach Wale commented, “I hope to provide the athletes a platform to give them the best opportunity of success both as a team and as individuals.”

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The spring soccer season is just around the corner, and Coach Wale is already preparing for tryouts in February, followed by the first game in March.

Welcome, Coach Ian Wales!

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About the Contributor

Haley Rockwell, Sports Editor

Senior Haley Rockwell is a dynamic character in the Fossil Ridge setting, bringing many dimensions to Etched in Stone as well as everything else she is involved in. Her in-depth athletic background enables her to contribute accurate stories on the many sports teams that compete for Fossil, making her leadership of sporting event coverage on the Etched in Stone publication crew. “I’m an athlete, so I’m involved in a lot of sports, and I think that gives me an advantage writing about it since I’m so passionate about it”, she said. As an ambitious soccer player, talented photographer, and member of the journalism program for the past three (now four) years , dedication is definitely a quality that Haley never fails to bring to the table. In fact, her hard work and dedication has earned her commitment to the University of Northern Colorado for soccer, where she is thinking about majoring in business with a minor in journalism. “Journalism has been a big part of my life for the past four years, so I want to continue to pursue it if I can!” she exclaimed.

Apart from being involved in journalism, athletics, and demanding academics, Haley is very interested in the arts. Alongside photography, she also finds peace in the relaxing qualities that drawing offers. “If I need something to escape from the stress of school and soccer, I’ll go draw instead”, she explained. The subject that she most frequently captures in her artwork are wolves, which she considers to be her personal spirit animal. A lover of animals, Haley also has a black cat at home named Shay. She is the oldest of two sisters, and knows very well the responsibilities of taking the lead and making crucial decisions. Haley’s talents are bound to pave a pathway that will take her far, no matter where she chooses to travel. Her strong sense of individuality, hard work, and passion are essential tools that will lead her to a bright and prosperous future.