Mills embraces change as new Cyclones boys soccer coach
By Tom Ham Senior Staff Writer
Monica Mills, a Greenville native, has coached soccer approximately 15 years — always working with girls teams.
That has changed.
Mills, a 1999 graduate of Barton College with a degree in psychology and human resources, has assumed duties as the new boys head coach at Community Christian School, succeeding Joe Caster, who resigned to devote more time to his business interests.
“It’s different,” Mills didn’t hesitate to admit. “It’s a learning experience. I have always coached girls and, now, I have to go a different way.
“But it’s going good. I really enjoy CCS. It’s a very good group and they’re very respectful.”
The Cyclones kick off their season with three matches in a home event this weekend and then oppose Beddingfield, Fike and Hunt in the Rotary Cup next week.
Mills’ background includes three seasons as Rhine Sharp’s assistant with the Lady Cyclones and more than a decade of working with recreation-level as well as Wilson Youth Soccer Association select girls teams.
“She is very knowledgeable,” CCS Athletic Director Bryan Walker said of Mills stepping in the role of head boys soccer coach. “The kids love her and she loves them. It’s awesome and it’s going really good.
“Monica is a perfect fit. We talked about it last spring and we couldn’t be happier with who we have.”
Mills, a graduate of D.H. Conley High, said she learned of an opening for a coach in boys soccer and was contacted by Walker.
“I thought it would be interesting and I missed coaching,” she reasoned. It’s different that boys are naturally more aggressive and very action-oriented. We are just kind of getting together and this is the first week of having everyone (at practice).”
The roster of 18 players, revealed Mills, includes a promising sophomore class but just one returnee among the three seniors. A seventh-grader will see varsity action.
Mills hints the guys are being exposed to a different approach to playing the game. She emphasize a definite boundary will exist between coach and players.
“I am detail-oriented,” she commented. “I expect them to be on time and to work hard. We do a lot of fitness and I want to have them to learn the game more tactfully. I am used to the select background and I coach them just like I would coach a select team.”
She adds the players must adjust from a diamond to an angular 4-4-2 formation.
“My goal — and I think it’s a realistic goal — is for every team to be over .500,” Mills said. “I want to go far in the playoffs and I would love to win the conference.”
However, she admits she is not familiar with boys soccer in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 1-A Carolina Christian Conference, which includes CCS.
Mills, who played soccer and softball at Barton, is self-employed as a counselor and therapist for mental health and substance abuse, and notes: “Coaching soccer is my stress relief.”
She expects a fun, productive first year with the Cyclones.
“I love coaching,” she expressed, “and what I like about (the high school level) is the opportunity to develop and grow.”
By Tom Ham Senior Staff Writer
Monica Mills, a Greenville native, has coached soccer approximately 15 years — always working with girls teams.
That has changed.
Mills, a 1999 graduate of Barton College with a degree in psychology and human resources, has assumed duties as the new boys head coach at Community Christian School, succeeding Joe Caster, who resigned to devote more time to his business interests.
“It’s different,” Mills didn’t hesitate to admit. “It’s a learning experience. I have always coached girls and, now, I have to go a different way.
“But it’s going good. I really enjoy CCS. It’s a very good group and they’re very respectful.”
The Cyclones kick off their season with three matches in a home event this weekend and then oppose Beddingfield, Fike and Hunt in the Rotary Cup next week.
Mills’ background includes three seasons as Rhine Sharp’s assistant with the Lady Cyclones and more than a decade of working with recreation-level as well as Wilson Youth Soccer Association select girls teams.
“She is very knowledgeable,” CCS Athletic Director Bryan Walker said of Mills stepping in the role of head boys soccer coach. “The kids love her and she loves them. It’s awesome and it’s going really good.
“Monica is a perfect fit. We talked about it last spring and we couldn’t be happier with who we have.”
Mills, a graduate of D.H. Conley High, said she learned of an opening for a coach in boys soccer and was contacted by Walker.
“I thought it would be interesting and I missed coaching,” she reasoned. It’s different that boys are naturally more aggressive and very action-oriented. We are just kind of getting together and this is the first week of having everyone (at practice).”
The roster of 18 players, revealed Mills, includes a promising sophomore class but just one returnee among the three seniors. A seventh-grader will see varsity action.
Mills hints the guys are being exposed to a different approach to playing the game. She emphasize a definite boundary will exist between coach and players.
“I am detail-oriented,” she commented. “I expect them to be on time and to work hard. We do a lot of fitness and I want to have them to learn the game more tactfully. I am used to the select background and I coach them just like I would coach a select team.”
She adds the players must adjust from a diamond to an angular 4-4-2 formation.
“My goal — and I think it’s a realistic goal — is for every team to be over .500,” Mills said. “I want to go far in the playoffs and I would love to win the conference.”
However, she admits she is not familiar with boys soccer in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 1-A Carolina Christian Conference, which includes CCS.
Mills, who played soccer and softball at Barton, is self-employed as a counselor and therapist for mental health and substance abuse, and notes: “Coaching soccer is my stress relief.”
She expects a fun, productive first year with the Cyclones.
“I love coaching,” she expressed, “and what I like about (the high school level) is the opportunity to develop and grow.”
