The Wright City boys soccer program recently welcomed their new head coach, Eric Deal. Deal comes from a long soccer background, having played as a child.

Deal currently coaches club soccer at JB Marine and also played one year of collegiate soccer at Central Methodist University as a center midfielder. 

He is currently entering his third year of teaching and comes from Troy Buchanan High School, but he used to work in online marketing. Deal knew he was not happy in that job, but he enjoyed coaching club soccer, which led him to focusing his career on teaching and coaching. 

“When I was coaching club, I really enjoyed working with the kids and over time I enjoyed doing that more,” Deal said. 

Deal will also be a geometry teacher at the high school. 

When Deal looked more into the position at Wright City, there were many things that stuck out to him. Deal attended William Chrisman High School and found it unique that both schools were labeled as “WCHS.” 

In addition, both schools had the bright blue and gold school colors. Deal also grew up in Independence and Wright City has a hallway named “Independence Hall.” 

The similarities really struck Deal and made him realize this was where he should be. 

“It was one of the things where I was like this is kind of weird and I like small towns, so it seemed like the right spot,” Deal said. 

Deal has already met and coached some of the players through offseason camps, practices and lifts. He noted that many players work or have summer plans, but he wants to get more drills and scrimmages out of the players before the season starts. 

Deal has many goals for this season, including getting the Wildcats past the first round of districts, something they have yet to accomplish. He would also like to have a .500 record. 

He noted that he is still working on some further goals and will let the seniors and the team have a voice in it as well. 

With his background in club soccer, Deal plans to bring in some of the drills and coaching tactics he has learned in the past. Things such as first touch and movement off the ball will be practiced. 

Outside of concrete goals specifically geared towards the season, Deal wants to instill confidence in the players. 

“I want to help them get through the tough times,” Deal said. “A lot of the time players will be good, but they doubt themselves. If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody will, so I want to try to get them to believe in themselves.” 

Deal noted the sportsmanship side will be key too. 

“There’s still the element of guiding players to become better people as well and using the sport as a tool for them to learn how to make good decisions,” Deal said. “When you’re losing and learning how to be graceful and not take cheap shots.”

“Respect the game and respect the opponents as well. So, there’s a level of it that you have to bring in and make sure it’s a part of the conversation.” 

Deal will coach his first game with the Wildcats on Sept. 3 against Winfield. 

“I’m really looking forward to the season and having good, healthy, key players,” Deal said.