The Emmaus girls soccer team has seen recent success after starting the season with a 9-0-1 [through Sept. 16th] record and being ranked the number one girls soccer team in the state of Pennsylvania by MaxPreps, a national high school sports overview site. Since 2020, Coach Chris Hain has served as the junior varsity head coach before stepping into the role of varsity head coach this year. The bar has been set high for coach Hain as MaxPreps ranked the girls as the number one team in Pennsylvania over the last month. While having high expectations, Hain remains calm and excited for the girls and their season.
“I’m new this year [to the head coaching role], and some of what goes into those numbers are how we did last year. So part of that credit goes to Coach Oswald and everything she’s built here for nine years. I’m sure part of that ranking has to do with the work she’s put in in the past. And then part of it goes into what we’re doing this year,” Hain said.
Coach Hain has high expectations for the girls. He also wants to see the girls achieve the most they can and become the best versions of themselves on and off the field.
“I’ve never been a coach that’s always coached to win trophies. I coach to make players better and more successful, and I feel like, if I do that part, they’ll be successful,” Hain said.
Hain gets his fulfillment in the sport through seeing the players succeed and moving on to bigger and better things past high school. The support and love for coaching and the game that Hain exerts helps inspire his players.
Senior captains Kamryn McWhinney and Ashley Stine can be seen showing their support.
“He’s one of the best coaches I think I’ve ever been coached by. Like, he really gets us as individuals and as a team,” Stine said.
Not only does Hain’s coaching obviously speak for itself and to the team, but his attitude has helped to uplift everyone of the individual players that he has the privilege of being around.
“He’s very positive. When he gives people advice, he follows it up with a compliment, even if they make a mistake. So it makes people want to play for him and keep playing well,” McWhinney said.
Hain continues to keep focus on their main goal, winning districts. In order for that to happen, the girls have to continue what they have been doing this season, with a focus on team chemistry.
“I think the team is really bonding together. The team has really come together this year. We’re kind of like a big family,” junior goalie Sadie Wallace said.
The team chemistry has created an atmosphere that keeps spirits lifted and makes everyone feel equal and important to the team, leading to success for the Hornets.
“Biggest thing to staying successful is just keeping the attitude good, mentally and physically,” Hain said.
Coach Hain hopes to continue building a positive culture in girls soccer here at EHS and hopes to lead all the team to their eventual dreams and goals of winning States.
Starting off strong thus far, coaches and athletes alike look forward to a year of victories and community.
