In his first season leading the boys’ soccer team, head coach Dennis Kakrah (DK) says the team’s growth has been steady, if not always easy. 

“It’s been a learning curve this season… next year we’re projecting to do much better (as the team improves),” Kakrah said, reflecting on the challenges and progress the team has made over the past few months.

Part of that progress comes from the team’s unique mix of experience levels. Kakrah explained that many athletes arrive already deeply invested in the sport. “A lot of our players play for local clubs, so they play year-round,” he said. But the roster also includes newcomers still getting their footing. “We also have a couple of freshmen who came wanting to try soccer,” he added.

Still, adapting to the program requires more than just building skills on the field. Kakrah emphasized that the human side of coaching can be both the most rewarding and the most demanding part of the job. “The hardest part (of coaching) is trying to get to know all the kids and building that bond,” he said. 

Beyond forming relationships, he’s also had to adjust to the practical realities of a new environment. “And obviously, we’ve been learning different plays, being kind of getting used to the whole conference and district, and how things are done in the schools… (Figuring out) management, coaching, and teaching all while learning the rules and how to do stuff in CPS.”

Despite the learning curve, Kakrah remains optimistic; confident that the groundwork laid this season will translate into stronger results next year.