Coupeville Sports

New Wolf coach Troy Cowan and wife Kelli, with one of their granddaughters.

The fall is set.

With two returning coaches already in place (Ken Stange for boys’ tennis and Tony Maggio for football), Coupeville High School has finished hiring its second new coach.

Joining Wolf alum Kirsty Croghan, who replaces longtime volleyball guru Toni Crebbin, will be Troy Cowan, who was recently named to head up the CHS girls’ soccer program.

Cowan, a veteran coach who has lived on Whidbey for more than 20 years and currently helms the GU15 Islanders squad, has worked with many of the current Wolf players through local select programs, which should be a huge help, since he will be Coupeville’s third head coach in as many seasons.

After Mike Thornton capped a multi-year run by moving to Texas, Dan d’Almeida ran the program last season. He now moves on, as well, having accepted a teaching position in Vienna.

“I hope the transition will be seamless,” Cowan said.

The Director of Academy for the North Whidbey Soccer Club, Cowan worked with Thornton for six years on the club’s board of directors. He also works closely with GU18 Islander coach Sean LeVine.

“I have a close relationship with Coach LeVine and serve with him on the Whidbey Island Youth Soccer Association as the Vice President,” Cowan said. “Coach LeVine and I speak almost daily and ensure our training schedules mesh, we share notes about player development and talk strategy.

“I have coached several of the current players and understand their strengths and weaknesses and in turn they know what I expect and how I work best on the pitch,” he added. “Hopefully, all of these factors will facilitate a smooth and seamless transition; if not, I am prepared for whatever lies ahead.”

Cowan inherits a Wolf squad that only won one game a season ago, but also one that features young players with talent, such as juniors Erin Rosenkranz, Micky LeVine and Marisa Etzell and sophomores Makana Stone and Jenn Spark. Sensational junior goalie Julia Myers, who missed last season after knee surgery, is also back.

Once he sees who turns out, Cowan will tailor his style to his players.

“I have always allowed the roster to determine the team’s strategy or formation,” he said. “I have some ideas and basic thoughts regarding specific strategies, but will wait until I get a chance to meet all the players and see what system best fits our strengths.

“I have coached a few of the current rostered players, but have a better working knowledge of several of the incoming freshmen,” Cowan added. “Although I haven’t coached the majority of the girls in the past, I am a fan and have watched them mature and grow on the pitch. I will say I have some very high expectations for several of the players and am excited about the opportunity to maximize their abilities and challenge their potential.”

He’s well aware of the challenges Coupeville, the smallest 1A school in the 1A/2A Cascade Conference faces, but sees that as nothing to fear.

“I have always rooted for the underdog, and when you consider CHS competes against mostly 2A and 3A teams, it seemed like a natural fit,” Cowan said.

A proud part of the Whidbey community, with 15 years already notched in the local coaching ranks, it’s a job he thinks fits him perfectly.

“I really enjoy the Island life mentality and the close communities,” Cowan said. “Having the opportunity to work with the Lady Wolves is a dream come true!

“I love working with the young Islander players,” he added. “The Lady Wolves have a great reputation for being hard workers and great sportsmen.”

As he and his new team head forward, Cowan has a simple plan in place for success, both now and in the future.

“My goals for the team are fairly simple. Be competitive, work hard and get better,” Cowan said. “Focusing on the basics and working together as a team will be a big part of the future of the Lady Wolves. Working with the feeder programs and encouraging future Lady Wolves to participate in soccer clubs and soccer programs will help facilitate a strong and fruitful future.

“I am looking forward to the future and not only the opportunity of working with the Lady Wolves, but with a great and dynamic AD and with the families and community of Coupeville.”