The soccer guru, Paul Mendes, and wife Heidi. (Joanne Pelant photo)
Sean Donley (yellow jersey) fights for the ball in a sea of blue. (Robert Pelant photos)
Luke Pelant directs traffic.
Paul Mendes owns all the bragging rights.
Not that the low-key former professional soccer player turned Coupeville High School Spanish teacher and boys’ soccer coach would spend much time calling out his fellow coaches in public. But, if he wanted to, he could.
That’s because his squad has been the gold standard for spring sports teams of late. Two trips to state in the last four seasons, and just a 1-0 playoff loss from it having been three times in four years.
Cedar Park Christian snuffed out the Wolves’ bid to make the sweet sixteen a year ago, nipping Coupeville 1-0. But, with a senior-heavy team at his disposal this year, and a flock of promising underclassmen for support, Mendes and his marauders are primed to make a run at big-time excellence.
“It is still our goal to progress this season and to get in the tournament again,” Mendes said. “If we advance to the quarterfinals of state, we will make history for the program, and that is one of our goals.”
Everything will start with the Extraordinary Eight, the Wolf seniors looking to go out on a winning note.
“Another strong point for this group is senior leadership. The seniors have set a good tone so far in training,” Mendes said. “They have all been eager to make the most of their last opportunity.”
Five of the eight are returning lettermen, led by goalie Kole Kellison, midfielders Nathan Lamb and Josh Wilsey, forward Nathan Kircher and defender Luke Pelant. Joining them are Jacob Lovell, Tim Quinn and Danny Savalza.
Jacob has improved in all aspects of his game and is now looking to be one of our back four defenders,” Mendes said.
Three other letter-winners, junior defender Brett Arnold, junior forward/midfielder Sean Donley and sophomore forward Jeremy Copenhaver are all expected to heavily contribute, while two freshmen — forward Zane Bundy and midfielder Dawson d’Almeida — have already made their presence felt.
“Zane has looked sharp and skillful in preseason, and is pushing for playing time,” Mendes said. “Dawson is another freshman who made the varsity. His quickness and good technique make him a strong future prospect.”
As they battle in a tough Cascade Conference (Mendes singled out King’s, Archbishop Thomas Murphy, Cedarcrest and South Whidbey as teams to watch), the Wolves will rely on their senior leadership on the back line.
“Our defense kept us in a lot of games last year,” Mendes said. “We graduated our sweeper, Taylor Phillips, but Luke Pelant will provide the leadership in our defensive core. His reading of the game, poise, athleticism and passing skills will set a fine example for the newcomers. Josh Wilsey will help shore up the defense and provide good distribution out of the back.”
When the defenders kick the ball ahead, Coupeville also has the guns to keep the opposing team’s goalie jumping.
“Offensively, we will be returning our short passing combination trio of Nathan Lamb, Sean Donley and Jeremy Copenhaver, all very fit and capable of scoring and setting each other up,” Mendes said. “They have worked very hard to sharpen their game and are ready to go. They should be fun to watch.”
