Robert Wood strolls the sideline. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
He kept the program operating through a pandemic, but now the time has come to depart the soccer pitch.
On a full-time basis, at least.
Coupeville High School head boys’ soccer coach Robert Wood has tendered his resignation after five seasons at the helm.
The decision is based on “new job and family commitments (which) require too much time away to continue as head coach.”
Wood pledged he’d still be around and volunteer when able.
He issued the following letter to parents, players, and team supporters:
After a long debate and careful consideration, I send you this note announcing my intent to resign as the head coach for CHS Soccer.
I have a new job since December 2024, and over the past few months it’s become clear that the increased regular travel requirements along with expanded daily commitments will prohibit me from giving the team everything you deserve.
It is not fair to you as a player, the team, nor all the families for me to hold the position and not be able to give it the attention required.
As you can imagine, this decision was not easy to come by as I’ve given so much energy and emotion to building our program over the past 15 years.
Working with CWSC and studying under the previous CHS soccer coaches has been such a rewarding experience.
Every player, every coach, every member of the staff at CHS (in particular Mrs. Ford, who supported me to no end with a smile and the utmost grace) have helped me create a truly unique soccer culture in Coupeville.
I am eternally grateful to the support and trust everyone has given me over the years.
As I step down as the head coach, please realize this opens up a great opportunity for new ideas and new leadership at a time when our sport is rising in popularity and our team culture exudes a rapport envied by every other school in our league.
Rest assured that I will be supporting the team as a volunteer when my time allows, and I will be participating in the transition and installment of new leadership for the team.
Thank you for the time you have given me.
All my best.
Wood started with CHS soccer as an assistant coach, then stepped up to become head coach when Kyle Nelson retired.
His first year in charge of the boys’ program in 2020 presented multiple issues, with an ongoing pandemic and a struggle to keep a viable roster going.
Wood succeeded in keeping soccer alive, even as boys’ tennis fell by the wayside in Coupeville, and the Wolf booters increased their win total in each of his seasons while playing in the premier 2B/1B league for the sport in Washington state.
Coupeville Sports 