Salina South head soccer coach Trey Crow started as a assistant with the boys team back in 2002. He was an assistant for four years before taking over the head coaching position for three. After some time away, coach Crow returned and spent one year as an assistant before taking over again as head coach. He’s also served as the girls head coach since 2004.
“South is the only school I’ve ever taught and coached at. I also coach club soccer in Salina and started doing that about 12 years ago. I have four kids and my youngest is a third grader, so I hope I have a few more years left in me,” said Crow.
The boys team is off to a solid start and coach Crow likes the level of commitment this group has brought into a difficult season. “We just have a close group that knows they have to play smart and together. We are not as dynamic or as deep on the roster, but we have guys that are committed to each other and the team aspect.
Some players have really stepped up and accepted new roles. Our leaders are positive and that does a lot for the team,” said Crow. “Coaching is just a little different with procedures each day with the COVID-19 stuff. Other than that, we have been lucky to be in an area that hasn’t had huge outbreaks and haven’t had to cut practices at any time. The biggest challenge for me is the mask, but that is getting better. I have a great group of guys that work hard and are very self-motivated.”
Brandon Oaks (Sr.) was second in points last year and has really taken on that role of the goal scorer this year up top in the nine position according to coach Crow. The forward has played great alongside another senior in Nik Highsmith. “Nik is a captain that all the guys
love and respect and has really stepped up and taken on a leadership responsibility he hadn’t in the past. He has been outstanding the first three games,” said Crow.
“Jorge Navarro (Jr.), a midfielder, is the heart of the team. He goes all out every day and work to help all players around him improve. He plays the 10 role for us. Gabe Nunez (So.), goalkeeper, has put in a lot of time and really grown up over the last year. He was a solid JV keeper
but has really developed into an outstanding varsity goalkeeper so far this year.”
Just being able to compete this season is a mental win for the student-athletes. So much of their lives evolve around sports. “I think from a mental heal standpoint they really need to be outside doing something. I know for me the Spring was a struggle, but these guys love soccer and a lot of them would really have a hard time with school without that chance to play a game they’ve played their entire life. Some are still looking for scholarship offers and this is the last chance to be seen,” said Crow.
Like other coaches, Crow was influenced as a player and coach, carrying that influence with him into his coaching career. “My dad was a huge influence, but also my club high school coach and college coaches. My dad started me off and coached when I was younger, but as we grew went out and found other coaches that either played professionally or coached at a really high level and played at a top level in college and semipro. He knew when it was time to have someone else take over and learn from and I’ve always thought I will know when it’s
time for someone else to take over. My college coach was like a father in college (7 hours from home) and really pushed me to reach my goals and encouraged me to continue giving back to soccer after I was done playing. I still am in touch with him even though he has moved on,”
said Crow.
