Although athletic programs across the nation are facing uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ted Steen isn’t slowing efforts to rebuild the Contra Costa College Women’s Soccer program.
The second-year head coach is reaching out to the community to encourage soccer players of all abilities and levels to become a Contra Costa College student and to sign up to join the soccer team’s summer training program. All players in the summer program will be considered for the team’s fall season.
Assuming the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and in alignment with the CCCAA’s regulations, the first official day of practice is scheduled for August 15.
So far, the new head coach has found success amid uncertainty. After two years as assistant coach at Diablo Valley College, where he learned under Head Coach Cailin Mullins, Steen took over the CCC program in June 2019. That provided little time to recruit players. It certainly didn’t help that CCC didn’t have a women’s soccer program in 2018.
Steen, however, said he “knew that by taking this job, we could provide an amazing opportunity to our members of our community.”
So he began to build the team from scratch.
“Through networking within the Contra Costa College community and recruiting on campus between myself, Assistant Coach Joanna Pulido, our student-athletes, and their friends, we were able to field a team of 16 players and compete that season,” Steen said.
The team featured a range of playing ability and backgrounds, from some that never played organized soccer to others that played at the club and development academy level, Steen said.
Leading up to this coming season, the coaches have had time to recruit players to join the program. Still, “we are looking for student-athletes of all abilities and levels that are interested in joining our team,” Steen said.
“We want student-athletes that are committed, dedicated, and driven to succeed in academics and athletics, while representing the Women’s soccer program during their experience at Contra Costa College,” he said.
The team’s coaches work “hand-in-hand” with Athletic Counselor Jessica Lopez to ensure student-athletes are successful on the field and at school.
The registration period for summer classes is still open. All interested players are encouraged to sign up for classes and the team prior to the first day of summer training on June 16.
“My philosophy is to educate student-athletes on the skills needed to compete and have fun on the field, while learning valuable life lessons that will help them succeed off the field,” Steen said.
Applications for the Contra Costa College summer classes can be found here.
For those interested in joining the women’s soccer team, contact Head Coach Ted Steen at [email protected].
