Men’s soccer welcomes Coach Stahl

By Allison Tripoli
Lycourier Staff

Doug Stahl is the new head coach for the men’s soccer program this season. Stahl has 11 years of experience from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y. where he received Coach of the Year honors in 2008 as well as being the college programs all-time leader in coaching wins.

The season so far has been a success for Stahl. The team’s opportunity to showcase its progress made during preseason play will be during its first game today, home against PennState, York.

Stahl plans to continue the season with high intensity and will make sure his players remain true to their goals on and off the field.

He believes his boys should get their schoolwork done first and keep in mind that their academics are the primary reason why they chose Lycoming College.

Stahl’s coaching philosophy is, “We want to win of course. Winning is why players play games and why coaches coach, but it is a continual process of growth and development that requires dedication and hard work.”

As well as being a knowledgeable coach, Stahl is aware of the pressures involved with collegiate athletics because he was a four-year varsity starter at Manchester College in Indiana. He was named captain in his senior year and was awarded First Team All-ICAC.

Additionally, Stahl is a family man first and a coach second. He and his wife Jody have three daughters: Ava (8), Sophia (5), and Hannah (3).He admits balancing his responsibilities can be a challenge but he loves coaching the sport and his family is supportive of his profession.

This season will definitely be challenging for Stahl and the team. They are in a tough conference and have limited time to transition into Stahl’s vision for the team but the coach remains optimistic despite these hardships.

He is blessed with an eager team that embraces this positive change and believes it will benefit their program.

Defensive starter, William Reiber, a junior, believes that with the new coach comes a new rhythm that creates optimistic energy for the upcoming season. Reiber said, “Coach Stahl’s good at motivating our team and pushing us to work hard on and off the field. I think this season will be great!