By Kate McKenna

GNAC Correspondent, Emmanuel College

The 2009 season will bring a lot changes to the Emmanuel College men’s soccer team.  The Saints will finally be playing on their very own turf field, and they will be playing under the reign of head coach Colin Goin.  After previous-head coach Julio Avila resigned, Goin, having assisted Avila the past two seasons, accepted the head coaching position at Emmanuel.

As Goin makes the transition from assistant coach to head coach, he is confident that very little will change between him and his players.  “I think I have a great relationship with my players and want to continue that,” said Goin.  “I think I am a players coach, and always will be. Being young helps me to be able to convey my messages in ways the players understand.”

Entering the 2009 season, Goin is confident that the men’s program at Emmanuel will be one of the top competitors in the GNAC.  “I have worked tirelessly this year with recruiting. The incoming freshmen class will compliment the strong returning core, and I believe that we have the potential to turn heads in the region this season,” said Goin.  Goin believes that the incoming freshmen will make a huge impact and provide depth, which is something the Saints have lacked in seasons past.

Coach Goin hopes to push the men to their potential during practices and create friendly competition amongst his players.  “I am trying to create an atmosphere on the team where there is always competition at practice and for a starting spot. This way everyone is constantly progressing,” said Goin.

Goin is very optimistic about his first season as head coach, and so are his players.  “Every one of the guys is looking to make a statement next season and I appreciate that,” said Goin.  “It means a lot to me that they are so happy with my appointment as head coach.”

Coach Goin’s passion for the game and knowledge of the game will propel the Emmanuel College men’s soccer team to a successful season this fall.  His enthusiasm and optimism will surely help the men’s team play to their full potential in their quest to be one of the top teams in the region.

“We have good talent on our team, and good talent coming in, so anything can happen. Everyone should keep an eye on us this year,” said Goin.

GNAC correspondents are selected by their institution to write feature stories for the GNAC website.