Welcome to the La Reina Soccer 2007-2008 Season

On March 3rd 2007, I agreed to accept the Head Coaching Position at La Reina High School on a full-time basis.  Our goal is to build a strong, dynamic soccer climate at La Reina High School for our players, parents and fans.

My first goal was to build a cohesive group of student athletes who were willing to work hard towards achieving success on the playing field.  This meant we needed to build a single team mindset at La Reina where the JV team would become a strong feeder system into the Varsity team, and where the coaches would know all the players, regardless of which team they were on..

My second goal was to build a strong coaching staff that took direction from me, but were independent minded and had a strong soccer pedigree behind them. We will train as a single team, will travel together and will support each other through the entire season.

My third goal was to build stronger athletes who will be less injury prone and will be better performers on the field for La Reina High School.

My fourth goal was for the girls to have fun. The vast majority of our players will end their competitive careers on the last game of their senior year.  TO work this hard, the rewards must involve great team chemistry and be enjoyable.

My final goal was to develop a plan for more players to be able to achieve playing opportunities at the collegiate level.

Goal # 1 – Single Team

We will train together in the summer

We will train together during the season on a single field

All coaches will take time to know all players

We will travel together

We will have the same practice balls

We will look like a single team at all times

“Everybody knows your name”

Goal # 2 – Strong Coaching Staff

Creighton Van Horn - Head Varsity Coach
Captain CLU 1977 Men’s Soccer Team

Player CLU 1975 - 1977

AYSO Coach & Referee

AYSO All-Star Coach – Won District Championships

Club Coach – APEX Soccer Club – 6 years

Vice President APEX Soccer Club – 3 years

Won State Cup Championships – U-19 Girls

Winning record in club all 6 seasons

USSF D level License

Graduated from CLU in May 1978

  
Mae Des Rosiers – Assistant Varsity Coach, Head JV Coach
Four Years College Soccer at California Lutheran University

 Two Years Captain

 Two Time First Team All League

 One Year MVP

Four Year Varsity Soccer at Oceanside High School

 Four Year Captain

 Four Time All Avocado League

 Pepsi Female Athlete of Season

Played internationally in Spain

Two Years La Jolla Nomads Competitive Soccer

Two Years Leucadia Lightning Competitive Soccer

Four years Oceanside Breakers Competitive Soccer

Currently attending Graduate School at CLU

Graduated from CLU May 2007

Oshrat Karkar – Assistant Coach Varsity & JV
2 years College Soccer at California Lutheran University

2 years at CS University Northrideg

Current Member – Women’s National Team – Israel

2 Years service Israeli Army

Currently attending Graduate School at CLU

Graduated from CLU – May 2007

Goal # 3 – Stronger Athletes & less injuries

Recommendation for strength training

Recommendation and support for cross-training – track/cross-country

Development of summer soccer program for continued skill improvement

Focus on strength training for injury prevention – PTC program

Goal # 4 – Have Fun

Emphasis on training in a fun environment in summer

Emphasis on team bonding

Emphasis on team socials

Emphasis on getting to know all the players and making them feel welcome

Goal # 5 – College Soccer Career

Spend time preparing players for the work necessary to play beyond High School

Develop relationships with college coaches across the country

Write letters on behalf of potential players

Help players think about their goals outside of HS Soccer

Encourage girls to make college visits

Encourage the girls to develop a strong core – Academics/ Athletic Strength/ Soccer skill

Encourage the girls to develop goals and work toward achieving them

The Soccer season will commence on November 13, 2007.  Tryouts will run from November 13 – November 16. Rosters will be posted at school by Monday November 19th. All players currently enrolled in High School and who have a GPA of 2.0 or better are eligible to participate. Practices will be held at the CLU Soccer field from 3:15pm – 5:15pm Monday thru Friday.

If you have any questions, please forward them to me at cvanhorn@incat.com

I am looking forward to seeing you on the field.

All the best,

Coach Creighton Van Horn

Head Varsity Soccer Coach

La Reina High School

(805)558-5610