When the Emery Lady Spartans open the soccer season, they’ll have a new leader patrolling the sidelines in first year coach Pennie Stewart.
Stewart, who was hired in February after former coach Erik Nielsen resigned, has been laying the groundwork for her first venture as a head coach. With only weeks before the season opener, she’s happy with the progress her program has made.
“I’m super excited to get the season going,” said Stewart Tuesday on KOAL’s Drive Time Sports. “We’ve spent a lot of time together this spring and summer, putting pressure on their passing and dribbling skills. I’m super excited to see where the program can go.”
Stewart enters the upcoming season with limited experience on the sidelines, but plenty of knowledge on the game. Referring to herself as a “Soccer Mom”, she’s established a love of the game through her children.
Part of her interest in taking over the team stems from last season when the Lady Spartans finished the campaign winless in 17 games. When the job came open, Stewart felt compelled to take on the challenge of improving the program.
“As a parent to a player on the team, last year was a rough season,” Stewart recalled. “I’m excited to work with them and to build team comradery. I’ve watched my older boys play for the Voltage program in Price and I’ve really liked what Tracy Brady, Robert McEvoy and Doug Morris have done there. I really love how they build trust with each other and that’s something that I want to build upon.”
Stewart’s impact has already been noticeable, as pointed out by Emery High School Director of Athletics Jake Atwood. A main point of emphasis in the offseason has been growing interest in the program and that’s something Stewart has succeeded at.
“There were a lot of freshmen that got significant time last year, so we are hopeful that will pay off,” said Atwood. “Soccer is such a numbers game, where it’s an aerobic sport. You’ve got to have fresh girls out on the field. I know Pennie has done a great job at getting more girls involved and interested so we can have a deeper bench.”
Once Stewart was named head coach of the program, she immediately shifted her focus to rounding out her coaching staff. Both Abbie Christiansen and Dani Tuttle have both been tabbed as assistant coaches heading into the upcoming season.
The Lady Spartans will open the season on Tuesday, Aug. 6 with a road trip to Millard. The first varsity home game is slated for Wed. Aug. 14, followed by the first Region 12 tilt on Aug. 15.
Listen to Pennie Stewart’s complete interview on KOAL’s Drive Time Sports below: