The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ soccer team is gearing up for an exciting season with a fresh face at the helm. Andrew Norton, the new head coach, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the game that promises to inspire both players and the community. This marks Norton’s first year as head coach, but his journey in soccer and coaching spans decades and regions, ensuring a dynamic and knowledgeable approach to the team’s development.
Growing up with soccer from the age of five, Norton played competitively until his mid-30s when persistent knee injuries forced him to hang up his cleats. “Soccer was my whole identity,” he shares, reflecting on his years of dedication to the sport. Unable to step away from the game entirely, coaching became his next adventure. Norton’s coaching journey began in youth soccer in Idaho and Montana, where he successfully helped young athletes improve their skills, love for the game, and confidence.
Upon arriving in Pahrump in 2018, Norton initially served as the JV boys’ soccer coach before focusing on his career. Now, he is ready to dedicate his time and passion to the players once again. “I am at a place in life where I can devote time to the players and hopefully share my knowledge and passion with them again,” he says.
Norton’s objectives for the season are clear and ambitious. He emphasizes team cohesion, mastery of basics, and understanding the fundamentals of the game, such as strategy, positions, and roles. However, his top priority is academic excellence. “My number one goal is a better STUDENT athlete,” Norton asserts. He plans to address the issue of ineligibilities by putting students’ academic performance at the forefront.
To assess and develop players’ skills, Norton is coming in with fresh eyes, free of preconceived notions. “I don’t want to know where they think they should play but instead go through tryouts doing the tasks at hand,” he explains. This approach ensures that each player is evaluated based on their performance and placed in positions that benefit both team play and individual growth.
Norton’s coaching philosophy is built on three main pillars: selfless play for the betterment of all, quality over quantity in practice, and personal accountability. He believes that focusing on these principles will lead to a more cohesive and successful team. “We is better than Me,” he emphasizes, highlighting the importance of selfless play.
Defense is a cornerstone of Norton’s strategy. “You only need a goal to win or a tie to still gain a point in the standings,” he notes. By focusing on strong defensive play, the team can minimize the number of goals needed to secure a win. Spreading the field and promoting unselfish play are also key tactics in Norton’s playbook.
Fostering a positive, inclusive team culture is another priority for Norton. By showing respect to the players from day one, holding joint practices for Varsity and JV, and emphasizing individual accountability, he aims to build a strong team spirit. “Negativity, discontent, selfishness will ultimately not get them on the field,” he states, underscoring the importance of positivity and acceptance.
While Norton plans to focus on the basics in practice, he acknowledges the importance of fitness and conditioning. “There are players who understand that fitness needs to be near the top,” he says, noting that those who are not in peak physical condition will struggle with the team’s defense-heavy play style.
Engaging the school’s community and encouraging support for the soccer team remains a challenge. With games starting in the afternoon on weekdays, Norton recognizes the difficulty in attracting spectators. However, he is committed to finding ways to garner support and build a strong fan base.
Norton foresees eligibility as the biggest challenge for the upcoming season. To address this, he plans to replace physical practices on Fridays with academic sessions, ensuring students focus on their studies. “While being ineligible doesn’t keep you from practicing with the team under the current rules, it will on my team,” he asserts, highlighting his commitment to academic excellence.
While Norton does not have specific matches or tournaments he is particularly excited about, he is focused on the overall development of his players. “Varsity coach, and head self-accountability enforcer,” he jokes, emphasizing his role in fostering both athletic and academic growth.
Success for Norton goes beyond wins and losses. He measures success by academic achievements, individual player development, and the coachability of his players. “If they are coachable, then they can be teachable, employable, and humble,” he explains.
For aspiring young soccer players, Norton advises focusing on the basics. “Get the basics down so good that it almost makes you angry to have to do them again,” he says. Dedication to mastering the fundamentals is crucial for reaching higher levels of play.
Under Norton’s leadership, the Pahrump Valley High School boys’ soccer team is poised for a season of growth, learning, and success. With a focus on both athletic and academic excellence, Norton aims to build a team that excels on and off the field.
