With the 2025 season underway, the Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) boys’ soccer program is entering a promising new chapter under the leadership of Head Coach Andrew Norton. Now in his second year at the helm—and fifth overall with the program—Coach Norton is building on the foundation of last year’s successes while bringing a strategic, unified vision to both the varsity and junior varsity levels.
Joining Norton on the sidelines this season are assistant Neil Cowley and JV Head Coach Trenton Curtis. Together, they are implementing a collaborative and development-focused approach that places equal importance on leadership, skill-building, conditioning, and academics.
The 2025 squad is shaped by a dynamic roster structure. With 11 seniors expected to return, the team boasts an abundance of veteran leadership. At the same time, a strong group of sophomores ensures a bright future beyond this year. Juniors and freshmen are fewer in number, but Norton sees this as a strategic advantage. “It puts us in a strong position for the next two to three years,” he said. “Our sophomores are stepping up as role models already. The growth in just one year is phenomenal.”
Leadership on the field will be anchored by several key players. Senior Henry Nunez Manzo, the team’s center back, exemplifies quiet, lead-by-example strength. “He’s the most humble, unassuming, hard-working player we have,” Norton said. “He’s not loud, but his work ethic and consistency set the tone for everyone.”
In the net, senior goalkeeper Caden Cowley is taking on a more vocal and strategic role. Having attended multiple summer training camps, Cowley is poised to not just defend the goal but direct the flow of the game like a field general. “Caden isn’t just there to stop balls. He’s there to lead. We’re trusting him to direct the field this year,” Norton explained.
Another key player is Kohlzin Park, described as one of the “heart and soul” members of the team. Norton praised Park’s high soccer IQ and calming presence, noting, “His ability to read the game and keep everyone grounded is irreplaceable.”
The team will also benefit from an innovative approach to roster depth through the use of a practice squad. Players not yet ready for game time will still practice with the team and be immersed in the program’s culture and systems. “It’s not about cutting kids,” Norton emphasized. “It’s about giving them a chance to grow. And when we have injuries, eligibility issues, or emergencies, we’re not left scrambling—we’re prepared.”
Conditioning is another critical focus this season, especially with Nevada’s intense heat and the team’s reduced roster size. While Norton originally hoped to rely on fresh substitutions to combat fatigue, smaller numbers this year mean physical endurance is paramount. Coach Cowley has designed a comprehensive conditioning plan, with every practice now extended to two and a half hours to accommodate a full 30 minutes of fitness training. “We don’t want to be the tired team,” Norton said.
One of the most significant evolutions in the program this year is a fully integrated coaching structure. Rather than training strictly by varsity or JV designation, players now practice by position. Norton oversees defenders, Curtis works with midfielders, and Cowley trains the strikers and goalkeepers.
This means all players, regardless of level, receive targeted instruction in their role, build rapport with coaches, and foster continuity across the program. “I don’t want defenders standing around waiting their turn in a striker drill that doesn’t apply to them,” said Norton. “Whether they’re freshmen or seniors, if they play defense, they’re with me working on exactly what they need. That builds relationships early and strengthens the entire program from the ground up.”
That commitment to continuity extends to game strategy and team identity. “This is not a varsity team and a JV team. This is Pahrump Valley boys’ soccer,” Norton said. “We wear the same uniforms, play the same formation, and practice the same way. If a player moves up, he already knows what to do.”
The coaching staff’s focus on academics is another cornerstone of the program. Fridays are reserved for study and grade checks rather than training. Norton proudly noted the impact of this initiative: “Two years ago, we had around 18 ineligible players. Last year, we had one. They’re student-athletes, not athletic students.”
The team opens its season on August 14, with the first home game scheduled for Monday, August 18. As the season begins, Coach Norton is optimistic—not just about wins and losses, but about what the program stands for. “We’re not just building soccer players,” he said. “We’re building leaders, students, and teammates. And this year, we’re more unified than ever.”
