RENO, Nev. — A Q&A with Ryan Clark who is the head coach for the McQueen High School boy’s soccer team.

How long have you been coaching?

Ryan Clark: I have been coaching here (at McQueen) for 4 years and coaching high school soccer for approximately 7 years.

What is your background in this sport?

Clark: I played soccer at the club and high school level growing up in North Carolina and club soccer at the University of Tennessee.

What are one or two things that the team does in training that are keys to their success?

Clark: I believe that high school kids will play harder for each other than they will for us, as their coaches, or even themselves.  In addition, high school sports are as much a mental and emotional game as they are physical.  We do our best to create bonds within our team that make players go to battle for each other.  This happens on the field in training sessions, in games, and off the field as well.  In the same mindset, we are more strategic in choosing team captains than we are in making many decisions throughout the season.  We want guys in that role who have the same vision.

Please describe the most memorable on-field moments that stand out in your mind for this team.

Clark: Last season was special.  Our 2021 team had the “it” factor that was hard to beat.  We had a very successful regular season, going 15-1 and then on to win Regionals.  We played in the State Semi-Final game where our season ended against a very talented high school team from Las Vegas.  That Regional Championship game vs. Elko HS stands out as a high point.  There was also a moment on Senior Day vs. Reno HS, as we celebrated our large class (13) of seniors and sang the National Anthem that I remember simply being so grateful for, and proud of this team, our soccer program at McQueen, and this community.

How do you encourage the team after a disappointing loss?

Clark: First and foremost, I want guys to know that their loss on the field doesn’t define them as a person.  They are more than soccer players; soccer is just simply something they do.  But their identity is bigger than their performance on the field.  I want them to know I’m still proud of them and who they are.  Once again, high school sports are incredibly mental and emotional.  The way we talk to them in a vulnerable moment such as after a loss will have a significant impact on what comes next.

Describe your proudest coaching moment.

Clark: I had a student-athlete with huge potential on and off the field who underachieved greatly in both.  I tried my absolute hardest to get through to him, but usually had little success.  During one off-season, I wrote him a letter explaining that no matter what he did and how he turned out, I was his #1 fan and always would be.  I told him I believed in him and knew he could be successful.  I told him I see something in him that he may not see in himself.  Following that letter and period in time, like night and day, also with the influence of very solid friends in his life, this player turned it around.  He’s not only a stud on the field, he has an incredibly bright future.  He communicates well, is compassionate, works hard, has respect and integrity.  His grades went from mostly D’s & F’s to all A’s & B’s.  I’d like to think my conversations, letter, and being a simple influence in his life has something to do with it, even if it’s only a small amount.  That’s one of my proudest coaching moments.

What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned from being a coach?

Clark: As a coach, teacher, parent, or other adult leader of any kind, our influence, good or bad, shapes kids for the rest of their lives. This is incredible opportunity, but also responsibility.  When in doubt, speak words of grace, encouragement, and life.

What legacy do you hope to leave as a coach?

Clark: In McQueen Athletics, we live and breathe by the creed of “Lancer P.R.I.D.E.”  We try to lead and encourage Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence.  I hope my legacy is living-out this acronym, but even more, instilling it in my athletes.  I hope they leave McQueen with more of these attributes than when they arrived.

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