The Blumenthal way: Meet Blacksburg boys soccer coach Shelley Blumenthal
BLACKSBURG, Va. — Most of the world has spent the last few months bingeing the final season of Ted Lasso. But in Blacksburg, Virginia, folks have been watching their very own “Coach Lasso” in Coach Shelley Blumenthal and the exciting 2023 season for the Blacksburg High School Bruin varsity soccer team. The similarities between Lasso and Blumenthal receive a chuckle from Coach. “You mean that I don’t know anything about soccer?”
For 30 seasons, Coach B has been not only head coach, but teacher and mentor. With his PHD in Counselor Education, he teaches the maturing young men many lessons through wins and losses; including the devastating loss just experienced in the state quarterfinals game. Coach B told the guys, “If this is the biggest disappointment in life, you are doing very well. I want them to have perspective on playing”.
His other key life lessons are teamwork, empathy, compassion, and selflessness. Coach B says that he hopes every team takes away from training that handling yourself with class, respecting yourself and the game, and being a good teammate will benefit every aspect of their lives.
Coach Blumenthal has had some tremendous highlights during his coaching career. Beginning with his first of many state championship titles in 1993 to having the honor of having a street named after him. The street leads right to the high school stadium. His response to the honor: “Amazed. At least I was alive to see it,” he joked. “I hope it goes beyond the success on the soccer field to hopefully being a school counselor that is a positive impact on young people.”
Many watching from the sidelines get a giggle when the team finishes their pre-game warmups. Coach B realizes that most people don’t understand his Wake Forest Drill when they see it on the field.
He explains that he starts with Solidarity, where the team goes down the line and shakes each other’s hand and encourages each teammate. Then he moves into the Wake Forest Drill which is meant for focus. Are you really ready? Are you really concentrating on the activity ahead? The team is supposed to do the opposite of whatever Coach is doing. If he jumps up, the team crouches low. If he moves left, they move right. It seems to fire the team up and has been a staple on many of his winning teams.
Shelley Blumenthal says, “I’m thankful to all our former players and coaches for giving me the incredible experiences we’ve had. It’s been a blessing. I consider myself very, very, lucky.’
Coach Blumenthal hasn’t yet watched the third and final season of Ted Lasso. But those of us who have, are left saying: we don’t want it to end! When asked what the future holds for him, Coach B replied, “Every year I try to evaluate if I am being a positive role model? Do I have the energy and enthusiasm? Am I excited? It’s really a year-by-year basis. If you ask me right now, I’m still coaching.”
His wife and friends are also valued perspectives as he evaluates each year. The Blacksburg community, the players, and parents are screaming from the sidelines: we don’t want it to end! The world needs more Ted Lassos and Shelley Blumenthals.
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