Kevin Terell was Assistant Coach for the successful 2018 team winning the Conference Championship and is returning in 2019. Time to look at what Kevin is doing for the Men’s team.
Where are you from and what is your soccer and coaching background?
KT: I have grown up in the Dayton area and lived here my whole life. I’m a 1998 graduate of Centerville High School and a 2003 graduate from the University of Dayton. I played at Centerville and went on to briefly play at the collegiate level until an injury prevented me from playing again. I played club soccer for Team Dayton and played with Head Coach Dan Griest most of our childhood together. I coached high school and club since 2003. On the club scene I have coached with Metro FC, Ohio Fusion, and presently coach with NWC Alliance out of Springboro. At the high school level, I have coached at multiple schools but most recently I was the Head Coach at Bellbrook High School* for 9 years where I hold the record for best winning percentage and led the program to 3 district titles and sent several players to the collegiate level.
*Kevin can be seen in the picture in the left (black jersey) as coach of Bellbrook HS when they scrimmaged Dayton Dutch Lions FC's USL PRO team (in 2012).
How did you end up with the Dayton Dutch Lions FC Men’s team?
DG: I ended up with the Dutch Lions FC after seeing Dan take over as the Head Coach. I got in touch with him wanting to help out. We met and I was sold by his vision and goals of what type of product he wanted to put on the field.
How do you look back at the 2018 season?
KT: Very successful to say the least. The players bought into to vision that Dan had and with the talent that was there is was more tactical and mental than technical typeof trainings. Winning this Division with teams like Lansing, Michigan, and Cincinnati was an honor to celebrate with the players.
What are your main duties as Assistant Coach?
KT: As an Assistant Coach on staff Dan can communicate ideas and thoughts about anything from game plans to in game adjustments that need to be made. I can also give suggestions if I see things. The great thing about coaching with Dan is he’s a guy that looks at his assistants for thoughts and is willing to listen and let us bounce ideas of him as well as him bouncing his off of us.
What are your expectations for the 2019 season?
KT: I would think Dan and I would have the same expectations going into the 2019 season. Our ultimate goal is obviously to win a national title. As only the 2nd year of us both being with the Dayton Dutch Lions FC and making the final 16 last year and being so close to advancing, anything short of the final 8 will be a disappointment. We turned some heads last year in winning our division and with the addition of Chicago and the loss of a couple other teams we do not have a single game we can take for granted. Once you take the title away from the likes of the Bucks, you can guarantee they recruited as hard as they ever had to win back this title. We will have a target on our back, but we have the talent and the right guy to lead us to be able to retain the championship.
How do you feel about the 2019 team based on the recruitment?
KT: Dan has worked tirelessly to put together a squad that can retain last years’ success and with the roster taking shape looks like it has paid off. There is no doubt in my mind we have the guys this year to run for the final 4 and compete for a national title.
Why should people come and support our team?
KT: I would reiterate what Dan said and with so many local players having the ability to play at this level and compete at the highest level is exciting to watch. The players that Dan has commitments from we will be a high pressure, high impact team. Our goal is to assemble a team that we can interchange players and not lose any energy thru the run of play. Our goal is to build relationships with local clubs and high schools and let them see the high-level product we have and would want to come out and enjoy.
The opening game of the Men’s team is May 18 when they play Cincinnati Dutch Lions FC in their first of four derbies in 2019. The game is played at DOC Stadium in West Carrollton and starts at 7pm. The game is part of a double header with the Women's team, who play at 4pm vs AAFC Lumberjills. More information on all the activities and how to purchase tickets will be announced the coming weeks.