Por Karen Ronney

The Patrick Henry High junior varsity girls’ soccer team has thrived under the watchful eyes of first-year Coach Malcom Scott. Coaching was a welcomed challenge to the San Diego native, who was a soccer dad turned professional coach.

“I started coaching my kids when they were young and I just kept going,” said Scott, a College Area resident. “I don’t like doing things halfway. I wanted to be the best so I studied, learned and became a licensed professional.”

Now, 13 years later, in addition to being the new Lady Patriots Head JV Coach, Scott is also the Grossmont College Assistant Women’s Coach. This winter, he led the Lady Patriots JV squad to a 7-5-2 season. They are led by junior forward Jennifer Madrid and sophomore fullbacks Julia Ronney and Daisy Sarto, forward Mariah Naea, midfielders Edie Muller and Ariana Cibrian. Freshmen are forwards Erica Tolley and Kaelia Okamura, striker Rachel Rosenzweig, fullback Emily Bower, midfielders Megan Hayes and Caroline Meyers, fullback Brooke Vergara and forward Victoria Argente. Goalkeepers are Stephanie Smith and Katelyn Hasbrooke.

Scott, a graduate of Pepperdine University, said his goal was for the young JV Patriots to develop knowledge of the game and a better awareness of where to move, how to move and why.

“Overall, my message to the team was let’s not play kickball anymore,” Scott said. “Let’s possess the ball and become better soccer players. I believe we have succeeded and that’s something to be proud of.”

—Karen Ronney is head coach of the Patrick Henry High Girls’ Varsity Tennis team.