Photo by Terry MillsKicking the ball this season with a new head coach, the 2009 Tonasket girls’ soccer team is, in the back row, left to right: Kelly Cruz, Alicia Edwards, Shelby Olma, Stefanie Bruner, Angela Vaughn, Ashley Booker, Alyssa Holbert and M

TONASKET – The Tonasket girls’ soccer team is learning to work with the laid back style of their new head coach, Darren Collins.

“I have a pretty laid back coaching style; I’m pretty easy going,” Collins said. “I just love soccer. I played Tonasket youth soccer and in an adult recreation league on the coast, so I know the game really well.”

The team has 17 players this year, which Collins said is a small turnout, but is pretty close to the numbers other schools have this year, too.

“We’re a mixed team, we’ve got a good mix: a couple freshmen, a few sophomores, a couple juniors and a few seniors,” Collins said.

He said there are two returning seniors: Meghan Newton and Blanca Cosino. Collins said a few young players are showing promise already. He said freshmen Alicia Edwards, a right midfielder, and Kelly Cruz are going to be starters this season.

“I think we’re going to do well and be competitive,” Collins added.

He said the team’s teamwork and communication are their strong points. He added that they’re really tough girls who get along and have great attitudes.

“It’s been fun coaching the team so far,” Collins said. “The girls show a lot of promise and that makes it fun. They’re a lot more competitive and that’s what I was looking to coach [after coaching youth soccer]. The girls want to learn and get better.”