BY ANDY KIRKALDY
BRANDON — Otter Valley Union High School has promoted JV boys’ soccer coach Brian Thomas to take over as its varsity coach, according to OV Athletic Director Steven Keith.
Thomas replaces Dick Williams, who chose to step down after seven years of leading the program.
According to Keith, Thomas has been “an integral part of the boys’ soccer program,” having worked with its middle school program as both an assistant and head coach before taking over the junior varsity program.
Keith said Thomas is also OV’s JV boys’ basketball coach and had previously served as an assistant middle school basketball coach.
In a recent press release, Keith said he is confident in choosing Thomas to lead the varsity boys’ soccer team. “Brian is dedicated to the success of Otter Valley and will be a leader at his position,” he said. “Brian’s soccer knowledge is based on the fundamental growth of the soccer program mixed with an electric passion and energy for the position. He is a good communicator and has a strong soccer base which will help him foster the growth of the program in his vision.”
Keith added that Thomas “consistently provides a resource for his teams as both listener and for guidance. His vision of a fast-paced and exciting soccer plan of attack and consistent effort from his team bodes well for our athletes and program.”
Williams’ seven years leading the Otter boys’ team followed an earlier five-year stint as the OV varsity girls’ coach. He described an “amicable” parting of the ways after coaching both of his sons during his tenure.
“I resigned for multiple reasons, which of course included my youngest boy graduated this year,” Williams wrote in an email. “I also have many things I would like to do, and as you know, soccer consumes a big chunk of time.”
He added that he believed his teams held their own over the years and that he could return to coaching at some point.
“I thought coaching the boy’s team for the last seven years went pretty well. I like to think that we were competitive, and few teams felt like they could beat us with ease,” he said. “And don’t be surprised if I pop again for another coaching stint. I love soccer and coaching but felt it was a good time to take a break.”
