Vikings,

I hope you are well on this wonderful Memorial Day. I am reaching out today to let you know that I am resigning from my position with the Spring Valley Boys Soccer program. I have been offered a position at Cardinal Newman School as Varsity Assistant, Reserve Team Coach, and Digital Media Analyst. I believe this opportunity is the best for my personal growth and development as I continue to improve my craft as a coach.

This was not an easy decision for me to make due to the relationship that I have with Coach McKinney, the players, the parents, and the school. I first started coaching high school soccer with Ridge View High School in 2018/2019. Even though I had a very successful season with the Ridge View it was tough because my son, Jalen, was playing at Spring Valley. I coached Jalen his entire soccer career and it was gut wrenching to miss some of his JV games that season. I remember seeing Coach McKinney in Sam’s Club one day shopping for snacks for his well known candy fundraiser. We chatted and long story short I told him to keep me on the short list for a position with the program. Who knew that he would actually reach out and take a chance on me when he became Head Coach.

Next thing you know we are comrades in arms the next season. Unfortunately our first season together was cut short because of COVID. After that the next three seasons have came quicker than expected with their own ups and downs but memories abound. Last season’s success as 2022 Region Champs was definitely one of the highlights of my time with the program. I have gotten to know so many players and it is an honor and blessing to meet and coach each and every one of you. I don’t take the role of coaching and mentoring lightly. It puts a smile on my face to see you grow each day. Life isn’t easy and it never has been but it it is quite fulfilling as long as you invest in yourself and your families. No matter our background the lovely sport of soccer brings us together for one common goal, to win a game. There is always a winner and loser and with that lessons are learned from every experience. I hope that I was able to facilitate your personal growth in some positive way. I believe all of the Spring Valley players, past and present, have the potential for greatness.

Coach McKinney, it has been a blast and words can’t express my gratitude to you. You are a great Head Coach, an even better leader of the Spring Valley program and wonderful friend. Keep grinding and doing what you do for your students and these players. You may not hear it enough but I appreciate you brother!

Those players that are coming back next year please understand that your growth doesn’t come without sacrifice and hard work. Even though you are working towards getting better, how are you doing that? I implore you to improve your technical and tactical understanding of the game. Not every coach is going to give you the benefit of the doubt or see your potential. Make sure you work hard to communicate your desires, your needs, and your goals. Don’t make assumptions about anything.

I hope to continue my relationship with Spring Valley in the future. My daughter, Victoria, will be attending Spring Valley in no time. I wish you all success in your future endeavors. No matter what if there is anything that I can do to assist the program and you as players please don’t hesitate to ask. Spring Valley will always hold a special place in my heart. I will not be a stranger and will be checking in from time to time. The work never ends. I am looking forward to working with those players that accept positions with me at SC United this Fall. This upcoming season is meant to prepare you for a successful Spring season at Valley. I wish you all the best!

Sincerely,

Coach Gerald Eichelberger II