Greg Lehman
After five seasons, Greg Lehman has stepped down as Carson High’s girls soccer coach.
The Senators made two state appearances under Lehman’s guidance, won one regional title and two Sierra League championships.
The Senators were undefeated in Sierra play last year, and lost to McQueen in a shootout in the regional semifinals en route to a 16-1-1 season.
“It was a hard decision,” Lehman said Thursday afternoon. “I just have too much going on. I have two kids in college. I didn’t get to see any of Lindy’s college games last year.
“I really enjoyed it; enjoyed working with all the girls. I enjoyed the camaraderie and the administration was good to work with. Carson had a strong tradition before I got here, and we started some of our own.”
One of Lehman’s ideas was running his team academy style. That meant junior varsity and varsity often practiced together, and it made for a seamless transition for younger players.
“I think we were the only team in Northern Nevada doing it that way,” Lehman said. “The JV kids knew exactly how we wanted to play, and we could go 11 versus 11 during practice.”
Lehman isn’t leaving the cupboard bare.
The Senators return nine players, including midfielder/forward Bella Wakeling (7 goals, 8 assists), midfielder Yanitzia Perez (11 goals, 6 assists), forward-midfielder Micah Merriner, midfielder-defender Brynn Lehman, defender Viriidiana Cachi, midfielder Galilea Cid, defender-midfielder Valeria Martinez, defender Jasmine Peralta, defender Alana Burson and keeper Vanessa Camarena.
“There are some good pieces to build on,” Lehman said.
Lehman said he has no idea who the next coach will be. He did tell CHS athletic director Blair Roman he would help with the transition.
Roman will need to post the opening within the district first, then he can open it to outside candidates.