On an early August afternoon, the Greenville Lady Wave varsity soccer squad took the field for a preseason scrimmage against the Coldwater Lady Cavaliers. The match served as a first test of chemistry for a team that has been forced to adapt to a smaller roster.
Building a Winning Culture
Guided by Coach Anthony Selvera Damon, the squad entered the session with a clear objective: to learn, to grow, and to lay the groundwork for a winning culture. Damon acknowledged that the roster is about four players short of the near-22 athletes it fielded last season, a gap created by injuries and health concerns.
Rather than viewing the reduced numbers as a limitation, Damon framed the situation as an opportunity to focus on individual development. He emphasized that the scrimmage was designed to help newcomers absorb tactical nuances and to foster resilience in the face of early-season setbacks.
The coaching staff’s ultimate aim is to flip the narrative from a series of losses to a string of victories. By instilling a mindset that equates effort with progress, the team hopes to translate the lessons from the scrimmage into tangible results on the pitch.
Damon’s vision extends beyond this single exhibition. Having been named the 2025-26 Miami Valley League Coach of the Year, he brings a track record of turning modest resources into competitive firepower. The experience gained in August will inform training plans and player commitments as the Lady Wave prepares for the upcoming campaign.