The Zane Trace Pioneers boys soccer squad endured a rough stretch last season, dropping six consecutive games before closing the year with a single win and finishing 1-16-2 overall. Their offense managed just 16 goals across 19 matches, underscoring the depth of the challenge facing the program.
Enter Andrew Ramsey, who took over as head coach after a three‑year stint as an assistant and a playing career that ended with a goalkeeper role for the school in 2020. Ramsey’s deep personal ties to the community and his firsthand experience as a player give him a unique perspective as he attempts to turn the tide.
The roster has expanded dramatically, with 15 players now reporting for each training session. Freshmen joining the team have been playing organized soccer since childhood, and targeted recruitment at Meet the Team Night and Back to School Night helped fill the gaps left by the previous season’s limited numbers.
A Test Against a Noteworthy Opponent
Ramsey’s debut as head coach comes on Tuesday night against South Webster, a program that reached a Division V regional semifinal the previous fall. The match offers an early gauge of whether the new‑look Pioneers can translate their increased experience into on‑field competitiveness.
Beyond the win‑loss column, Ramsey stresses a positive outlook and a player‑friendly leadership style that has already resonated with the squad. He hopes to remind the broader area of Zane Trace’s soccer heritage and the program’s latent potential.