Hello Beekeepers!

Once again, our Bees battled their way to the finals and earned the long bus ride to St. James Academy, where Jemicy was waiting for us.

It was my fourth final with Calvert, and the first one played in warm weather. That was a first for me!

Despite controlling possession and spending most of the first 25 in Jemicy’s half, our Bees struggled to find opportunities to shoot. Jemicy defended aggressively and, on one of their few trips into our half, found the back of the net with just three seconds left on the clock. That was another first compared to my previous finals!

The second half looked much like the first, with Calvert dominating possession. Then came a penalty kick for Jemicy, awarded during one of their rare attacks. 2–0. A first in my finals, and a first this season!

Our Bees were asked to throw everything forward, and they responded. A shot from outside the box found the net, following a teammate’s sacrifice of his nose for the cause! Despite relentless pressure until the final whistle, we couldn't find that last goal.

For the first time, I won't be bringing the trophy home.

It's hard to make sense of a game so soon after the final whistle, but I can't shake the feeling that if we played this game ten times, we'd win nine. Unfortunately, today was the one we didn't.

If you've been reading these game reports over the years, you may have noticed that I never write in the first person. Well, this time, there is a reason. After four wonderful years coaching Calvert soccer, it's time for me to pass the torch.

I want to thank all the players who have been part of this journey. You have made these four years an absolute joy, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the chance to coach so many great young men. Thank you for your effort, your humor, your resilience, and all the memories along the way.

To the families, thank you for your unwavering support, the sideline cheers, the rides, and everything you have done for the team over the years. Coaching is a team effort, and I couldn't have asked for a better community behind us.

There is a little sadness in writing this goodbye, but also an awful lot of gratitude. These four years have given me memories I will carry for a long time.

This isn't goodbye to Calvert soccer, though. You'll definitely see me in the bleachers in the seasons to come, cheering just as loudly as ever!

Thank you, everyone, for four wonderful years.