Photos by Mike Maddock Dreher head boys' soccer coach Paul Coleman talks to his team at halftime of the match with Spring Valley. Looking at the Dreher boys' soccer sideline, it can be difficult to identify the head coach. Fitting in among his players, some just seven years his junior, coach Paul Coleman is calling out directions, encouraging his players, and pleading his team's case to the referee's assistant. While the Blue Devils are finding their way after graduating 11 seniors from last season, Coleman is helping build a foundation with the young team for a return to success.

Coleman grew up playing soccer in the upstate, graduating with a state title in 2001 from Dorman High School. He spent three seasons playing varsity soccer at Presbyterian College before injuries ended his career.

Having learned the game under well- known Spartanburg- area coach Carlos Osorio both at Dorman and on the club level, Coleman turned his sights from the field to the sideline. When an opening as an assistant coach at Dreher became available in 2006, Coleman interviewed and was hired under head coach Matt Hornsby.

Dreher head boys' soccer coach Paul Coleman gives Collin Glass a gesture of confidence against Spring Valley. On top of coaching duties, Coleman is enrolled at the South Carolina College of Pharmacy and is due to graduate in 2010. Having several years here in Columbia has allowed him to commit more than just a single season to the Dreher cause. When coach Hornsby decided to step down after last season, Coleman was an ideal choice for Dreher's top position as a two- year assistant.

One would think the job of reaching teenagers would be quite difficult for someone in their mid- 20s, yet Coleman has a strong connection with his players. "I actually feel that I am more approachable from a player's stance," he says, indicating an openness and understanding that is harder to develop with a wider age difference between coach and player. He continues, "I am their coach first, but I also want the players to be my friends. Hopefully, one day I can have the same relationship with past players as I still have with my high school coach [Osorio]."

"The hardest thing about coaching is not being able to be on the field during games. It is much easier in practice since I can stop play, move players around, and explain things," says Coleman.

That focus on maturation of the team and the players individually is the most important aspect of coaching for the Dreher coach. While there are many more logistical headaches due to non- game responsibilities than he faced as an assistant, the transition to head coach has been a smooth one for both coach and team.

Though a future in pharmacy is certain for Coleman, coaching soccer is an endeavor that will not disappear upon graduation. It is unclear what his long- term status with Dreher might be, but for now, his impressive balance of school and coaching, not to mention a part- time pharmacy job, has earned him the respect of his players and the Dreher community at large.

"The most fun and fulfilling thing about coaching high school soccer is watching adolescents slowly growing into young men and playing a part in this growth is important to me," Coach Coleman says. Those words are already embodied in his actions and having an effect, even in his first year as a head coach.