Gray Collegiate’s Kevin Heise Photo by Mike Maddock
Gray Collegiate boys soccer coach Kevin Heise won his 600th game as a head coach following the War Eagles’ 5-2 win over Gilbert Tuesday, April 22.
“It is what it is,” Heise said. “You do it long enough, these things come along. I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of great players over the years. The kids have bought into what we’ve asked them to do. I’d like to think we’ve had a plan since day one. That plan came with commitment, and the kids have bought into it and have done what we’ve asked them to do. That’s been a hallmark of how we do things and the way we train and develop players. Ultimately, it relies on the kids to buy in.”
Heise is in his 34th year as a head coach, with a record of 600-213-36. He began coaching in 1991 at Brookland-Cayce, his alma mater. Following a 25-year stint with the Bearcats, Heise moved on to Gray Collegiate where he is in his eighth year. He’s won 21 region titles, reached 12 semifinals, and competed in six state finals.
“I’ve always focused more about what’s next rather than what we’ve done,” Heise said. “It’s a testament, though, to what we’ve had. Every year is different. Each team has its own personality. You just try to blend what you can, mold what you can, with what you have and hope for the best. You hope your 11 is better than their 11 that day.”
Heise’s 600th win comes with an experienced group, seven seniors, that has competed for three straight state championships with an eye on a fourth.
“It’s a close group,” Heise said. “Our seven seniors have started since their freshman year in some capacity. They’ve been able to achieve a lot. They are a special group. I’m real proud of what they have been able to accomplish.”
Part of those achievements includes a No. 1 ranking in 4A by the South Carolina High School Coaches Association.
“I don’t think it’s even phased them,” Heise said. “We expected to be here. We talked about it a little last year after finishing up in 2A. We talked about running it back.”
Along with a No. 1 ranking, the War Eagles sit at 18-3 overall and 11-1 in Region 4-4A.
A big reason for Gray’s success is its defense, a staple of any Heise-coached team, which has only given up 15 goals through 20 games, including 12 shutouts. Only five opponents have scored multiple goals in regulation against the War Eagles.
Gray’s defense is led by keeper Joey Sullivan. While a bit undersized, Sullivan reads the game well and gets the job done. Junior Gonzalez and J.J. Evans are Gray’s two centerbacks. Jay Etheredge is the left back. Noah Mitchell has had a big hand in the War Eagles’ scoring with over 20 assists. Ethan Mohundro is a defensive midfielder. Nathan Hernandez is the last senior, however, a knee injury has impacted his availability for the remainder of the season.
“They each have their own personalities,” Heise said. “They are good young men and they’ve worked hard for this program. I’m very proud of them. We will hitch our wagon to this group and see how far they can take us.”
Heise feels other contenders for the 4A title include Bishop England, A.C. Flora, Hilton Head, Wren, May River, and Daniel. The War Eagles most likely will face a couple of those teams if they make it to another state finals. Should they get that far again, this group led by seven seniors can add the final piece to a Hall-of-Fame resumé.
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