Niceville, Schools and Education, Sports

INTERVIEW: Niceville Girls Soccer Coach Talks Postseason, Crucial Games.

Coach Kelly Fernandez opened up about the triumphs and challenges of the Niceville Lady Eagles' soccer season. From the team's strategies for the playoffs to the unique features of their home field, the conversation also touched on Coach Fernandez's daughter's remarkable journey in professional soccer.

The Niceville High School Girls Soccer team has the #1 seed in their district tournament this year. They will kick off against either Leon High School or Crestview on January 25th.

The girls have had a good season – and have had a few tough moments mixed in. Head Coach Kelly Fernandez talks with Christopher Saul on The Interview about their postseason.

Challenges and Triumphs on the Field:

Coach Fernandez candidly shared insights into the challenges faced by the team, particularly in a recent game against local rival South Walton. Emphasizing the impact of mistakes leading to goals, she highlighted the team’s commitment to overcoming hurdles and learning from errors throughout the season.

Home Field Advantage and Playoff Anticipation:

As the playoffs approach, the conversation turned to the anticipation of the playoff schedule release and the potential for a home field advantage. Coach Fernandez discussed the unique features of Niceville’s home field, including its size and the festive atmosphere created with food trucks. The prospect of a double-header with the boys’ team added an extra layer of excitement for the upcoming games.

Unique Features of Niceville’s Field:

Describing Niceville’s soccer field, Coach Fernandez touched on its distinctive elements, including size and the addition of food trucks to enhance the overall game-day experience. Humorously, she mentioned attempts to bring in a drum core and band to further elevate the atmosphere.

Key Strengths and Preparations for Playoffs:

Coach Fernandez outlined the team’s key strengths and areas for improvement as they prepare for the playoffs. The discussion revolved around the importance of scoring in soccer and the team’s strategy in the offensive third. Fan support was highlighted as crucial during the playoffs.

Daughter’s Achievements and Professional Soccer:

The podcast also shed light on Coach Fernandez’s personal journey as a soccer mom, with her daughter, Kayla, achieving success in professional soccer. Kayla’s decision to play in Mexico for a finesse-focused style and her remarkable 90-minute debut for Atlas were key highlights. The emotional significance of Kayla playing against her husband Jose’s hometown team, Leon, added a touching element to the discussion.

Christopher Saul

Christopher Saul is the publisher of Mid Bay News. He graduated from Southern Methodist University's School of Journalism with a Convergance Journalism Degree and a Master's Degree in Public Administration From Florida State.