Washington girls soccer has new coach

There are many changes happening in the Washington High School girls soccer program.

Last season, especially saw a lot of change.

Kyle Collins was in his eighth season as head coach when he was offered a job at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown. He resigned and assistant coach Callyn Mason moved up to head coach. Protacio Marcelino came onboard as an assistant coach.

Those changes happened three games into the season.

'Pro is an incredible asset,” Mason said. 'He know so much about soccer.”

Something more exciting happened May 14, 2018 in the 12th game of the season when the Demons posted a 10-0 win at Centerville. It was the first win for the Demons since May 15, 2015. It was the only win of the season, but it was an exciting time for Washington.

This season Marcelino, who works at JWV Pork and has lived in Washington for 25 years, has moved into the head coaching position and sees a lot of positives in the future.

He knows that because of his past. He has coached in the youth Washington Area Soccer Program and took a team to nationals. He led two different teams to first place in the Iowa Winter Games.

'I think this team has improved since last season,” Marcelino said. 'It will be important to play as a team and have great communication.”

There is still a lot of inexperience on the team.

'Some of the girls are not yet comfortable playing soccer because of little experience,” Marcelino said.

The experience begins for the 2019 team Tuesday with a match at Iowa City Liberty. That will be followed by a Southeast Conference match at Keokuk Thursday.

He does not have a set formation that he relies on for the Demons.

'It will depend on what we are going up against,” he said.

The Demons were 1-13 last season but that does not faze Marcelino.

'As a head coach, I welcome any challenge.”

A motto Marcelino has for the Demons may be SI SE PUEDE, which means yes we can.