GALT, CA (MPG) - Julian Parra, who himself played soccer at Galt High School has been named as the new boys coach. Parra graduated from Galt High in 2015 and is very excited and focused in his take over of the very successful team.  

What follows is Parra’s interview with the Galt Herald.

I used to coach county line here in Galt for a season or two. Now I coach at IR Academy in Elk Grove, as well as Galt High School Boys Soccer. 

I have coached 3 years; well, this will be my third year and it has been nothing but fun getting to experience this side of the sport. 

I actually would love to take the opportunity to thank Garett Arechiga, the varsity boys soccer coach over at Liberty Ranch High School for getting me into coaching consistently and helping me get that sweet opportunity at IR Academy. Seriously, he is one of my mentors and he has helped me a lot with my growth and process as a coach. 

 Where did you learn to play?

I learned to play from a club that is from Galt, it is called Tarascos- that club will always be home to me and it deserves to be recognized as one the greatest clubs or organizations that has ever taken part in this city. I also played for Real Galt FC which happens to be the semi-pro team here in Galt. 

A good friend of mine, Alejandro Renteria brought me in as his JV coach and assistant at the varsity level. Then Renteria went on to pursue the girl’s position, which as a school we are fortunate he did because we can see that he is already creating a positive culture shift in the girls’ program- but without him I would not be in the position I am right now. 

What motivates me especially in high school soccer is making sure that the student athletes who come across our program here at Galt High School know how to be grateful, respectful and most importantly honorable. I want to make sure that every student athlete who puts on a red and white jersey with the Galt logo on it knows that the jersey they are wearing is not just only representing the high school, it represents the City of Galt. 

The coaching staff hopes that our student athletes know how to say please and thank you, they know how to give a firm handshake and most importantly that they grow to love and care for the people around them. That to us matters- we want our young men to be able to represent themselves with the most class possible, during and after high school. We are aware that it may take time, but we are starting to see rapid growth in these young pupils. 

I am still attending college and I hope to become a resource teacher like my good friend and mentor Jose Patino, who happens to be a part of the coaching staff here with me. I would love to work myself up in the coaching world, I love this game so much. If I am able to travel the nation or the world to gain better knowledge of the game and receive the appropriate licensing, I will do that. So yeah, coaching is something I am definitely having my eyes set on.  

I want people to know that Luis Carlos, who happens to be my assistant coach and best friend has had a very important role in this coaching stuff. He has been a part of the coaching journey with me since I started so this is definitely something that he 1000% deserves recognition for. 

I would also like to thank and give flowers to Jose Patino for already making an impact on kids’ lives at the junior varsity level. His dedication and love for the game as well as the student athletes he coaches does not go unnoticed. 

Thank you for Galt High School's Administration for the trust, belief and support I am definitely not overlooking this or taking it for granted. 

Thank you to my family, sister, nieces and girlfriend for always being on my team and my psychologists when needed.

So far this season the team has an 8-2 record with the losses being to non-league Div. 1 teams.  The Warriors league record is 3-0 so far and they are looking to win league for the third year in a row.