Mike Smith finds himself in a familiar situation – rebuilding a high school soccer program.
After eight seasons as University Heights Academy head coach, Smith has moved 24 miles east to Elkton as the fourth Todd County Central coach in four years. The veteran coach will be looking to provide stability to a program that has lost 25 straight games dating back to 2017 and hasn’t had a winning season since 2014.
One immediate positive Smith has seen since taking the job is an increase in numbers. He is expecting 22 players on the roster after losing four to graduation last year.
Offense will be an immediate priority for Smith. The Rebels only scored two goals in 14 games last year. However, they were only mercy-ruled twice during the season with most of their defense returning.
Todd County also benefits from playing in a district with no dominant soccer program. The Rebels allowed less than five goals a game in district play which could bode well if Todd County can develop a consistent offense.
Smith said the first part of the rebuilding process is to change the culture of the program. After that, he said the wins will follow.
Todd County’s program appears in good shape with a large middle school program that had success over the summer at a Hopkinsville indoor league.
The Rebels will open the season with three straight road games. Their opener will be Tuesday when they travel to Barren County, a team that was 4-15 last year. Their home opener will be an Aug. 20 district contest with Franklin-Simpson.
