Men’s soccer coach, Jesse Cormier, recorded his 75th career win during his 10th season at UVM. Despite beginning the year with a record of 5-1-2, Cormier said he believes that his team has a lot to learn and improve upon, both on and off the field.
A graduate of UVM’s Class of ’95, it was natural that Cormier would one day coach a sport that he said has taught himimportant life values. While playing all four years with the men’s varsity soccer program, Cormier credits his coach with teaching life lessons that continue to impact his life everyday.
“To have a coach who believed and instilled things in me,” Cormier said. “I’ve felt it important for me to follow through and create a similar scenario for our life.”
Cormier admits that time has allowed him to delineate between coaching for the sole purpose of success, and coaching to provide a sense of value for teamwork and community.
More than the wins, Cormier said thathe values the athletes that come through the program, and appreciates being able to influence their lives both during and after their time at UVM.
Cormier commented on the positive environment around campus, and the sense of community, which helped to developed lifelong friendships. These friendships can help to hold a team throughout the long seasons, which Cormier believes is vital in order to reach success as a team.
Despite starting out the season with a strong record, Cormier said he is more focused on the finish.
“We started well, but what we need to do is continue to get better,” he said. “We want to hit peak form in mid to late October, when we go into playoffs in day.”
The Catamounts host the Hartwick Hawks at Virtue Field on Saturday, Sept 28 at 1:00 p.m. UVM will face their first America East conference opposition when the Binghamton University Bearcats travel to Virtue Field to take on the Catamounts on Saturday, Oct 5.