Plano East enters a new chapter for their boys soccer program.

The Panthers have been coached by Rick Woodard for 27 years, but after last season, he decided it was time to turn over the program. In a statement after the season, Woodard reflected on what it meant to coach at East for all of these years.

“It was tough. For me, it’s always been about the boys,” Woodard said. “The wins and losses will come and that’s just the way my high school coach would talk to us about it — the wins and losses will come, but it’s about getting the boys ready to be successful. I’m really close with this group, lots of them. I think the last day of school when I see the boys for that last get-together, it’ll hit me then.”

Taking over for the Panthers is Taylor Baca, who’s coached at several programs over the last five years, most recently at Prosper High School. He brings a wealth of experience and success to the program, hoping to improve on an eight-win 2023 campaign.

“It’s an honor to coach a program like Plano East,” Baca said. “Coach Woodard did a great job and was here for a long time. I think it’s always a case that kids are ready for a change after a while. I told the kids from day one that we’re going to determine how things go. We’re setting the tempo and dictating the play.”

Through the start of his tenure, Baca and the Panthers have worked hard to prepare for the upcoming year. That was reflected in their opening scrimmage against Rock Hill on Friday, Dec. 8, as East came out on top with a 1-0 win.

With several new faces and a new system in place, it was a great step in the right direction for a team eager to make the playoffs.

“Over the course of the season, the team has grown a lot, better from day one,” Baca said. “Our goal is to make the playoffs and compete in the postseason. Obviously, it’s a tough district were playing in, but we have high expectations for the season and what we can do.”

Part of that development from day one was the possession and pace Plano East played with in its opening scrimmage. The Panthers dominated the scoring chances and could have won by more on any other night. The team is getting better every day, and the Panthers are optimistic things will keep building with cohesion.

“Tactically we’re a lot better and more disciplined for sure,” Baca said. “The guys are learning and staying organized. They take instruction well. We played Prosper Rock Hill and dominated the game in almost every aspect.”

Leading the way for Plano East is Duncan Sullivan, a senior leader and District 6-6A’s reigning midfielder of the year. Already signed with Navy for his collegiate career, Sullivan leads a group of young players hoping to make their mark at the varsity level for the first time.

Ben Alexander, Ricardo Reyes and several other guys are showing positive signs, but coach Baca believes that the team effort is greater than their individual play.

“We’re pretty inexperienced as a group,” Baca said. “We don’t have a ton of guys with a lot of reps at this level, and it’s coming together really well for us. We’re conditioned well and we’re healthy. We feel ready to go and it’s just about putting those principles in play. Everyone is going to have to play their part this year.”

That first part begins Jan. 4-6 at the Rockwall tournament, with district play looming on Jan. 23 against Plano. To make a run at the postseason, Plano East will need to show its growth and prepare for the competitive games in just a few short weeks.

“There are games we have to believe we’re just as good as anyone in the district,” Baca said. “That belief will take us a long way and we have the talent to do it.”

By Kyle Grondin • [email protected]

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