New coach Boulnemour optimistic for Greensburg Salem girls soccer
There is a trickle-down effect happening for the Greensburg Salem girls soccer team.
It all starts with first-year coach Jesser Boulnemour, who doubles as a forward for the Seton Hill men's soccer team. A graduate student in his first year on the Griffins soccer squad, he makes the most of the double duty — he takes what he learns with Seton Hill's team on a daily basis and applies it to the Golden Lions.
So far, it has led the team to a 4-1 record in WPIAL Section 2-AAA play and a 5-3 mark overall.
“It's been really cool to be able to play on Seton Hill's team and coach the girls. While different, both teams almost grow at the same pace. It's interesting to see the comparison between the two. I can take what we learn as a team in practice and games right into practice with the girls,” said Boulnemour, who also kicked for the Seton Hill football team from 2012-15. “It takes a lot of communication and leniency from both ends to make it all work, but it's really not too bad.”
Boulnemour was happy to step into the vacant head coaching role and is pleased with how seniors Emma Cribbs, Katie Wotus, Kellie Lynch, Emily Indof, Kelsey Hood and Morgan Paul welcomed the change.
“It's been really good. From what I have heard, the seniors have had a new coach every year they've been on the team. This is probably my only year, as well,” he said. “I have six seniors. They are a really strong, solid group. It's nice to have a decent group of leaders to step up. I am really blessed with this team. They are so skilled already. I didn't have to do too much skill work, just tactical work. They are crushing it now.
“From the time we started, we had to work positioning and moving the ball. I have seen tremendous growth through the weeks. It's been cool to see the progression.”
Greensburg Salem has relied on the defense of goalkeeper Kendra Kennedy, sweeper Autumn Sarsfield, stopper Nikki Mellinger and defenders Emma Turin and Cribbs. The team's first four wins came via shutout.
“They have been rock solid, and they've had to get used to playing a different formation. They used to play a flat back,” Boulnemour said. “Nothing gets through them, which is great.”
Wotus and Indof are central midfielders, while Sydney Gatons and Paul flank them.
“Our midfielders have done a great job of seeing things and playing the ball where it should be,” Boulnemour said.
Freshman Maddie Gaul joins Lynch at forward.
“It's been cool to watch Maddie take a step back and watch Kellie. Kellie is a tremendous leader, and Maddie will one day be a key leader as well,” Boulnemour said.
Last year, Greensburg Salem finished tied for second in Section 2-AA. The Golden Lions reached the WPIAL playoffs, but dropped a 5-0 decision to South Park. Now in Class AAA, the expectations remain high.
“I think we have a great opportunity if we can continue to grow and learn. It'll be good to see how we bounce back from our first few losses,” Boulnemour said. “We just go out and have fun with the season. I think the girls have responded well to that. I am so blessed with such a great group and such great parents. It's a great foundation here. Hopefully, continue to grow off that.”
Joe Sager is a freelance writer.
