Luke Oakley named new girls soccer coach at Bob Jones
Luke Oakley with Bob Jones Principal Sylvia Lambert (Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)
MADISON- “It’s a new day for girls soccer at Bob Jones.” With those words Principal Sylvia Lambert introduced Luke Oakley as the new girls soccer coach Friday.
Oakley coached three years at Sparkman where his team advanced to final four in 2013. He coached freshman boys for one season at Bob Jones. He played in college at N.C Wesleyan.
“I have always looked at Bob Jones as a great school for talent and a great fit for me. It’s a great opportunity for me,” Oakley said in his British accent. He is originally from Bristol, England.
Bob Jones administrators didn’t waste any time when they realized he was interested.
He got an email on a Sunday, interviewed the next day, and was offered the job the next day. He was leaving for England that week for two weeks.
“I missed teaching the game in a team setting. The girls have a lot of talent here,” he said. “I came to a few games last year and have coached some Bob Jones players privately. I started here and am very happy to be back. There were other positions but I am happy with my choice.”
“I have high goals and will expect a lot from the girls. I have game tapes from 21 games last year and will review them. I will create player profiles of player strengths and formations where you look comfortable. My philosophy is to dominate the opponent with possession. My teams must be able to adjust formations and tactics.”
Oakley credited his wife Tori for being a big part of his decision.
According to a host of players and parents present, Oakley was the top candidate and everyone was thrilled that he accepted the job offer.
Bob Jones returns most of their key players from last year, among them are Hannah Earnst, Miriam Stewart, Mudia Ikoba, Carissa Roth, Celie Krome, and goalkeeper Taylor Felts.
Oakely is a soccer teacher who spent the last few years working with Huntsville Futbol and NOW Soccer Academy.
“It’s a company that teaches players technical abilities in small groups,” Oakley said of the NOW Academy.
Lambert said that Oakley told the interview committee he had four teaching pillars; technical, tactical, athleticism, and psychological.
“I came in and showed them my resume, dossier, and positional scenarios,” Oakley said.
