Jenn Parsons, a forward for the Washington Freedom, was named Virginia’s High School Coach of the Year after leading the George Mason varsity high school soccer team to a 19-3-2 record and coaching them to a regular season title, the district tournament title, the regional tournament title, and eventually to a state tournament championship. Yet when asked about earning this honor, Parsons brushes the complements aside and heaps praise on her players. “I really don’t think I deserve the recognition of Coach of the Year,” says Parsons. “I mean, the girls have been amazing and each of them consistently shows up to play and give 100% the entire season. I don’t think many people would have trouble coaching a group of players with that attitude! I’m just really proud of the effort they put in this season and the results that they earned they most definitely deserved!”
Regardless of what Parsons says, she was an integral part of George Mason’s success this year. Whether it was jumping in and playing with the girls, explaining tactics, or providing inspiration through her own personal soccer accomplishments, Parsons created an environment that bred success. And she did it all after having only coached for two previous seasons (one season with a Richmond high school team, and another season with George Mason), and while teaching Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry to 10th-12th graders. Yet as busy as Parsons has been teaching and coaching, she has still managed to find time to pursue her own career in soccer.
Parsons has played in the W-League for the last five years with much success. After graduating from VCU as the career record holder for most goals scored and most points in school history, Parsons played with Richmond Kickers Destiny where she was named to the all-conference team in 2006 and ’07 and to the all-W-League team in 2007. She currently plays with the Washington Freedom, and her George Mason players have come out to support her at multiple games.
Being a current soccer player who can relate to her players has helped create a close-knit team that Parsons describes as a “little family.” But it has also led to some ribbing from her players. After Parsons was mistaken multiple times by the referees for a player instead of the coach, and being asked by the refs to hurry up and get the coach out for the coin toss, her players made Parsons a t-shirt that says, “I’m the Coach…” on the front, and then on the back it reads, “No really, I AM THE COACH!!!” It’s an ongoing joke between Parsons and her girls, and one she will probably be hearing for a long time.
As impressive as being named the Coach of the Year is, Jenn Parsons says that what she will take out of the season is not all of the recognitions and honors that she and her players received, but getting to be a part of the incredible process the girls underwent during the season, the effort they put into every practice, and the amazing leadership qualities amongst the players that always brought out the best in their teammates, both on and off the field.
And, according to Parsons, expect next season to be a continuation of this year’s success.
