Hampton College has discovered its regular hand on the helm of its soccer program.
Trenton Boykin, who served as interim head coach through the 2024 season, will take over this system absolutely and has a plan to rework it.
In a latest dialog on the “MEAC & Extra with Chris Stevens,” Boykin mentioned his imaginative and prescient for the upcoming season and the challenges forward.
“We’re nonetheless making an attempt to place my footprint on this program,” he mentioned. “From the place we began final Might to now, you do sort of see the sort of younger males that we need to recruit right here and what we need to set up right here.”
He spoke on the chance to construct on the momentum from final 12 months and careworn the significance of preparation, exhausting work, and resilience. Boykin’s familiarity with the group and his expertise throughout the convention are anticipated to be vital property because the Pirates goal to climb the ranks within the CAA.
“I really like how they fought… There was no finger-pointing, nice angle on the sideline, and poise,” he mentioned concerning the group. “If we present poise and tranquility, the gamers will present poise and tranquility.”
Acknowledging how the school soccer panorama has developed since his earlier head teaching days, Boykin highlighted adjustments such because the switch portal and scholarship dynamics. He additionally pointed to important areas of focus for enchancment.
“Particularly on this convention, your O-line and D-line — it’s important to continue to grow in these areas. We had been primary in dashing offense two years in a row, however we nonetheless say we could possibly be higher and deeper.”
Boykin attracts inspiration from the tradition he skilled enjoying soccer within the Midwest, aiming to duplicate that regional delight domestically.
“You all the time play tougher for individuals you care about… A lot of the guys we have now grew up inside a 100-mile radius. We need to construct that very same mentality right here — Virginia and the DMV have one of the best highschool soccer, we need to carry that angle.”
Regardless of being picked to complete No. 11 within the preseason convention ballot, Boykin is worked up about Hampton’s future.
“Guys are excited the place we’re going,” he mentioned. “We are going to all the time take delight in working the soccer, however the expertise we’re bringing in is totally different now, and it’s what we have to take it to the following tier.”
