Introducing Washington County's new fall sports head coaches

There are 11 Washington County high school teams being led by new head coaches this fall. Let's get a quick introduction to the new faces in charge.

Alyssa Bridgens

Williamsport girls soccer

Previous coaching experience: Varsity assistant, girls soccer, Williamsport (2021-2022).

Previous playing experience: Bishop Walsh (2009-2012); Point Park University.

In her words: "I hope to grow the women’s soccer program over the next few years and increase participation," Bridgens said. "I want to encourage these young ladies to work hard on and off the field, and that teamwork and communication is crucial to have a successful season."

John Brown

Saint James boys soccer

Previous coaching experience: Assistant, basketball, Saint James (2020-2023); assistant, soccer, Saint James (2020-2022); assistant, lacrosse, Saint James (2021-2023).

In his words: "It is hard to identify too many goals because many of our players will be new, and I haven't had the chance to speak to the team about personal and team goals," Brown said. "As a coach, I want to empower them to make the most of their experience and push them to be their best. ... I want to have the players create their own vision for the season so that they can own that throughout the year."

Dominic Hennessy

Saint James cross country

In his words: "I am a life-long avid runner," Hennessy said. "Since immigrating to the U.S., I have regularly competed in fun runs and half-marathons in the DMV area. I also competed at the national level in Australia during high school (a lifetime ago, I know). I am very excited to be joining the Saint James School family and coaching the school's cross country team. I hope to inspire a love of running among our more casual team members and assist our serious competitors to take their game to the next level."

Will Hill

St. Maria Goretti volleyball

Previous coaching experience: JV head coach and varsity assistant, volleyball, St. Maria Goretti (2021-2022).

In his words: "It's been great working with the program these past two years, and I'm excited about stepping into this new role," Hill said. "Both the program and the school have a strong base, which allows the potential for growth. I am looking forward to helping improve the programs with the opportunities they have given me."

Bill Hoffman

Saint James golf

Previous coaching experience: Head coach, golf, St. Maria Goretti (2006-2010); assistant, golf, Hagerstown Community College (2006-present)

In his words: "My goal with this team is to improve each year and be competitive in our private-school league," Hoffman said.

Lacie Johnson

North Hagerstown volleyball

Previous coaching experience: JV head coach, volleyball, Williamsport (2019-2020); assistant coach, volleyball, North Hagerstown (2021) ; JV head coach, volleyball, North Hagerstown (2022).

Previous playing experience: St. Maria Goretti (2002), Williamsport (2003-2005), UNC-Pembroke (2006-2007), Frostburg State (2008-2009).

In her words: "I am honored to take over a program that has been so successful for the past 15 years, and I am motivated to strive for continued success and growth as a team," Johnson said. "In addition, I plan to bring new experiences, ideas and opportunities to the team at North. I believe (with) a combination of the existing strong core program values which were instilled by the previous coaching staff, combined with some new approaches and styles, our teams can continue to be competitive and successful at all levels. It is my goal to coach this team to the best they can be."

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Curtis Keller

Clear Spring football

Previous coaching experience: Varsity assistant, football, Musselman (1998-2001); varsity assistant, football, Clear Spring (2022).

Previous playing experience: Musselman (1986-1989).

In his words: "I coached youth/middle school teams in South Berkeley (County, W.Va.) from 1990-1997, and youth/middle school teams in Clear Spring for seven years (2013-2019). The last five years, I was head coach of the Clear Spring Chargers. ... I am excited to take over and build the program. We want to be a disciplined, tough team that plays hard, week in and week out, no matter who the opponent is. I have a young team that will have to learn on the fly, but they have worked hard in the offseason to improve and look forward to the opportunity to play on Friday nights."

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Christi Mosier

Hancock volleyball

Previous coaching experience: Varsity assistant, volleyball, Hancock (2022).

Previous playing experience: Hancock (1996-1999).

In her words: "I am so excited to be the head coach of the Hancock volleyball team this year," Mosier said. "I have coached middle school volleyball for the last four years through the Hancock Recreation Department. Last year I enjoyed being a part of the high school level. For the last 20 years, I have participated in adult volleyball leagues where I continue to gain knowledge and skills while keeping a deep love for the sport. I am honored to be selected to coach a team where I graduated high school from 23 years ago. I played all four years of my high school career (and) I was captain and MVP my senior year. Becoming a varsity head volleyball coach has always been a goal of mine and the opportunity to introduce new volleyball skills and build players' passion for volleyball is exciting. This volleyball season, I look forward to making relationships with my players and seeing them grow in their skills and love the sport as I do."

Mady Welsh

South Hagerstown cross country

Previous running experience: South Hagerstown cross country (2014-2017).

In her words: "I am excited to be joining the South High cross country program again, and I can’t wait to see what the season brings," Welsh said.

Other first-year head coaches

• Stephen Landsberger, St. Maria Goretti boys soccer

• John Tucker, Saint James girls soccer (previously the boys soccer head coach)

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Introducing Washington County's new fall sports head coaches