How retiring Nevada girls soccer coach Randy Davis built the Cubs into a superpower
Randy Davis was getting a little active on the sidelines Thursday night when the No. 7 Nevada girls soccer team played No. 14 Panorama in the regional final Thursday night for the right to go to the Iowa state soccer tournament.
Davis began his coaching career as an energetic young coach who brought a lot of passion to the field during every practice and game. He has toned it down a bit over the years, but even in his 24th season, Davis showed a lot of emotion as the Cubs and Panthers were engaged in a 1-1 tie heading into the final minutes of regulation.
“He’s an animated coach,” said longtime Nevada assistant coach Justin Evans. “I remember at the Norwalk tournament one of my first years it was raining, and he ran down the sideline and slid down it trying to get the girls’ attention. Obviously, he’s calmed down a bit over the last 20 years, but he’s just energetic and very animated on the sidelines.”
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A loss to Panorama would have marked the end of a remarkable 24-year coaching career for Davis. Prior to the start of the season, he had decided 2024 was going to be his last run as Nevada's head coach.
“I saw the seniors when they were in seventh grade and said 'Yeah, that’s probably my last group,'” Davis said. “I probably made the decision five years ago.”
But on Thursday, his players made sure he was going to coach at least a few more days.
Nevada forward Avery Anderson took a great pass from Alexa Betting right in front of the goal and punched it into the net with just 33 seconds left in regulation to give Nevada a dramatic 2-1 victory. The win sent the Cubs to the state tournament for the 12th year in a row and for the 15th time in the illustrious career of Davis.
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“I go back to when we got the first one,” Davis said. “We just wanted to get to state one time, and here we are on our 15th trip to state. It never gets old.”
Davis has amassed 305 victories during his career. That is the most of any coach 1A, and it puts him with the fourth-most victories among coaches from all classes.
He is a two-time national Coach of the Year finalist who has produced 32 all-state performers during his tenure. His 2014 and 2015 teams ended up placing second at state in 1A.
“Coach Davis has left a considerable impact on the Nevada soccer program,” said 2017 Nevada graduate Abby Stephenson. “I made so many memories playing soccer for him during my four years that I will cherish forever. We always had such a great time as a team at practices and during games.”
Stephenson was an all-state performer as a member of both of those state runner-up teams under Davis. She said it was a dream come true to play for Davis for four years.
"I remember the whole time going through middle school and his eighth-grade history class, that we always wanted to make the varsity team to play for him," Stephenson said. "It was always an honor to play under such a great coach with such a lasting legacy."
Davis has always had a knack for getting through to his players, both on and off the field.
“Randy is a special coach and a special person,” Evans said. “I’ve always said Randy could go coach any sport because of the way he connects with kids. It’s incredible watching him.”
Nevada senior Emma Strottman was one of the best sweepers in 1A over the past two seasons. But multiple ACL injuries have prevented her from competing this season.
Davis still made sure she felt like a big part of the team.
“He lets me suit up — I'm going to be on the roster at state,” Strottman said. “He lets me play music at practice — they bought a speaker this year. Sometimes I’ll run drills, which is nice. He’s been there supporting me the whole way through.”
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Davis also knew how to get the maximum out of his assistant coaches.
“He allows us to all be coaches,” said Nevada assistant Mark Rhodes. “He’ll be the first to admit he might not know the most about soccer, but he knows how to motivate kids. That’s why he lets us do all the soccer part of it, but he creates a great environment and a great culture.”
Rhodes has been coaching with Davis for 12 years. Evans is in his 21st season as a Cub assistant.
Both coaches will share the head coaching duties next season after Davis retires.
“Part of the idea was we were hoping to make it a smooth transition,” Rhodes said. “It’s a testament to him that it takes two of us to replace him.”
But Davis is not done yet.
The Cubs (14-5) are the No. 4 seed in 1A entering the girls state soccer tournament. They face No. 5 seed Hudson (15-2) at 10:15 a.m. in the 1A state quarterfinals Tuesday on Field 8 at the Cownie Soccer Park in Des Moines.
“He deserves another trip to state before he’s done,” Anderson said. “He’s been there so many times; he deserves to win.”
Davis said he is just going to enjoy the time he has left on the Nevada sideline.
“I love being with the kids,” Davis said. “To me, that’s what it’s all about. Going to state is the icing on the cake.”
Joe Randleman covers high school sports for the Ames Tribune. Contact him at jrandleman@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeRandleman
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Nevada girls soccer coach Randy Davis ready for final state tournament
