2008 Woodie Awards
New coach brings new expectations
By: Natalia Ferruggia
Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Sports
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Restrepo was hired from UC Davis, where he spent seven years as the Aggies' assistant coach. His love of soccer began at a young age.
He received his first pair of soccer cleats at 9 from his cousin who played for the San Jose Earthquakes.
"I was sold at that point and haven't looked back," Restrepo said.
His true passion for the game can be seen through his charisma and leadership, said Athletic Director Anita Barker.
"He's very engaging and is going to really elevate the excitement in the program," she said.
The success that follows Restrepo can be credited to his building of team morale and chemistry.
His coaching and training involve a lot of team bonding.
"I am a family guy, and that's how I want my team to be," Restrepo said. "I want us to pick each other up when we are down and make each other better off when we are on the field."
Becoming a teacher and a coach has always been a goal for him.
He is working on his doctorate in education psychology at UC Davis, and his research includes the transition that athletes make from high school to the college.
Scoring goals and winning games are not the only focus for Restrepo.
"I'm lucky enough to write and coach," he said. "I have the best of everything."
Restrepo has also started a cultural change for the Wildcats as the first Latino head coach in the team's history.
He is of Colombian descent and hopes to recruit young men of different ethnic backgrounds, he said.
"Creating a diverse group brings challenges, but when you get through those challenges it makes a stronger group," Restrepo said. "Those challenges are great for learning and for having cultural experiences."
His presence is felt on and off the field when he reaches out to the community. The team recently visited a K-9 rescue shelter to walk dogs.
"The community needs to see us," he said. "We are an extension of them."
Restrepo hopes to increase the community presence at games, bringing support to an up-and-coming sports program.
"I am a young coach with a lot of excitement and energy and I care about the kids and the program," Restrepo said.
He knows the strategy needed to breed success while still having fun.
"I am going to work as hard as I can to get those things in place. We are going to do our best to give that to Chico," he said.
Natalia Ferrugia can be reached at
nferrugia@theorion.com
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