The Brentwood Christian School boys soccer team enters the season with a diverse mix of young and experienced seniors, which head coach Cash Miller sees as an advantage.

“The older players will help the young along, and we will be able to keep the young on board for the next four years,” Miller said. “We are going to play a lot of young players this year to help develop them for our future.”

With a large freshman class already playing soccer outside of school, Miller believes the combination of youth and strong senior leadership will strengthen the program in the long term.

Miller noted that while the team has few sophomores and juniors, the balance of young and experienced players creates a unique dynamic.

“The old will help the young along,” he said. “That kind of leadership is going to be good for the underclassmen. It shows them how stuff is done and helps prepare them for the next few years.”

The team’s strengths include a strong goalkeeper, a solid midfield, and reliable defense. “I think the biggest strength for us is our keeper and midfield. We are pretty good at defense,” Miller said.

Yet, scoring goals remains an area for growth.

“Where we need to grow is getting creative at scoring. The district is very difficult, and goals are at a premium. We struggled last year scoring goals,” he added. “We need to play the whole 80 minutes hard and give 100 percent from start to finish."

Coach Cash also emphasized the team’s inclusive culture.

“There is one queen bee on this team, and that is me," he said. "Everyone else works together, and that is what makes us strong,...there is no hierarchy between freshmen and seniors, and everyone is expected to contribute.

“Freshmen or seniors, everyone works together. Nobody leaves until everything is done. The team belongs to all the boys on the team."

Senior midfielder Jacob Valladares has emerged as a key leader this season. He, along with seniors Liam McGaughy, Kale Anderson, Pasha Petty, Rylee Johnson, and others, have been in the program for many years.

Valladares enjoys playing midfield because it allows freedom and creativity on the field. His goal this year is to make the All-State team.

“Not getting anything last year has really made me want to set the goal even higher,” Valladares said.

With talent, leadership, and unity, the boys soccer team looks forward to a competitive season. Guided by Cash’s experience and Valladares’ dedication, the program is positioned for growth, strong performances, and a bright future both on and off the field.