THE COERVER TEAM

If you stop by a practice run by Coach Ryan, it can be difficult to see who the coach is. There’s no one pacing the sidelines, quietly taking in the practice. Instead, you will find Coach Ryan in the middle of the action, teaching lessons through both nutmegs and praise. Coach Ryan has been coaching for Coerver since he was a teenager, and his 20 years with the program have helped him to three state championship appearances and one title in eight years with the Severna Park Boys Soccer program, but Coach Ryan is just as happy to play with high schoolers competing for a state championship as four year olds learning how to dribbble. Whether he’s bellyflopping in the mud with his son Callen or imploring people to play like wild dogs, the only rule on Coach Ryan’s field is energy and fun have to be at a maximum.

After spending years embodying Michael Jordan’s motto that you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take, Coach Stimmo graduated from Cornell University with the record for most shots in a career. Hailing from Manchester, Coach Stimmo has been working for Coerver for 20 years, teaching the next generation of Cantonas, Giggs and Scholes. The head coach of the Severna Park Girls’ program, leading the team to a state title appearance in his first year, don’t be surprised when you see him on the field during practice, as his love of the game can lead to the years melting away, at least in his mind. A master of foot skills and obscure British expressions, Coach Stimmo is as happy leading a session as his two sons Will and Matthew are to watch Star Wars and play with LEGOs.