PHOENIX – A fresh start is on the horizon for Bourgade Catholic girls soccer entering the 2024 season, as the new first-year head coach is focuses on developing players on and off the field.
Andres Urbina was hired shortly before the season started and brings a unique background to the team, which is aiming to improve on its 1-10 record from last season.
Urbina, originally from Venezuela, played club soccer from ages 10 to 14 and had the potential to turn professional, but his passion for baseball led him to pursue that sport instead. A former minor league pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he was hired as a minor league pitching coach in 2018. Despite his early departure from soccer, Urbina’s connection to the game remained strong.
“I’ve been able to observe the team for a while, and I thought I could bring a different perspective,” Urbina said. “My focus is on the overall athletic development of the players, not just the specific skills for soccer.”
Senior defender Desteny Arenivar has embraced the team’s growth mindset. “The practices have been great. We’ve been working hard and preparing for the season,” Arenivar said. “At first, I wasn’t sure how it would go with Coach Urbina since it was his first year, but he’s been putting in so much effort to help us improve. Even the girls who are new to soccer are picking things up quickly.”
A major challenge for Urbina in his first season has been understanding and adapting to the existing culture of the program. “I describe my coaching style as flexible, organic, and educational,” Urbina said.
Bourgade’s practices have seen significant improvements with the addition of weight training and conditioning. Urbina believes these changes are essential not only for soccer but also for overall physical development at a critical stage in the players’ growth. He also credits his assistant coaches, Ruben Alvarez and Isabella Colin, for their contributions in creating a positive and effective learning environment.
Senior midfielder Valeria Gonzalez, who has previous club experience, is also focused on team development in her first and last year playing soccer at Bourgade. “Coach Urbina and the other coaches have been motivating and supportive, bringing effective strategies and a strong work ethic to the team. Our goal is to improve teamwork and make this season fun and successful,” Gonzalez said.
“I want to improve as a player and as a person. Even if it’s my last year, I want this season to be something I can look back on with pride,” Arenivar said.
This season the lady Golden Eagles will be competing in the 3A Metro region after playing in the 3A Northwest region since the 2020-21 season. The second half of their schedule is exclusively region games against teams like Northwest Christian, Seton Catholic Prep, and Gilbert Christian.
“I expect to either maintain or improve last year’s record, but honestly, that’s not my primary focus right now,” Urbina said. “I want to create a culture where the girls develop athletically and become better overall. Once we achieve that, the results will follow.”
With a mix of returning players and new faces, the Golden Eagles are ready to take on the challenges of the 2024 season. The girls will begin their season on the road against Kingman High School on Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. Their home opener will be later that week, on Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. versus Tonopah Valley.