May 8, 2003

Printed in the Columbia Missourian
May 7, 2003
Written by Scott Rosenberg

Suzy Probst's career as a soccer player at Missouri ended on a disappointing note.

In Probst's last college match, Colorado defeated the Tigers 1-0 in the first round of the Big 12 Conference Tournament on Nov. 7. After spending most of her life around soccer ball, she didn't want her association with soccer to end.

Probst returned to the soccer field with a different position. She began a coaching career when she took control of the junior varsity at Hickman. It's not over yet

"When soccer was over at Mizzou, I was kind of depressed," Probst said. "I didn't have anything to do with soccer, and it's not anything I want to give up yet. Coaching is a way to stick with the sport and not kill my body."

Probst did have a little coaching experience. She helped out with her little sister's team, but at that time, Probst was 12. As a result, coaching at the high school level was new to Probst.

"When I coached back in the day, it was little 5-year-old boys or 10-year-old girls," Probst said. "So I guess I didn't know what to expect. I've never coached anyone at this age. I didn't know what my standards should be for a JV team."

To find her stride, Probst went to Hickman coach Sandy Paulsen for guidance. Paulsen told her that Probst would have to set her expectations of the players, but they could be high.

"Which was good," Probst said. "Because I couldn't see myself as a soft coach." Dedication

While at Missouri, Probst, hardly a soft player, started 77 of 81 games, primarily as a defensive player. She played the final few games of her final season with goggles to protect a broken bone near her right eye.

Probst's enjoyment and experience have been a blessing for Paulsen.

In some of the past years, Paulsen needed to combine the JV practices with the varsity because the assistant was not confident in running a practice. That hasn't been the case this season.

When the coach was not as confident as Probst, Paulsen had to set up stations for practices. That limited her time with the varsity.

"She's done a great job," Paulsen said. "When I have one less thing to focus on, it makes it better for the varsity kids. It's been a blessing. Some assistant coaches have their own idea and can take them. (Suzy) has taken them on her own.

"With a (varsity) team like I have this year, being able to focus on the kids I need to focus on, it makes a world of difference. Believe me. It is a major headache to have to write two practice schedules or make sure I incorporate them." Finding her style

Her possession-oriented style of play has produced success for the JV Kewpies. They have lost once in six games. After playing soccer for years, Probst has seen the styles of many coaches.

"I wanted to make sure that I applied the things that I enjoyed as player into my coaching so (the players) can have a great experience," Probst said. What's next

Probst, who said she will try to play with the Denver Diamonds, a semiprofessional team, during the summer, credited Dwight Kitano, her first competitive coach, as her most memorable coach. Kitano, who coached Probst on the Arvada (Colo.) Eagles, instilled her with confidence.

Her time with the Kewpies is nearly finished. But Probst wants to continue a career in coaching. After graduating this month, Probst will begin teaching at Lawrence Elementary School in Arvada. As a supplement to teaching, she said she hopes to coach at nearby Arvada West High, her alma mater.

Her hope to continue coaching results, in part, from her experiences at Hickman.

"I really didn't know what I was going to get into, but it's a lot of fun. I love the girls," Probst said.