After playing an incredible 2024 fall season, the Maize South Boys soccer team ended with a 17-3-1 record, ranked no. 429 at the national level, no. 11 in Kansas, no. 3 in Kansas’s class 5A, and no. 4 in Wichita. Although the Mavericks lost in the 5A state championship finals to the Blue Valley Southwest Timberwolves (16-0), the team has continued to succeed and carry a name for themselves in the past few years, claiming the state champions title for two previous consecutive seasons; 2022 and 2023.
While the Mavericks’ record on the field speaks volumes about their outstanding performances, what truly sets the team apart are the moments that define them off the field. Beyond the titles, plaques, and trophies lie a team dedicated to forming friendships and seeking both the drive and motivation to have the success they acquire.
Greg Shelly-Unruh, assistant coach for the Mavericks, shares his favorite part of coaching soccer.
“The relationships formed with the players and the coaches are my favorite part. Of course, it is nice to have success and win games and championships, but when times are tough that is not what keeps you going. It’s the friendships that are formed that last the longest,” Shelly-Unruh said.
When asked about the most effective coaching technique, Shelly explained how “there needs to be a combination of praise and constructive criticism. As a coach, you want to let players know when they are doing well and push them to continue improving and becoming better.”
Often teams have common “game-day rituals” which are considered a set of consistent, sometimes symbolic actions or traditions that players or coaches perform before a game. The Mavericks are not much different than other teams in that they like to listen to music. However, there is one particular tradition that might be considered unique compared to other schools.
“After away games, when we return to the school, the team sings the fight song on the bus as we turn into the parking lot,” Shelly-Unruh said.
Sophomore Cody Montano who plays defense and center midfielder on the team said some of his best core memories with the team were in the locker room and after games. His favorite team memory consists of when the boys beat the Newton Railroaders 5-1.
“It was personal for me because I grew up going to Newton and wanted to beat them,” Montano said.
Montano also cited the St. James game as another favorite memory of this season.
”It definitely helps to have a large supporting crowd,” Montano said. “It was so hype when we had a student section in our semi-final game against St. James. I love to let my play do the talking and show everyone I can compete with anyone.”
Ever since the graduation of notable player Vitor Geromel, who now plays Division I for Clemson University, most opponent schools presumed the Mavericks to not be as exceptional as they were when Geromel played for the team.
“Everyone counted us out now that Vitor was gone, but that wasn’t the case,” Montano said.
