Three years ago, Paul Lawrence, then head coach of the Everett High School football team, asked one of his promising young assistants if he aspired to someday lead the program.
The assistant, Will Soren, said yes – that when the time was right, he would leap at the chance to lead the Seagulls.
Soren’s time has come.
The 34-year-old Snohomish native has been hired as Everett’s head football coach. Soren replaces Lawrence, who retired after 10 seasons.
“We’re just really excited about the prospect,” Everett High athletic director Jo Levin said of the hiring. “(Soren) is very personable and he’s very committed to the students.”
Lawrence hired Soren, who currently teaches a weight-lifting class at Everett, when he became Everett’s head coach in 1995. Everett’s outgoing coach said his successor possesses enthusiasm, drive and an attention to detail.
“I think he’ll move into the job (with) a real smooth transition,” Lawrence said of Soren.
Soren already has spent many hours helping players boost their strength, and the contact has fostered strong relationships.
“The most difficult part is how you relate to kids,” Lawrence said of the challenges a new coach faces. “I’ve noticed the last three years (Soren has) really come on. … The kids have a high respect for him.”
Soren, who graduated from Snohomish High in 1989 and later played strong safety at the University of Oregon, said he is very excited about his new opportunity.
“I’ve always wanted to be a head coach,” he said, “and I feel very lucky to do it at Everett High School.”
Everett returns 16 starters from a team that compiled a 7-3 overall record last fall. The Seagulls work hard and are very cohesive, Soren said.
“We have a good group of kids coming back that have shown some promise,” Soren said. “I’m just really excited to get going. The program’s going to be ready to step forward.”
Soren said he plans to continue using Everett’s run-oriented Wing-T offense but he also hopes to take advantage of the team’s passing and receiving skills.
Asked to describe his greatest coaching strength, Soren cited his ability to communicate, especially regarding his expectations for success.
“I’ve learned a lot,” Soren said, “not only through my own playing but also through (working) with … great coaches at Everett.”
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