Some teams measure success in wins and losses. The Saginaw girls soccer team doesn’t quite see things that way.
“If you leave everything on the field, there should be no bad feeling after the game, because you did everything you could to help the team be successful,” head coach Omar Dasuqi said. “Our record doesn’t display or measure our success; there is so much more to life and the game than winning.”
The Trojans went 1-10 last year and have started 0-7 this season. Dasuqi, in his third year coaching the team, knew it would be a long process, but he didn’t hesitate to take the coaching job when it opened.
“I took this job for a few different reasons,” he said. “One, to be a male role model and provide a positive influence for the girls. Two, to give the ladies an opportunity to be a part of something positive at Saginaw High. Three, to teach the girls good morals and ethics through sport. Four, to be able to build a soccer program from the bottom up. Five, a way to give back to my community. Six, to provide the ladies with something to be proud of and be a part of the Trojan family. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity to have an impact on this great group of young ladies.”
That being said, coaching soccer at a school and in a community much better known for its basketball prowess has had its difficulties.
“Due to the fact that soccer isn’t a big sport in this community or culture, the skills and experience are slightly limited,” Dasuqi said. “For a lot of the girls, they have never played an organized or a pick up game of soccer. For most, this is their first time playing soccer, but they are willing to learn and dedicate the time and patience. One thing I can say is the heart and passion they play with is outstanding; they bring it every game.”
Though wins are hard to come by for the program, it was last year’s 4-3 victory that shows just what the team’s winning attitude can bring them.
“We were down 3-0 and finished a four-goal run to win,” Dasuqi said. “This win displays our heart and determination to never give up and leave everything on the field. We are 0-7 this year, but we are continuing to develop skill and awareness, so in my eyes, as long as I can see progression for the better, we are undefeated.”
Even as games get out of hand, Dasuqi knows that focusing on the little things is still important, as his team must keep growing.
“The teaching of fundamentals is the key to success at this level,” he said. “I teach and preach fundamentals, so it can become second nature to the ladies. They respect my coaching style, because they can sense that I am coaching from the heart and learning is my main concern for the ladies. I always stress the importance of education and tell them they are a student first and an athlete second… My goal is to develop a great citizen, not a great soccer player. If I develop a great soccer player in the process, great!”
The coach adds that he has a great group of seniors that helps keep the team headed in the right direction.
“A lot of success has to go out to the ladies that help build this program,” Dasuqi said. “They displayed hard work, dedication, leadership, and a high level of class. These seniors need recognition. Karrie Bell, Karen Bell, Amber Perez, Anquinett Fason, Juannina Wilkins, Kim’Nesha Nelson, and Carlisha McCary. I have two great co-captains (Shamarira Torrance and Acashia Wade). If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have had the great success we have been developing over the years.”
The Trojans haven’t won a game yet this year. Maybe they will, maybe they won’t. Dasuqi is OK with it either way. “There is more to soccer than scoring goals and winning games,” he said. “Our goal is simple year in and year out – have fun. If you aren’t having fun, there’s no point in doing it.”