Sports Editor
Sebastian Vecchio has only been in Bakersfield for less than three weeks and he has already changed the women’s soccer program mentality. The new head coach will be leading the women this spring and fall.
“He already made a difference. It’s been fun to be a part of,” said Aminah Settles, redshirt-junior forward.
Settles said that losing former head coach Gary Curneen was difficult, but Vecchio was there to reassemble the team. “He’s only picked us back up, with his natural energy.”
Vecchio most recently coached as an assistant at Texas Christian University 2016-2018, coaching the goalkeepers. While at TCU, he helped the Horned Frogs keep their goal-against average to a low of 0.82 in the 2016-17 season.
Before his time at TCU, he gained experience as an assistant at Vanderbilt University (2010-2014), Rice University and The University of Memphis.
Vecchio said about the Bakersfield community, “There is a passion for CSUB. They want to rally and get behind the university.”
He made sure to come into CSUB knowing the culture as a first-year head coach.
“It’s the right place to do it; It’s a family environment here and everyone goes out of their way to do more for each other and the community,” said Vecchio.
“That’s the kind of place that I wanted to be at. This is what CSUB is.”
The goals remain the same as last season. Win the regular season Western Athletic Conference title, but more remains in the players’ thoughts.
“Work hard and stick to our ideals. Be competitive in practice. Just always shoot for more,” said Settles.
A cornerstone for the Roadrunners, Sabrina Delgado, redshirt-junior midfielder, said about Vecchio’s arrival, “It’s been really exciting. We’re working on his new assets to the team.”
Delgado placed importance on the team jelling with Vecchico and they have.
“The team is responding well to his input.” She said Vecchio places importance on academics, as well.
Delgado, in her third year, is relied on in times of pressure in games and leadership.
“It’s a lot of responsibility. I’m up for the challenge,” said Delgado.
She said she’s confident with the team that they have and they have to stick to Vecchico’s game plan going forward in order to achieve a WAC regular season title and more.
“We have a lot of potential to be great.”
Vecchio said that recruiting is going well from a trip to Las Vegas, but he did not go into detail on who they are looking at.
The Roadrunners preseason spring games continue this Saturday, March 24, a double header. CSUB hosts Fresno Pacific University at 1 p.m. and Taft College at 3 p.m. Both games will be at the Main Soccer Field.
