CHS names Rodriguez girls soccer coach

CLOVIS — Ray Rodriguez is anxious to put his stamp on the Clovis High girls soccer program.

On Monday, Rodriguez was named the Lady Wildcats’ head coach, replacing Traci Sievers, who recently resigned the position after 11 seasons.

Rodriguez will be a contract coach. He works as a mechanic for the New Mexico State Police.

“Those are my two favorite passions — cars and soccer,” Rodriguez said.

He has previously served in both CHS soccer programs. He was the junior varsity coach for boys coach Greg Trujillo in 2011, and joined Sievers’ staff as an assistant from 2012-15.

Since then, he’s followed both programs closely.

“I go out there and support the boys and girls at home,” Rodriguez said. “I love watching the game and learning about the game.”

Sievers underwent knee replacement surgery last week, and said she is scheduled for ankle replacement surgery later this summer.

“It wasn’t an easy decision (to step down),” said Sievers, who will continue to teach chemistry at CHS. “(Youngest daughter) Kami plays at Portales now, and I think I got to watch her for about 30 minutes (during the recent spring season).

“I talked to Ray and he’s pretty excited. I think Ray will do a good job with these girls.”

Rodriguez said he wants to see the Lady Wildcats be more on the attack.

“I’m going to pressure the ball a lot more,” he said. “I want to counterattack when the opportunities are there.

“I’m looking to be able to compete at a consistent level with the big (soccer) schools.”

The Lady Cats went 4-4 in this spring’s COVID-shortened season, including 2-4 in District 4-5A, and lose four regular starters from that squad.

“We’ll have about seven or eight seniors, and the rest will be underclassmen,” Rodriguez said. “I think we’ve got good potential to develop.”

Rodriguez said the school plans to add a second assistant coach for the fall. “That’s going to be a big help,” he said.

The Lady Cats open their 2021 regular season in a tournament at Taos set for Aug. 20-21. Their home opener comes on Aug. 23 again Lovington.

Events scheduled for CHS sports — The CHS athletic department is hosting two events for students interested in participating in girls soccer and the school’s new wrestling program in 2021-22.

The soccer event is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday at the CHS lecture hall. Any girls from grades 8-12 interested in playing next season can meet with Rodriguez at that time.

Wrestling candidates are slated to meet at the same time and place on Monday, with boys or girls from grade 8-12 interested in participating next season scheduled to meet with coach Eric Zottnick.

In both events, parents are welcome to attend.