What makes a sports team so great? What fuels a player’s desire to win? How does a team go from ordinary to unbeatable? Some may say it’s the coaches, hours upon hours of practice, or even luck. But for FWCD’s boys varsity soccer team, it’s what goes on between teammates that really makes them an outstanding unit.
The boys soccer team has had an unbelievable season. As of February 4, 2026, their record is 13-1-2, meaning they have lost or tied only three games. Many of their wins have been shut-outs, with a notable 10-0 victory over THESA and a 3-0 victory over Greenhill.
A typical week for the team includes two weight room sessions, practice every day (except for game days) and a day to watch game film. They aim to play two games a week. As expected, training begins to intensify after winter break, when games start to count more towards SPC.
Coach Mike Vincent has been coaching soccer since he was 18 years old. He is very dedicated to the team, making sure to scout their opponents before every game. In fact, he recently attended the Greenhill vs Cistercian game in Dallas and has driven to Oklahoma and Austin to scout teams. Vincent earned a BA Honors Degree in Sports Studies while attending university in London. He focused on studying sports psychology which greatly contributes to his coaching methods.
“The best coaches are also the best teachers,” Vincent said. Players can definitely see how this saying attributes to his coaching methods.
Vincent believes that the biggest contributor to the team’s success is their connection. Although the team includes all four grade levels, there is great chemistry among the players. This year, there are seven seniors on the team, providing excellent role models for younger players. Leadership has played a key part in the team’s development.
“There’s no ‘Freshmen, do this. Freshmen, do that,’” Vincent said. “They were immediately part of the team.”
Cameron Schultz ’29 is a freshman who has been playing soccer for 11 years. So far, his favorite thing about the season has been the environment. Schultz believes that the team’s relationship plays a huge role in the team’s accomplishments this year.
“When you actually know your team, you want to give them the ball, and then you work as a team,” Schultz ’29 said. “You succeed that way.”
Schultz thinks that another part of their success is the team’s competitiveness. All of the players really want to do well, and they use that motivation to push each other to play their best. Along with that, the team keeps each other positive and confident.
The soccer team has three very dedicated team captains: Luke Vincent ’26, Cannon Black ’26 and William Runyon ’26. Players, including Schultz, have recognized different strengths for each of the captains: Vincent for his skills–as he is one of the team’s top scorers–Black for his communication and defensive skills, and Runyon for his leadership and kindness.
“They help me in many ways,” Schultz said, “from teaching me new things, to making me feel welcomed.”
Both Runyon and Luke Vincent have been playing soccer since they were four years old; Black has played since he was six. Black was drawn to the sport because he greatly enjoys running. All three of them agree that the team chemistry is very strong this year, adding that their connection allows them to play better as a unit.
“We all have a good bond, and overall, synergy with each other,” Black said. “I think that’s part of the reason why we’re having such a good season.”
Luke Vincent agrees, complimenting his team on their camaraderie.
“I think this year, our team is off the field pretty good,” Luke Vincent said, “better than most years.”
Runyon added that he thinks that the coaches do not have to work to ensure that there is a positive environment in both practices and games.
“They encourage us, but I think our team gets along so well, it’s not something they even have to do,” Runyon said.
To build their connection, the team does lots of bonding events. They have volunteered at the Como Community Center and had a holiday gathering over the break, where they did a gift exchange. They also have gone bowling at Main Event together. These outside-of-practice activities help the players to get to know each other and really build their team chemistry.
“We spend a lot of time with each other,” Black said, “so we’re able to develop those bonds just by hanging out.”
Not only are the players making connections with each other, but they are also developing a very important coach-to-player relationship. Black thinks that Coach Vincent is a challenging coach; however, he consistently strikes the crucial balance between work and fun.
Another aspect that makes the team chemistry stronger is the family relationships, with the team featuring a father-son duo. Both Luke and his father immediately lit up when talking about each other. They have spent hour after hour practicing together and motivating each other to get better.
“At practice, I try to just be his coach,” Vincent said. “I’m his dad at home.”
Thanks to his dedication and hundreds of hours of hard work, Luke is now committed to play soccer at Sewanee next year.
“It’s cool,” Luke said. “I’m ready to play at the next level.”
Overall, the team is very excited for this year’s SPC. They are hoping to be either the first or second seed in the tournament. At a point earlier the season, the team was ranked first in the entire state of Texas. Coach Vincent encourages students and faculty to support the team by coming to their games.
“Both Semi Finals and the Championship game will be played on our home field.” Vincent said, “and a big home fan base cheering on and supporting us could make the difference and push us over the edge to win a SPC 3A Championship.”
