Andrew Brooks takes over Shawano boys soccer team
Andrew Brooks was named the varsity boys soccer coach for Shawano Community High School.
Brooks replaces Bob Croschere, who was the boys coach for 13 years. The hiring was announced Jan. 31.
“I have been looking for the opportunity to take over a program as a head coach for the last few years,” said Brooks. “I look forward to the chance to work in the Shawano boys soccer program and with the young men who make up that program.”
“Andrew has been a strong asset to all of the coaching staffs that he has been a part of, including football, boys basketball and (middle school) track,” said Joel Wondra, the school’s activities director. “His ability to develop strong relationships with students has been noticeable and remarkable. He shared a clear vision for bringing improvements to our soccer program and has already been busy putting that vision into action.”
Brooks brings plenty of coaching experience with him into the position, having coached five sports (soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and football) in several places.
He’s coached soccer for a total of three years, including one for the middle school program in Shawano. Brooks also serves on the Shawano Area Youth Soccer board.
Brooks coached soccer in Brownsville and Fond du Lac, with a junior varsity and youth team, respectively.
Brooks believes in building athletes up for their future. “By building respectful relationships, I will develop a dedicated, passionate team that strives for excellence.”
“I look forward to connecting with the athletes in the program and watching them develop as young men and as soccer players.”
Croschere cited spending more time with his family as his reason for stepping down from coaching; Croschere will also no longer coach the girls soccer team.
“I have a set of 9-year-old twins at home and felt that being involved in coaching was causing me to spend too much time away from home, so felt now was the right time to get out,” said Croschere, who considered getting athletes to come out for the sport to be his greatest accomplishment over the years.
Along with serving as the boys coach for 13 years, Croschere coached the Shawano girls for eight years. He coached Gresham for six years before that.
“Bob has been the leader of SCHS soccer for many years,” said Wondra. “As the head coach for both the boys and the girls programs, Bob has made a positive impact on the players that he has coached. I’ve heard from many of his current and former players about how much they have enjoyed playing under coach Croschere’s leadership.”
In total, Croschere has coached sports (soccer, basketball, tennis) for over 20 years and for 53 seasons.
“I enjoyed the time I spent through all the seasons and the teams and players that have played for me over the years. I would like to say thank you to all of the parents and players that have been involved over those years — they made things enjoyable,” said Croschere.