LIHUE — Mark Brandeburg has retired as Kauai High School varsity boys soccer coach after nearly two decades. “I knew when the time was right, I’m done coaching,” Brandeburg said in a phone interview Friday. Brandeburg spent the last 18
LIHUE — Mark Brandeburg has retired as Kauai High School varsity boys soccer coach after nearly two decades.
“I knew when the time was right, I’m done coaching,” Brandeburg said in a phone interview Friday.
Brandeburg spent the last 18 years at the helm of the Red Raiders varsity boys soccer team. He also previously coached one year at Waimea and 10 years coaching youth.
During his time at Kauai High, the program won four Kauai Interscholastic Federation championships. The school also won three consolation titles at states in Division I, Brandeburg said.
Over the years of coaching high school soccer, what Brandeburg said has been most rewarding is seeing the boys grow into young adults.
“To me, that’s been a great reward,” the former Red Raiders coach said. “As they say in the wide world of sports, ‘In the agony of defeat and the cheers of victory, it’s never a dull moment.’ Mainly, it’s seeing young kids come in as freshmen and leaving as young men in their senior year.”
Kauai High School athletic director Kelii Morgado will be accepting applications for the vacant position from Monday, Aug. 15 through Friday, Aug. 19.
“Kauai High School appreciates his commitment and sacrifice that he gave to the student-athletes,” Morgado said Friday. “He’ll be missed. We’re hoping we can find someone who can fill his shoes and run a solid program from top to bottom.”
The new head coach will be in charge of the entire boys soccer program for Kauai High, including junior varsity. The one chosen will also be responsible for hiring a new JV head coach and all assistant coaches for both varsity and JV.
“I want it to be run as one program,” Morgado said. “My philosophy behind that is more continuity for an athlete from freshman through senior year — where they have consistency in protocol, in scheme, terminology, all of that. Just better for the growth for the student-athletes.”
Those interested should prepare a resume and contact Morgado at 274-3169.
Brandeburg said he keeps in contact with his former players.
“I’m not going to miss the friendships because that’s always there. Even kids I coached 20 years ago will come up to me and say, ‘Hi coach,’” he said. “What I’ll miss most is game time on Saturday. Walking around the field on Saturdays, that’s what I’ll miss.”
Brandeburg added: “I’d like to thank, over the 18 years, all the people that helped us become successful. And just all the great kids I’ve watched though the years, it’s been a great experience. It’s been one of the greatest experiences of my life coaching for those 18 years.”
