Newport Central Catholic just announced the hiring of Ray Joshua as the new head coach of the Thoroughbreds girls soccer team. He takes over for Hillary Johnson, who took the same position at Simon Kenton. Johnson took her three assistants with her.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Joshua said. “I enjoy the game and getting back into coaching was something I wanted to do. I look forward to the challenges.”
Joshua brings a lot of experience to the job at both the select and high school levels. He has coached with soccer clubs such as Lakota, Cincinnati Classic and Warren. He has also coached at St. Henry and Ohio schools in St. Ursula Academy, Indian Hill and Mount Notre Dame. Joshua’s playing experience comes in the Amateur Open Men’s Soccer of foreign players in Cincinnati and Cleveland.
“I would like to welcome Coach Joshua to the Newport Central Catholic family,” said Jeff Schulkens, NewCath Director of Athletics. “Coach Joshua has a wealth of soccer knowledge, and we are looking forward to him sharing his knowledge of the game and his leadership skills with our girls soccer program.”
NewCath is coming off a 9-12-1 season. The Thoroughbreds lost 6-0 to Highlands in the 36th District Tournament title game then 5-0 to eventual state champion Notre Dame in the 9th Region quarterfinals.
The Thoroughbreds graduated three players off that team in defender Alyssa Lemkuhl, forward Rylee Turner and midfielder Ella Meyer. Turner led NewCath with 14 goals and seven assists for 35 points.
But the second-leading point-scorer returns in senior forward Karly Enginger with 10 goals and four assists for 24 points. Sophomore goalkeeper Kaitlyn Haigis along with senior midfielder Leah Meyer also return. Leah Meyer led NewCath with 10 assists last year.
“We are a small but mighty team,” Leah Meyer said. “The best things come in small packages. I can’t wait for the season to start with my teammates to lead our team with positivity. We can’t wait to get started with our new coach and staff.”
Joshua is not sure what kind of strategies he’ll employ until he meets the players. But he did say he will tailer then to the strengths of the players. The top teams in the area generally play good ball-possession soccer.
“Change is something we all go through,” Joshua said. “Some people adjust to change. Some people don’t.”
NewCath does have a rich history. The Thoroughbreds won the All A State Tournament in 2013 and 2015. The 2015 team finished 22-2 under Kevin Turnick then 17-5-1 the following season.
But the Thoroughbreds have gone 50-48-4 the past five seasons. NewCath won four All A 9th Region titles during that time and finished All A State Runner-Up in 2020 losing 3-2 to Bardstown Bethlehem on kicks from the mark in the title game in Frankfort.
“I am excited and proud to join your team and wish to thank Principal Kenny Collopy and Director Athletics Jeff Schulkens for this opportunity,” Joshua said. “I am eager to meet with all the players and parents and share the passion, love, and joy I have for soccer.”
One of his first tasks is putting together a coaching staff. He noted it will be a challenge with the first practice around the corner.
Joshua works at General Electric Aviation as a Senior Engineer Model Platform Leader. He lives in Hebron with his family.
“I am thankful that I have a job and a manager that supports me in anything external from my day to day tasks. General Electric is an awesome place to work,” Joshua said. “They definitely understand there is life outside of what they do. I can not say anything better.”
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association dead period where coaches can not have any contact with players and school facilities are closed. The first official practice can take place July 15. The first game listed on the KHSAA web site is Aug. 9 at Bellevue at 5:30 p.m.