The information below everyone must follow for us to have a successful season.  Please make sure you read through all of this with your parents/guardians. 

1) Make sure that you have all the necessary paperwork done.  BEFORE Monday the 18th.  We begin tryouts at 3:15 PM and will not have time to collect a ton of paperwork.  All paperwork needs to be completed BEFORE the first day of tryouts.  Make a copy of the Physical Form before you turn it in, just in case.  Please turn into our new AD Secretary, Jeanne Dusek <jeannedusek@smsd.org> in person or scan/PDF and e-mail to her.

​

- Sports Physicals and Paperwork

This paperwork is required for all students participating in high school athletics.  Remember, physicals must have occurred after May 1, 2025, to be valid for the 2025-26 school year.  SMSD includes several pieces of paperwork with the form.  Here’s what’s included:

• KSHSAA Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation Instructions

• KSHSAA Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation 

• KSHSAA Eligibility Checklist 

• SMSD Concussion and Head Injury Information and Release Form

• SMSD Transportation Release Form

All information and Athletic forms can be found at this link:

​

https://smeast.smsd.org/athletics/general-athletic-information

​

​

2) - Skyward Online Verification Forms

These forms are accessed through your Skyward account.  For families who are new to SMSD, I believe that the school office is the best contact to be able to get Skyward access.  Both parents/guardians and students must complete them.  Step 6 is specifically focused on athletics and activities.

​​​

3) Each player will be assigned a number for the week of tryouts and will need to wear the given penny all week through tryouts.

4) Any changes or cancellations will be tweeted out @smesoccercoach and Instagram @sme_soccer_coach

5) What do I need to wear?

1. A white t-shirt.  A number will be provided for you.

2. Shin guards with socks covering them completely.

3. Soccer shoes. 

​

7) What do I need to bring?  A big water jug with your name written on it, a great attitude, and all your soccer talents.

8) Do I need to bring a soccer ball?  NO, we will provide the soccer balls.

9) What does the coaching staff expect during tryouts?  As a staff, we are constantly looking for the player who can make a difference and be an impact player at the varsity level or the level we feel they would best fit.  Skill level, speed of play, vision, work ethic, fitness level, and attitude are just part of what goes into the evaluation process.  As a coaching staff, we want to make sure we place players on teams that will allow them to grow and become a better player. 

10) Does everyone who made a team last year automatically make it again?  No!  As we evaluate players we constantly compare players to their ability last year and see if there has been growth in the non-high school season.  It is possible that another player or younger player could win a spot away from a returning player.  Again, we want to make sure each player is playing at the level that will benefit their personal growth and the program.

11) When are cuts made?

1. First cuts can be made after the third full day of tryouts.  After we have had a chance to evaluate everyone for two/three days we could post first-round cuts.

2. Final cuts will be made after the fourth full day of tryouts but teams may or may not be formed for a few days later and movement between teams is always possible.

3. Cuts are posted on the website http://eakellyj.wixsite.com/smesoccer/boys-teams

12) What if I make a team other than my desired team of Varsity, Junior Varsity, Blue Team, or Black Team? 

- As a staff, we are continuously evaluating player growth.  If we feel at some time during the season that there is a need for change or if a player is playing extremely well, we will make the move and promote that player.  At the same time, we may feel it is in the best interest of the player to move from Varsity to JV or JV to the C-team.

- If you want to meet with the coaching staff about your placement, anytime the week after tryouts by appointment would be the appropriate time.

13) What if I don’t make a team at all? 

​

- If you do not make a team this season and you want to know why, please make an appointment with Coach Kelly for the week after tryouts.  I will go over your tryout evaluation.  All players that do not make a team can be a manager, play football, or run cross country.

- Remember:  We have had players not make a team one year but come back the following year improved and make a team.

- The coaching staff will not discuss other player’s tryout evaluations when meeting with a player and parents about tryouts?

Thank you for your time, effort, and school spirit this year!

​

The SME Soccer Coaching Staff