Photo Courtesy of UHS Boys' Soccer

Coach Garber poses with the boys’ soccer team after his 300th win.

Natalie Kovacevich ‘27

REPORTER

On August 27, the high school’s boys’ varsity soccer head coach, Rich Garber, secured his 300th career win following the team’s 3-0 victory over Haverford. Garber has long been an influential figure in the district’s soccer programs, coaching both boys and girls teams. His hard work throughout the years culminated in this rare achievement, raising the question: how does a coach achieve such an impressive record?

Garber’s coaching style is rooted in a deep belief in his players. He humbly stated, “I always tell people I have never won a game. I’ve lost games because I’ve made bad decisions as a coach, but I don’t win games; [the players] do. I just happen to be the guy standing by the bench.” This humility underscores his philosophy: the hard work and dedication of the players drive success.

Garber also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and player development both on and off the field. Drew Sommer, the assistant coach of the boys’ varsity team and a former player under Garber spoke on Garber’s dedication, saying, “He’s super passionate about the team. He’ll do anything for the program and is really committed to building it for years to come. He wants each player to become the best version of themselves, on and off the field, and to find success in whatever passions they pursue.”

Critical to Garber’s success is his ability to encourage a strong work ethic and focus among the members of the team. Junior John Reichert credits Garber’s coaching for keeping the team disciplined, saying, “He makes sure we work hard day in and day out, and he ensures we stay focused on our goals for the season.” This relentless drive for excellence pushes players to consistently perform at a high level.

In addition to his focus on hard work, Garber possesses a deep knowledge of the game, allowing him to add extra practice drills that help fix mistakes made during play. On Garber’s successful coaching, senior Peter Steverlynck said, “He can pick out things we do wrong in games then translate them into drills in practice to improve.”

Garber’s coaching approach is not solely about winning games. He sees the potential in his players and is dedicated to helping them achieve their personal best. “When you have good kids who want to work hard, good things can happen,” Garber says. “That’s a big part of it. It’s a lot of hard work on their part, and then we try to come together as a team.”

This sentiment is echoed by junior Anthony Jiang, who reflected on Garber’s ability to push players to their limits when he said, “I think he makes us work very hard and helps us just get the best out of ourselves.” Garber’s emphasis on individual and collective growth allows his players to excel not only as athletes, but also as individuals.

Overall, Coach Garber’s milestone is a testament to his passion, dedication, and belief in his players. He has created a culture of hard work, attention to detail, and teamwork, all while pushing his players to reach their maximum potential, shaping the lives of his athletes both on and off the field.