Jacob Baxley accepted the job of coaching Greene County High School’s soccer teams last May with one goal in mind.
Baxley, who previously coached at Lake Oconee Academy and Clarke Central, aimed to rebuild the program. He recognized the potential and desired for the Tigers and Lady Tigers to be competitive every year.
At the halfway point of the 2025 season, Baxley has noticed encouraging progress across each team. The first-year coach emphasized that the goals aren’t focused on results but rather on building a strong culture.
“Of course, we want to win as many games as we can, but that’s not what I’m using to measure our success this year,” Baxley said. “The foremost goal is to grow as a team and establish a culture and commitment that we can build on to achieve the teams’ potential. Developing their mindset while also developing their skillsets.”
Baxley has noticed that the players have bought into his system and also improved their abilities on the pitch.
Baxley acknowledged that Shelby Lewis, Karla Tirado, and Ruby Sanchez stood out among the girls. The trio of players helped the Lady Tigers defeat Treutlen and Jefferson County.
Greene County’s girls have several players who have never played before, and these three have also been leaders this season.
“The girls team has grown a lot over the season, especially some of them who are playing soccer for the first time,” Baxley said. “They’ve really developed their skills and are contributing valuable minutes on the field.”
Baxley said Levny Castillo, Alex Trejo, Alfredo Eguia, Zeke Frederick, and Logan Frederick have shined for the boys. This core group has helped the Tigers win two games against Treutlen and Washington County.
However, Baxley said the boys are advancing at a similar pace but are taking ‘small steps’ in the right direction.
“The boys have shown similar growth over the season,” Baxley confessed. “It’s been small steps at a time.”
Baxley knows what it takes to win, and he feels like the programs are on the right track. Right now, the coach is laying the foundation at Greene County and believes the future is bright for the Tigers and Lady Tigers.
“Soccer is a very mental game. Both teams need time to develop their IQ to be successful on the pitch,” Baxley stated. “The best players have studied the game for years, so it will take a lot of effort and focus to catch up and be competitive as a team.”