Chris Holley, a 33-year-old Stansbury Park resident and soccer player for 25 years, will lead the Grantsville High boys soccer team as its new head coach.

"I'm hoping to bring a good soccer team to GHS," Holley said. "This includes having a good record and getting the players to have camaraderie throughout the team."

In addition to victories, he would like his players to show strong ethics, both on and off the field. Grantsville High athletic director Pat Ciervo agreed he would like to see the same thing happen to the team.

"I'd like to see him (Holley) develop a positive atmosphere, teach skills and encourage the students to do their best whether they win or lose," Ciervo said.

Both Ciervo and Holley would like to see the players succeed on the field and start to compile some victories.

"I'd like to put them in a winning record and put us in the playoffs," Holley said.

If Holley can get the boys team to playoffs it will be the first time in four years GHS has been to the playoffs.

Holley believes he will have a good season because the team only lost one or two players from last year.

"We should be able to get all on the same page as soccer goes," he said.

Ciervo would also like to see Holley help the students develop a positive attitude.

"They need to develop an attitude that when they put their uniforms on they represent themselves, their families and their school," Ciervo said. "They need to realize this is important on and off the field."

Ciervo added that there are two reasons these students are at GHS.

"Number one they are here for an education, and number two they are here to participate in other endeavors," he said.

Holley was chosen from a number of applicants. Ciervo said he liked Holley for his enthusiasm.

"He has a desire to try new things and work with the kids in a positive, uplifting ways," Ciervo said.

Holley was encouraged by boys already on the team to apply for the position.

"I have a good bond with some of the seniors outside of school," he said. "I think it's because I've played soccer for so long."

Tryouts for the team will begin Feb. 20 with physical training, and then continue Feb. 25 and run the whole week. Because of the size of GHS the tryouts will be more of a placement tryout then actually making the team, Holley said.

"We'll be looking for where the player best fits," he said. "I am ready to be a good competition high school soccer coach."

Abby Palmer: apalmer@tooeletranscript.com