Dan Milam closes successful stint coaching Grove City Christian boys soccer program
Dan Milam takes pride in the success of the Grove City Christian boys soccer program.
Saying it was time to move on, however, Milam has stepped down after posting six winning seasons in seven years as the Eagles’ coach, finishing with a 75-37-14 record.
Before taking over the program, Milam served as an assistant coach for three seasons.
“I’m done,” he said. “It’s best for work, life balance. I loved coaching, but it’s kudos to those guys who do it year in and year out. It’s a lot time off the field just to make an impact on the field.
“It’s time for me to step away and turn over the reins to the next person and let them take this team to the next level. I’ll be available to train or help out in any way I can, but not as head coach.”
Milam was named Division III district Coach of the Year this season, along with 2016 and 2017, and MSL-Cardinal Division Coach of the Year the last three seasons.
The Eagles won their third consecutive league title at 5-1, ahead of second-place Zanesville Rosecrans (4-2), and finished 14-4-2 overall.
“(Former coach) Aaron (Holley) and I set a lot of goals when we were here 10 years ago,” Milam said. “It was to become competitive in our district. We moved from a team that got beat up on quite a bit — big losses to some of the elite teams in the district — to now being seeded fourth in the district and turning losing records into winning records, ... (and) growing the program as well.”
Seeded fourth in the district tournament, Grove City Christian reached its second final, losing 8-1 to defending state champion Grandview on Oct. 29 at Westerville North. The Eagles fell 4-1 to Grandview in a district final in 2017.
A six-member senior class was led by midfielder Cameron Stedtefeld, who had 21 goals and 25 assists and was named league Player of the Year and first-team all-district.
“Coach has always been there to push me and encourage me because there were times where it wasn’t easy to play and he’s a great encourager and a great coach,” Stedtefeld said. “He helped keep me calm and keep my head focused on the game. I loved having him. He’s a good man.”
Senior goalie Luke McCoy recorded 10 shutouts and allowed 1.5 goals per game while totaling 182 saves. He was first-team all-district and all-league.
“Luke had a phenomenal year,” Milam said. “The shutouts speak a lot to him, but also speak a lot to our entire squad and defense.”
Senior forward Shawn Williamson (23 goals, 4 assists) was first-team all-league and second-team all-district, while senior Daniel Claffey (defender) and juniors Andrew Gallant (forward) and Noah Kauffman (midfielder) were second-team all-league.
Milam also coached his three sons with the Eagles. Landon Milam (midfielder/defender) closed his prep career this season, following his brothers Griffin (2020 graduate) and Conner (2017).
Milam credited a strong support system for his success, which included help from assistant coaches Brian Buttler, Mike Morrell and Scott Brownfield.
“The parents have been phenomenal supporters,” Milam said. “They understand that soccer is like anything else — it’s life-learning situations. I always try to put the player first and make it a teaching moment. That’s how I operate as far as my coaching style. Let’s find the common goal, and how can I get you to play just a little bit better?”
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GROVE CITY CHRISTIAN BOYS SOCCER
•Record: 14-4-2 overall
•MSL-Cardinal standings: Grove City Christian (5-1), Zanesville Rosecrans (4-2), Fisher Catholic (3-3), Harvest Prep (0-6)
•Seniors lost: Lucas Beal, Daniel Claffey. Luke McCoy, Landon Milam, Cameron Stedtefeld and Shawn Williamson
•Key returnees: Andrew Gallant and Caleb Ransom
•Postseason: Def. Madison Christian 6-1; def. Tree of Life 1-0 (OT); lost to Grandview 8-1 in Division III district final
This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Milam ends successful stint coaching Grove City Christian boys soccer
