Hoggard Men's Soccer Making History

November 20th, 2025 is a day that will forever be remembered in Hoggard history, but especially by our soccer fans. With a 2-0 win against West Forsyth, our Varsity Men’s Soccer team took the State Championship title for the first time ever. After a lengthy 4 hour drive to Greensboro, the players competed with grit and determination, ultimately earning the title of State Champions. I had the opportunity to interview with some of the members of our winning team to get their insight on the game. Attached below are their responses:

Joe Dehmer, Centermid, Jersey #8

How were you feeling going into the game?

“I was a little nervous, but I knew that if we played our best we would win.”

What would you consider the best moment of the game?

“When James McClean scored and went up 2-0.”

What are your thoughts on being the first men's soccer team to win States for Hoggard?

“I knew we’d be here, not surprised, but it feels great to have the support of all the school.”

Leading up to the game, how hard did your team train?

“Every time we trained, everyone else was asleep. We were working, treating every practice like a game…”

Coach Dwight Findley

How long have you coached men's soccer? 

“I have been coaching soccer for over 20 years and just about every youth age group level from elementary to high school age. I have coached at Hoggard for the last 8 years. I started working and coaching at Hoggard High School in 2017.”

What were your expectations going into the State Championship? 

“Winning the State Championship has been a goal of mine since the first day I entered the Hoggard Men's Soccer program. My goals are always to win Conference and win the State Championship, but my purpose as a coach is to inspire the players to be young men of great character. This is what I have been preaching at every parent meeting for 8 years. Therefore, going into the State Championship final game was very exciting because I felt like the moment was finally here. My expectations were win or lose. I wanted to enjoy the moment. I wanted the team to enjoy the moment. Because win or lose, we had already created an amazing bond and they were demonstrating that they were young men of great character with every practice leading up to the Championship game.”

Did you celebrate with your team post win? 

“Yes, and we are still celebrating. On the bus ride back home from the Championship game, we were all singing karaoke songs on the bus. It was so much fun to see the team so excited and enjoying the moment. There are still more celebrations to come.”

Which player demonstrated the most improvement within the season?

“All the players seemed to grow this season. I believe we had an environment in training where the players pushed each other and encouraged each other to be better. It was truly a team effort this season.”

I would like to thank both of these individuals for taking the time to talk with me, despite busy schedules, these athletes and coaches still put in time and effort into their sport. As winter sports arrive, let's continue to cheer on our fellow students of all sports.