Dow announces new men's soccer coach

Midland's Cody Schoener has been teaching soccer to young people in two different states for more than a decade, and has been playing soccer for three times as long himself. Now, he will bring his years of experience and great enthusiasm to Dow High.

Schoener (pronounced “shainer”) was recently hired to replace Drew Emrich as the Chargers' boys soccer coach following the latter's resignation in November.

Dow Athletics coach John Streeter said he was impressed with Schoener's wealth of experience and passion for player development.

“Coach Schoener comes to us with extensive experience not only having played competitively in high school and college, but also coaching soccer at various levels. His expertise and knowledge of the game , will definitely benefit our players as they strive for excellence on the field,” Streeter said.

“…Beyond winning games, Coach Schoener is dedicated to the development of each player as an athlete and as an individual,” Streeter added. “He understands the importance of nurturing talent, instilling discipline and fostering a supportive environment in which all players can thrive.”

Shaner, a native of San Antonio, Texas, was a four-year high school student at Central Catholic High School. He helped the Buttons (referring to the end of a rattlesnake's tail) state runner-up as a freshman, was the city's leading scorer in his junior season, led the city in assists in his senior season, and then went on to college. He will play club soccer for three years at Texas A&M.

Mr. Schoener, who earned bachelor's and master's degrees in bioengineering from Texas A&M, earned a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 2012 and eventually relocated to Midland from 2012 to 2016. I worked at Dow Chemical.

“That was my first introduction to Midland and where my coaching career with the (Midland Soccer Club) rec team really began,” he said.

Dow Chemical reassigned Schoener to Lake Jackson, Texas, from 2016 to 2020, where he began coaching more competitive soccer. He was recalled to Midland in 2020 and has since served as the head coach of the Recrebel and assistant coach of the Midland Fusion travel program.

Schoener, 38, said he is “very excited” to take over the reins of Dow High School's program.

“I still play (soccer) because I’m a very competitive person. I want to continue what Drew Emrich put into Dow’s team and continue that trajectory of excellence to lead Dow to the very best of high-level soccer.” I feel like we have a great opportunity to make this a place where we can be,” Shaner said. “In my 11-12 years of coaching, I've probably coached over 200 athletes. I take pride in accepting everything I'm given, whether it's at the rec level or the competitive level. All you have to do is put it together: a competitive team, even if it doesn't necessarily have the most skilled players.

“I have a lot of energy and passion for the game and am a very active coach. My hope is that what I preach to the kids is also what I practice. “It's about making children understand that,” he added. “What I ask of the kids is what I have done in the past and what I am currently doing, from a conditioning and strength standpoint, from a technical ability and skill development standpoint, and from a team dynamics and situational awareness standpoint. That’s what we’re doing.”

Schoener said the foundation of his coaching style is three pillars. The first pillar is a focus on skill and player development and strength conditioning. The second pillar focuses on developing the intangibles such as mental toughness, preparation on and off the field, overcoming adversity, and developing a high soccer IQ. And his third pillar is to create an atmosphere of “brotherhood”, where friendship and unity are of the utmost importance.

Regarding his approach on game day, Schoener said: Skill-wise, my philosophy is to play the game patiently and wait for opportunities to open up, rather than playing a very direct game.

“We're not just going to kick the ball out from behind and wait for a sprinter to chase it and finish,” he added. “I want our team to realize that we have to move the ball from side to side, left to right, front to back, back to front. I imagine myself scoring important goals from the back as well.”

Schoener said he admires the success the Chargers have had under Emrich and wants to continue that trend.

“Maintaining that level of excellence is important to me, and my son attends Dow High School, so that's a natural motivation to provide excellence in the program as well,” he said. Ta. “What also excites me is that not only are these kids top-notch athletically, they're top-notch academically. I'm impressed by the number of academic awards they won last year. I received it.

“As a Ph.D. professional working at Dow, that's just as important to me as winning on the field,” he added.

Looking ahead to his first season as the Chargers' manager, Schoener has high expectations right from the start.

“We have a very strong core group of about 11 or 12 returning seniors, and then a very strong sophomore and junior class that adds into the mix,” he said. “I believe this team will be as capable as last year, or even better.”

Mr. Schoener currently works as a senior marketing manager for Dow and has been married to his wife, Molly, for 16 years and they have five children. Son Felix, 13 years old. son Gavin, 10 years old; Daughter Hadi, 8 years old. and his son Jonah, 5 years old.

Schoener, who has a very busy schedule as a business owner and father, relies heavily on his supporting cast for coaching.

“I have a passion and love for the game, but it's also important to be surrounded by a support system of other people who are invested in the game,” he said. “I'm actively recruiting an assistant coach or two. I'll be looking for outside resources for strength and conditioning. I have a lead parent to help with communication, equipment, and all the administrative aspects. Another parent is very involved in planning team dinners, events, and fundraising. That's family.

“I told John (Streeter), 'You're going to take 100 percent from me.' I'm going to go out there every day and provide a high-level, organized practice, but I “You have to surround yourself with talented assistant coaches and volunteers who are just as passionate as you are,” he added.

Streeter said he appreciates Schoener's approach to coaching.

“Coach Schoener is driven by a desire to see the national team reach new heights of success. His strategic approach to training, emphasis on teamwork, and emphasis on goal-setting allows us to It allows our players to perform at their best,” Streeter said.

“Effective communication is paramount to a successful team. Coach Schoener maintains open lines of communication with both players and parents to ensure everyone is informed, involved, and valued.” We are committed to doing so,” he added.