After a historic playoff run last fall, the Olentangy High School Men’s soccer team finds itself in a new chapter. With a roster full of fresh faces and a brand-new coaching staff, the Braves aim to balance growth with competitiveness as they look to build on the momentum of last year’s success.
“Some of the biggest accomplishments from this season so far are beating St. Charles away 2-0,” said varsity captain Kaden Pilkington.
This year’s team is excited to tackle the competition and make it all the way to the playoffs; however, the playoffs are not just about the players – their coaches also help make the team a success.
The biggest change of this season comes on the sidelines, where new head coach Brenden Vazquez and assistant coach Pua Piang have taken the reins. All of the coaches bring years of experience— Coach Vazquez coached the Braves JV team in 2012 and 2013 before he became the coach of Olentangy Liberty. He also gained experience coaching at the college level at Fresno Level University. Coach Piang is a former soccer player from Otterbein University and received First Team OCA honors for the 2017-2020 seasons.
“This season has been great, we have a relatively young coaching staff and this new style of play has been very successful,” said senior varsity goalkeeper Colton Knopp.
The regular season results have caused excitement throughout Olentangy, with the Braves’ record at 9-2-4. But with each game, the team shows flashes of its potential—tight defensive play, quick counterattacks and an eagerness to adapt to the new system.
“The season has gone very well so far with some major statement wins, ” said captain Kaden Pilkington ‘26, “the rest of the season looks very promising and it looks like we are gonna make a deep tournament run.”
This year’s seniors are excited to leave their marks on the team. Pilkington and Knopp are just two of the incredible seniors that this team has to offer. These seniors have important roles on and off the field as they attempt to lead by example by showing what it means to be a Brave while they also create relationships with the underclassmen.
“My advice to underclassmen is to enjoy every moment you get to play for your school, it is an experience you do not come by very often,” said Knopp.
The team is eager to continue their impressive streak against our little sister rival teams, Orange, Liberty and Berlin. These games will not be easy but do not fear for the Braves have already had some games to warm them up for their rival games.
“We have a very tough schedule following senior night so we are doing our best to enjoy our night, then get back on the grind for some very tough away games. But other than that we appreciate all who have come out and supported us and we hope more people are able to make it to some games,” said Knopp.
More accomplishments are sure to come for this team as they narrow in on the state playoffs. As the Braves navigate this season, one thing is clear: the foundation of last year’s success remains, but the story of Olentangy soccer’s future is only the start.
