Soccer at Hayward High Mystery

By Yolihuani Romero

UPDATE: As of Friday, September 12, the current Head Coach for Boy’s Soccer at HHS is Coach Parshan, and Coach Diaz will be joining the program as Assistant Coach. Any further changes have not yet been announced.

As the new year begins and sports gear up for the seasons, there is plenty of buzz and concerns around the Hayward High School soccer program. Last year, the team said goodbye to Coach Parshan, a Hayward alumnus who returned to lead the soccer program for over four years. Although he stepped down from the head position, he announced that he would remain involved as an assistant. For a while, it seemed likely that Juan Carloz Guzman (JC), the JV coach and Hayward High technology assistant, would take over the varsity team. Guzman already knew the program inside and out, making him a natural fit. However, due to recent budget cuts, he had to leave Hayward High, although leaving both coaching positions uncertain. Since then, rumors have been circulating. The most talked about possibility is that Winton Middle School’s soccer coach may step in. Several former Winton students, now part of Hayward’s soccer program, spread word to their old coach about the vacancy. According to them, he has shown interest in the position. The speculation grew stronger when Mr. Gavino, Hayward’s Puente teacher and counselor, hinted at the same possibility. When asked about who might lead the varsity team, he responded, “I’ve heard some things.” After mentioning the Winton coach, he confirmed, “Okay, then we heard the same thing.” Varsity players themselves have been fueling the conversation. Many reached out directly to the Winton coach through Instagram, hoping for answers. Returning varsity player Alan Macias summed up the feeling among the team: “I just want to know who it is I’m excited to see.” With the season fast approaching, players, fans, and the school community are eager for an official announcement. While nothing has been confirmed yet, excitement and high hopes continue to build for Hayward High’s soccer season.