Having a new coaching staff can bring a lot of changes to a football team. It can change
practices, expectations, and team culture, making players adjust to a different way of doing
things.

At West Virginia Wesleyan College, the football team is adjusting to a new coaching staff. The
changes can be seen in practices, team expectations, and the way players are expected to work
together. For some players, it is a new experience, while others are comparing it to how things
were before.

One of the biggest changes the team has noticed is how practices are being run. Players are being
held to higher expectations and are expected to come ready to work every day. Dewand Hemsley,
a team manager for WVWC football, said he has noticed that practices are more organized and
that the coaches expect more from the players.

“Probably the biggest change is the way we practice and the expectations the coaches have for
us. Everything feels more organized, and they expect us to work hard every day,” Hemsley said.

As a team manager, Hemsley gets to see the team from a different perspective. He has noticed
that the players are starting to become closer and are getting used to the changes. He also
believes more players are starting to understand what the new coaching staff is trying to
accomplish. The players are beginning to push each other to improve and become a better team.

The changes are also being noticed by the players and student coaches. Roberto Mendez, a
student D-line coach, has noticed that practices have more structure. He explained that the
coaches are paying closer attention to details and making sure players understand what they need
to do.

“One of the biggest changes is the way we practice. There is more structure, and the coaches
have high expectations for the players every day,” Mendez said.

Along with changes to practice, the team is also working on building a stronger team culture.
Mendez believes the new coaching staff is trying to bring everyone together and create more of a
family atmosphere. The coaches want players to support one another and work together. He has
noticed that the team is becoming more connected as everyone continues getting used to the new
coaching staff.

Another major focus of the new coaching staff is accountability. Players are expected to
understand their roles, stay disciplined, and give their best effort every day. Mendez explained
that the coaches want everyone to take responsibility for their actions and come prepared. They
want players to understand that being part of the team means doing their job and holding
themselves accountable.

For the players, having a new coaching staff means getting used to a different way of doing
things. Hemsley believes the changes have been good for the team, even though everyone is still
adjusting. He feels like the program is moving in a new direction and that the players are trying
to see what they can accomplish together.

“I think the changes are good. It is still an adjustment, but I feel like we are building something
new and everybody is trying to see where it can go,” Hemsley said.

As the season continues, WVWC football will continue adjusting to the new coaching staff and
its expectations. The players and coaches will have to keep working together, staying accountable, and building the culture they want for the program.