New Lady Knights coach is ready to go

 On April 18, Lady Knights Coach Devin Johnson resigned to return to playing soccer at Kentucky Christian University while pursuing a degree in sports management.  

Nick Schrager

Lady Knights Coach Derek Cissell demonstrates some foot work to a student.

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After a long summer without word of who would take his place, the team has found its new leader, and he was there all along. 

His name is Derek Cissell.

Before being named coach, he was acting as a temporary coach to get the team together for seasonal play.

Marion County High School Athletics Director Robby Peterson said Cissell was the only applicant, although Murphy Thompson has applied to be Cissell’s assistant coach.  

“[Cissell’s] very knowledgeable of the game, very energetic,” Peterson said. “He’s becoming vested in the school. He was up here during registration trying to recruit young ladies to come out and be a part of the team.”

He added that Cissell was an assistant coach at MCHS in the past.

“It’s good for him to be able to step up into a leadership role for one of our teams,” Peterson said. 

Cissell is not new in the halls or on the field at MCHS. In fact, it wasn’t so long ago that he was a student there and played for the Knights soccer team. 

He played for MCHS in the fall seasons of 2005-08. He also played soccer for four years at St. Catharine College and acted as a volunteer assistant coach for the Knights last season. 

As a player, Cissell played center back, outside back and midfielder.

And he loves being around every part of the game. 

“[I want] to continue to build on the foundation that was laid and throw in my style of play,” Cissell said. “We want to try and play possession soccer. We want to defend properly.” 

He said his passion for the game is what prompted him to apply for the job. He hopes to pass his love of the game onto the team and beyond, while maybe even finding a few more players along the way. 

“Any way I can help grow soccer in this community I want to be involved,” Cissell said.