Taking chances and learning to trust: That’s how Gainesville girls soccer coach Mark Wade transformed a team with a habit of coming up short into into a state semifinalist and a region champion for the first time since 2005. After barely missing the playoffs in 2011, Wade knew the team wasn’t far from being a competitor in Region 8-AAA. “The way last season ended left a bad taste in their mouth,” Wade said. “They came out with more fight than they did the year before.”
Girls Soccer Coach of the Year: Gainesville's Mark Wade
Lady Red Elephants captured first region title since 2005