A year ago, uncertainty surrounded the Upperman boys soccer program. Now, under head coach Mixon Moore, the Bees are starting to build not just a roster, but a culture.
Moore said the foundation of this year’s team goes far beyond wins and losses.
“I told the boys if they will do the right things, we cannot have red cards, we can be a good team, good students, [Upperman] will back us and they have,” Moore said. “I’m just really appreciative to everybody, the school administration, the county for recognizing that and pouring that into these kids.”
Moore said he did not know what to expect from the program at this time last season. But Moore said as the months passed, the players bought in, and that momentum has carried over.
“They embraced everything that they could and I’m very excited about that,” Moore said. “This season, they just continued that.”
One of the clearest signs of that buy-in has come during the offseason. Moore said when they did open facilities, Upperman would see between six and eight kids that would show up every day. This season, Moore said between 18 and 20 kids showed up at open gyms during that time.
That surge in participation has helped fuel a roster that now sits at 31 players, a significant step forward for a program still carving out its identity.
Last season, Moore said Upperman leaned heavily on defense, often aiming to stay competitive and capitalize on counterattacks. This year, Moore said the focus has shifted toward a more balanced and aggressive approach.
“You’re seeing the offense really develop,” Moore said. “Our defense is a little young, but we’re really excited about them as well, going from being a strictly defensive team trying to win counterattacks, to hey, we can still do that, but also we can have more of a passing chemistry.”
That evolution reflects a broader transformation, one rooted in commitment, discipline and belief. With increased numbers, stronger chemistry and a more dynamic style of play, the Bees are no longer just trying to stay in games. They are aiming to compete.