There’s a new head coach for the boys varsity soccer team at Palm Beach Central High School. It’s Dave Jimenez, 55, who has transitioned from being the head coach of the girls team. Meanwhile, the new head coach of the girls team is Jimenez’s assistant coach over the last two years, Madison DePrenger.
Jimenez does have experience with the boys team, which was previously coached by Tom Dawkins. Prior to his two-year stint with the girls, Jimenez served as an assistant coach under Dawkins for six years.
As for the boys soccer program, excitement and energy among the players is strong. Jimenez has 24 players on his varsity roster, and 23 players on the junior varsity squad.
Jimenez’s varsity squad is busy practicing four days a week and getting ready for its season opener in early November. The Broncos’ first game is Wednesday, Nov. 6 in Palm Beach Gardens against William T. Dwyer High School. The Broncos open their season with eight straight games away from home. Their home opener is set for Dec. 2 against the visiting Chiefs from Santaluces High School.
To get ready for the 20-game regular season, Jimenez is putting his players through a number of high-intensity drills during practice, such as 3 vs. 2, 7 vs. 7 and 11 vs. 11 competitive scenarios.
“We are always working on our shooting and passing skills, too,” Jimenez said. “We have lots of competition in our practices. Everybody is competing for playing time. For the most part, my defense is set, but we still need to confirm who is going to start as midfielders and forwards.”
Of the 24 varsity players, seven of them were on last year’s team, which didn’t win its post-season district tournament title, but still advanced to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Class 7A state playoffs based on its strong regular season record.
For Palm Beach Central to do well this coming season, Jimenez is looking for leadership and strong on-the-field play from junior forward Edian Diaz, freshman forward Ashton Noble, freshman goalkeeper Jayden Rios and freshman center back Daniel Deighan.
If any local soccer fans want to come see competitive high school soccer, Jimenez promises that his team will be entertaining and will provide great value for every fan’s paid admission.
“We will play good, hard, strong soccer this season,” said Jimenez, who still plays competitive soccer as a stopper in a local Sunday morning over-35 league. “The players know that I expect it.”
