[6/16/03]For years, Kristin Chapman did everything she could to torment Warren Central. Next fall, she’s switching sides and will do her best to lead.

Chapman, a former Vicksburg High star who set a then state record for goals scored in a career, is expected to be hired as WC’s new girls soccer coach later today. She has been recommended to the Vicksburg Warren School District Board of Trustees, athletic director Lum Wright Jr. said, and is subject to board approval. Wright said he didn’t anticipate any problems with the hire.

Chapman said it wouldn’t feel strange coaching a school that was a rival for so long.

“Not really, and the reason why is I grew up in Vicksburg and for me it’s about coming back and giving back to the program and the community,” Chapman said. “I think Warren Central has a lot of potential and a lot of young talent.”

During her time at VHS, Chapman set the standard for girls soccer in Mississippi. She scored 126 career goals, was selected as Mississippi’s state player of the year four times and Gatorade Girls Player of the Year twice, and was a five-time member of the U.S. Olympic Development team.

She was a Parade All-American in 1998 and 1999, and led the Missy Gators to three state championships before helping the University of Florida to a Southeastern Conference title in 1999.

Chapman transferred to Ole Miss before the 2000 season to be closer to her ill mother, Donna, who passed away in 2000 after a battle with cancer. Kristin went on to earn a slew of honors at Ole Miss, including an All-SEC selection in 2001.

After graduating last year, however, Chapman was ready to take a break. She wanted to stay involved in soccer, but didn’t want to continue playing. So she began to think about coaching.

“I’ve played soccer my whole life, and no matter what, soccer is going to be a part of my life. And right now, I didn’t want to pursue playing,” Chapman said. “For me personally, I’ve achieved some of my personal goals and I feel very self-satisfied with my career … Now it’s time for me to step back and do something else.”

That “something else” was a teaching and coaching career. The WC job came open when former coach Holly Lane moved out of state at the end of the school year, and Chapman was quick to apply.

She not only wanted to get into teaching, but return home as well, and the situation at WC was ideal.

“We were looking for someone that knew the game and had the enthusiasm to get the kids involved in soccer, and she fit that bill,” WC principal Mack Douglas said, adding that Chapman’s success as a player added to her appeal as a job candidate. “That just becomes a part of her resum. That brings some added excitement into the program.”

The coaching job is the first for the 22-year-old Chapman, but she has plenty of influences to draw from. She has played for several different coaches on various high school, college, and select teams, and believes that will help as she breaks into the ranks.

“I learned a lot of different coaching strategies, but it’s really kind of hard for me to say what I’m going to use because I don’t know the players yet,” Chapman said.

Chapman also wasn’t concerned that her age or her success as a player would put added pressure on her as a coach. Chapman felt like she is far enough removed from high school to keep players from taking advantage of her age.

As for her past success, she said she would put more pressure on herself than anyone ever could.

“There’s always pressure, and not even from outside sources, but from myself,” Chapman said. “I’m only human. I’m going to go out and give 100 percent, and I’m going to ask my girls to do the same.”