Franklin High School’s (FHS) Women’s Soccer Head Coach Sam Vargas has seen his share of winning seasons. However, the 2025 season has been a challenging one that has often resulted in losses on the field. This has also provided ample ways to appreciate the opportunities that come with years when the scoreboard is not often in your favor.
Following graduation at FHS, and with seven years total in coaching, Vargas spent the first few years assisting with the Panthers men’s soccer program. That was followed by taking on the Macon Middle School (MMS) boys soccer program in 2021. His time there was fruitful, going to the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference (BRAC) finals all three years and winning two of them. In 2023, an opening surfaced at FHS with women’s soccer and Vargas jumped at the chance to get back in the high school arena.
“Every offseason, we begin to establish our expectations for what we aim to accomplish. This is my second season with the girls, and I’ve gradually started to implement different expectations and styles of play that will help build the program for the future,” Vargas relayed when asked about the current season.
With a record of 5-11-1 (4-7-1 in M7C), the coach is realistic in assessing results on the field for the year. However, Vargas knows well that much more goes into a successful season than just scores.
“Despite our current record, which may not accurately reflect our progress, we have made significant improvements this season. Unfortunately, we lost a few games that we should have won. We narrowly fell to Pisgah at home, 2-1, and lost at Smoky Mountain, 1-0,” he said.
One area of improvement Vargas has noted, compared with last year, is his team’s ability to stay in games and remain competitive. He shared that when games are not going the way he would like, the team almost always remains in a position to win, regardless of the outcome.
Additionally, the coach appreciates the efforts put out by the girls in the midst of a challenging campaign.
“I cannot emphasize enough how proud I am of how our team has maintained their composure through some tough losses this season. Many people focus solely on wins and losses, but as I grow in my coaching career, I’ve come to realize that the season is about much more than just those outcomes,” reflected Vargas.
Examining his role as coach both realistically and positively, Vargas is always looking for ways to improve his technique and his athletes’ skill.
“Each day, I ask myself how I can positively impact each player on my team? Which players seem to be out of rhythm? Are there teaching moments where life lessons can be applied? How can I be more available for my players today? Connecting with each player and fostering a sense of family is a key component of our success.”
As this season winds down, the team is hoping to avenge some earlier losses and to end on a winning note. While a .500 or better season is not achievable, focusing on the future and improvement accomplished can go a long way toward next season for the program.
Said Vargas, “The culture within our team is strong, and the girls are fighting hard. Even in our losses, we have found our rhythm and continue to push forward. I believe the way they’ve handled this adversity will resonate with the younger players who look up to them from the middle school and junior varsity (JV) teams.”
One constant within the FHS and MMS athletic construct is continuity and growth. The middle school Panthers routinely win championships in the BRAC and that only serves to prepare them better for JV or varsity seasons at the high school.
Looking back on this year thus far, Vargas reflected on some team standouts as well as his own opportunity to coach them.
“Caramia Ramos, our goalkeeper, is having another exceptional season and keeping us competitive in every game. Bailey Wooten, a sophomore in her second season, is leading us in scoring this year. Sadie Green, a transfer from Highlands School, joined us as a forward but has taken on a significant role in defense.”
He concluded, “I am grateful to Franklin High for this opportunity to coach and I look forward to the future of FHS women’s soccer.”
Pictured top: DRIBBLING THE ball down the field is #5 Emily Rubio.