SSFAC Salutes It's Former Captain

Submitted by Mike on Fri, 2011-11-18 13:18

 With the 2008 PSL Season approaching, SSFAC searched for a leader who could stabilize their defense, it didn't take long for them to find their man.     Click here for the full story.  

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It was a typical July evening in South San Francisco, cold, windy, and overcast, but it signaled the start of pre-season training for SSFAC as they were about to prepare for the opening of the 2008 Peninsula Soccer League season. The team had assembled at Terra Bay Park for training with a fair amount of returning players from the 2007 team that saw them finish in 6th place of the Premier Division. The Coaching staff was looking for some depth at key positions, and one of those spots that needed attention was the defense. South City wanted a strong phyiscal player who could bring a relentless style of play to the team. Someone who could battle in the air, win loose ball challenges, mix it up with opposing forwards trying to score, and play a shut down smothering type of game that would lead to SSF gaining possession and starting a counter attack. After just a few training sessions, it was evident to the coaches they had found the player they were looking for. Kenny Ewbank was that man. He immediately became a role model to his teammates with his work ethic, passion, positive attitude, and sportsmanship. He played with intensity, and gave 100% every minute he was on the pitch. Kenny was our leader, our enforcer, and became the team captain. After a match against Sunnyvale United, their player manager came up to Coach Mike and said, "Where in the world did you find that guy, he was everywhere tonite. We couldn't get by him, he was brilliant...easy to see why he is your captain."

That was typical of the respect Kenny earned from every team he competed against. No one wanted to go against him, because he was a solid defender and never gave up on any ball. His energy in the 90th minute was the same as the 1st minute, and even though he would play a tough physical game, he always walked off the pitch with a smile on his face and his hand extended to congratulate the opponent. A total class act that always put the team first over personal accomplishments.

Unfortunately his playing days were cut short due to numerous concussion injuries, and he decided to retire from playing after the 2010-11 season. It was a very difficult decision for Kenny, but one that was made with his best interests in mind. Quality of life is important, and although it was tough to step away from the game as a player because of injuries, he can now devote his energy to teaching others what he taught all of us.....how to be a winner on and off the field. He will forever be a part of the SSFAC family. Recently we had a chance to talk with him about his experiences....

Q:  At what age did you begin playing soccer?  
A:  I began playing at age 5.  
Q:  Did you play youth soccer and also in high school?  
A:  I played up until i was 15 years old, then I played basketball in high school instead of soccer.  
Q:  As a young player, who had the biggest influence on you?  
A:  My youth coach from U-11 to U-14. He was a former college player and a teacher at an elemenatry school in my area. Real good person and very serious about soccer. He had us thinking about nutrition and on / off-season training programs in the 5th grade. I ate it up and lived and died with every game. I was pretty intense out there for a 12 year old.  
Q:  What other sports did you play?  
A:  Football, Basketball, & Baseball.  
Q:  What brought you to SSFAC?  
A:  Open tryouts before the season in 2008.  
Q:  Your impressions on playing with the team over the years?  
A:  The thing that sticks out more than anything else is the sense of camaraderie of the team. I appreciated how everyone was supportive of one another and gave it our best for each other.  
Q:  Do you have a memorable moment or game that stands out  while playing with SSF?  
A:  I think a game that stuck out for me was last season, after we started out 0-3, we went down all the way to San Jose to play Shaheen on an early Sunday morning and it was a real battle. We won 2-1 and that ended up being the spark for us to turn in our most successful season in my time with the team. I felt it was a good example of us believing in each other and keeping the faith that if we kept working hard, the games would go our way.  
Q:  What do you take away from the game that will stay with you?  
A:  Soccer is a sport that rewards hard work. If your hungry you can make things happen out there.  
Q:  Tell us about the teams your involved with as a Coach....the different sports, the age groups etc....  
 A:  I Coach Middle School soccer, and Middle School baseball at my school in Oakland. I am Coaching Varsity High School Basketball at Head Royce as well.   
Q:  What is the most rewarding thing as a Coach of young players?  
A:  I like seeing teams come together over the course of a season. You start out as a group of individuals and then the ups and downs that are inherent in sports bring you closer together. My favorite moments are seeing  other kids on the team celebrating the successes of their teammates as if they were the ones who scored the goal, made the bucket, or hit the homer.  
Q: What are your future plans?  
A:  I will be continuing my work as an educator and coach for the forseeable future. Teaching is my passion and I am happy to have the opportunity to do so day in and day out. I'll continue to lead trips overseas with students in the summers. Other than that I will be spending quality time with my girlfriend and my family.  
Q:  Best piece of advise you would give to today's players regardless of age, and any thoughts for your teammates?  
A:  Enjoy every moment out there  !!  

Our team will miss it's Captain....but there are many future players and students that will benefit from having Kenny Ewbank as their teacher, coach and mentor. You couldn't ask for a better role model than that.