Ethan Harrold is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Desert Vista for AZPreps365.com

Desert Vista’s boys soccer varsity head coach Trent Elliott has a relentless drive to win state championships after his soccer and track career. 

Elliott has been head coach for Desert Vista for seven seasons and has always had high expectations during his years of coaching. 

“The best part about coaching Desert Vista is the standard that has been set, not just in soccer but in all sports on campus. I always like to set the bar high and set goals each season with my team and the end goal is always to win a state championship,” said Elliott. 

During Elliott’s time with Desert Vista, he has won two state championships, one of which came during his first year as a head coach. 

Elliott played soccer his entire life playing through his high school career growing up in Ohio. He also was an excellent track star and would go on to run for track in college. 

“Ran at Butler University and then transferred to ASU. When I finished my athletic career at the end of college I was planning on going to PT school, but I got connected with Altadena Middle School in Ahwatukee and started coaching there,” said Elliott. 

Elliott instantly fell in love with coaching and wanted to pursue it. He eventually would get the head coaching job during his first year teaching at Desert Vista.  

“I coached the first game of the season as the JV coach and then they had to let the varsity head coach go, so I was thrown into being a varsity head coach right away. Thankfully that season went well, and we won a state championship,” said Elliott. 

Elliott has had a lot of success as the head coach having a total of 96 wins and two state championships. 

With all of the success, there are still challenging parts of being the head coach. Elliott makes sure to grow every season and be his best for the players. 

“I think the most challenging time is talking to the team after a loss in the playoffs. It never gets easy and I know that I don’t always have the right words to say,” said Elliott. 

Despite all the challenges, Elliott is a great coach and connects with his players. His players have great praise for him and for their playing time at Desert Vista. 

“It’s been a great experience playing for coach. I’ve had the honor of sharing the field with some great players and it’s really made my highschool experience,” said Adrian Suljuzovic, a senior from this season. 

The team had really enjoyed their time at Desert Vista and playing for such an experienced coach during their careers. 

“I’m happy with this season and I’m just thankful for coach Elliott and all my teammates,” said Kolter Roeske, another senior on the team. 

Being a head coach goes past just playing the sports but also connecting with the players and people you meet while coaching. Elliott is thankful for all the players he’s had the opportunity to coach and has been a part of the program. 

“Getting to know my players and being invested in what they are doing outside of soccer is what makes it more meaningful. Being able to see those players develop as not only players but as young men over the year they are in the program is what makes coaching worth the time and energy that I put into it,” said Elliott.