Women's soccer assistant coach Pfau plays unsung role

Every team has its unsung contributors. There are those who might not play often but still contribute tirelessly to daily practices. There are parents who religiously watch every game, sometimes driving through snow and sleet just to sit for 90 minutes in that same horrific weather to see their son or daughter play. And there are the coaches, whose effect upon a team is far greater than the words one hears spilling from the sidlines during game time.

One of the important unsung contributors for the women's soccer team is its new assistant coach, Chris Pfau, who has made an impression upon the Tigers (8-1-2 overall, 1-1 Ivy League) in a short time.

"All of our assistant coaches in the past have helped maintain the team's standard for success," head coach Julie Shackford said. "But Chris is the first assistant to make the team better."

Pfau comes to Princeton from St. Mary's College, a Division III school in Indiana. Prior to that he was the head coach at Mount Mary College in South Dakota. He played collegiately at Old Dominion then went on to play 10 years of professional soccer in the NPSL and the A-league.

As a result of his career in professional soccer, Pfau understands the game well. Many of the players mention this first when asked about his contributions.

"He is really good at reading the game, and then conveying to us what he saw," senior midfielder Liz Bell, the team's co-captain, said.

Moreover, because of his soccer prowess, Pfau is able to step into a training session and play.

"Chris is still an amazing player," freshman defender Cristina Costantino said. "Despite the fact that he is twice our age, when he plays with us we just drop our jaws and wonder how he does it."

During training sessions, Pfau spends a significant time with the three sophomore goalkeepers — Madeline Jackson, Emily Bernard and Emily Vogelzang. Although he was not a goalkeeper, they agree that he brings a different perspective to their game.

"Chris is unique in that he is a field player, with a great understanding of goalkeeprs and their position," Jackson said.

Most importantly, beyond the tactical and technical knowledge and skill Pfau brings to the game, he provides what many varsity athletes need in an assistant coach: a good sense of humor and the power to motivate.

"He makes coming to practice everyday fun," junior midfielder Catherine Byrd said. "Sometimes you are tired and have a lot of work to do, but as soon as you're out on the field he starts making fun of you, and you can't help but laugh. He is awesome."

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This trait does not go unnoticed by many of the players.

"He creates a comfortable atmosphere in which to play," junior forward Kristina Fontanez said. "At times he is serious and at times he is sort of wacky, but all the time you are learning something new and having fun doing it."

Generally Pfau is cherished and admired by his players. They speak only in the highest regard for his knowledge and appreciate his input. The feeling is mutual. Pfau speaks in the same voice about the players and the coaching staff.

"My goal for the season is to learn as much as I can from the coaching staff and the players," Pfau said.

During games the players appreciate his remarks and his positive outlook.

"My favorite thing about him is how he instills confidence in us by making it a point to come and say 'good game,'" sophomore defender Romy Trigg Smith said. "I also like how he makes sure you hear him from the sidelines when you make a good play. Its really encouraging."

When the women's soccer team plays Columbia this Friday on Lourie-Love Field, Pfau will certainly be present on the Tigers' sideline shouting encouragement – though they might not need it.

The Tigers haven't lost to Columbia since 1998, and there is no reason to expect anything other than a Princeton win this weekend. Despite an Ivy League loss, the No. 20 Tigers have shown dominance this season and have emerged as one of the best teams in the east. Though endowed with pure talent, a large part of the success is due to the work of its coaching staff — head coach Julie Shackford, assistants Ron Celestin, Heather Deerin '03 and, of course, Chris Pfau.