Continuing an off-season of change for both the girls and boys soccer programs at 5959 Broadway, the Andrean High School is proud to announce the hiring of Jason Novak as the school’s new varsity boys soccer coach. Not only a veteran on the pitch from his playing days, Novak is no stranger to Andrean as he’s been a teacher and assistant baseball coach for several years. His familiarity with the students and culture at the school will be a huge asset for the program going forward. “I’m extremely excited,” Novak said. “I’ve had a front-row seat here at Andrean, watching and learning from many great coaches. Hopefully I can take what I know as well as what I have learned from them, and create a successful program. I have always looked for new challenges and the opportunity to lead the soccer program is a tremendous honor. I can’t wait to get to work.” "Although we were sad for our previous coach to step down, we are extremely excited for Jason to take the helm,” Andrean Athletic Director Neil Dimos said. “He has a get relationship without our students and his excitement is contagious" Although Novak’s playing career was cut short due to a knee injury, his interest and passion for “the beautiful game” has never subsided, staying involved in teaching it on multiple levels. “I’ve been a regular at games here for both the guys and girls soccer teams,” Novak said. “I may also be guilty of using some class time to help girls dissect film for their postseason games. Recently I’ve been teaching the basics of soccer to my son. He’s 8 and loves soccer.” While the boys won’t hit the pitch to take on competition from other schools until the August 17 Jamboree, Novak is ready to get to work and has already set goals and expectations for the upcoming campaign. “The number one goal is to compete from start to finish,” Novak said. “If we push ourselves in the training/weight room and at practice, that should transfer to the games. We have a talented young group that has a bright future. I hope they are up for the challenges ahead and ready to go to work to make the program successful.”