As the 2025–2026 school year kicks off, so does the highly anticipated season for the Blue Springs High School boys’ soccer team. With Head Coach Palermo at the helm and senior captains Angel (No. 10) and Jocier (No. 4) leading the charge, the team enters the new season with high expectations and a united front.
“We’re looking forward to a competitive and successful season on the field,” said Coach Palermo. “We’ve got a younger group this year, but there’s a strong sense of unity that I haven’t seen in past seasons.”
Team captain Angel, a junior who has played for three years, shared his goals for the season: “For the team, it’s probably to win districts and go to state. For me, I want to set a good example as a team captain.”
Angel acknowledged the team is still finding its rhythm, but he already sees promising growth, particularly from his co-captain. “I think Jocier has made the most progress in the past two years I’ve been with him,” he added.
What stands out most to Angel this season is the team’s closeness. “This year, it’s more of a family. Everyone is closer, not so divided like in past years,” he said. “That could really improve our performance.”
Junior Davis (No. 11), now in his third year on the team, is confident in their potential: “I think we can make it to the Final Four at state,” he said, visibly excited about the progress and accomplishments the team is aiming for.
Senior Walter (No. 12), a four-year player, reflected on the ups and downs of the season so far. “We lost our first two games but bounced back with wins against two strong teams,” he said. When asked who has made the most improvement, Walter was quick to recognize a teammate. “My boy Carlos started on C team. He didn’t do great at first, but this year, he’s locked in.”
Carlos (No. 3), another senior, is equally optimistic. “We’re just a really good team. I can’t wait to play,” he said with a smile. He praised Walter’s resilience, especially after recovering from two shoulder injuries.
Senior captain Jocier Rios (No. 4), now in his fourth year on the team, emphasized leadership as a personal goal. “I want to be a better leader outside of just the field,” he said.
Despite the team’s youth, Jocier sees this as an opportunity. “There’s no excuse for being young; we can only get better.” He also highlighted Carlos’s development and praised the team’s new level of connection. “This year, everyone gets along. It’s not cliques; it’s one whole team.”
Coach Palermo, a veteran with 25 years of coaching experience, sees this season as a transformation. “This team is way younger. Only four or five seniors, and only about three of them play a lot of minutes,” he noted. “But that’s not a bad thing.”
Reflecting on a recent conversation with an assistant coach, Palermo said, “We realized only three players on the field against Park Hill South had played last year. It’s a totally new team.”
He’s also bringing a renewed focus to program culture, calling it the “Wildcat Way”, a philosophy that emphasizes discipline, unity, and respect both on and off the field.
“Last year, we had cliques. That camaraderie wasn’t always there, and it didn’t transfer well to the field,” he said. “This year, we have great leadership, even among the younger players. Our seniors and juniors are really stepping up.”
The coach pointed to a standout moment in their home opener against Park Hill South, the No. 7 ranked team in the state. “They came out on fire. Positive energy, no complaints, no arguments with refs, just pure focus. And they got the win. It was huge.”
From the words of the players to the experience of Coach Palermo, one thing is clear: the Blue Springs boys’ soccer team is united, motivated, and ready for a memorable season. With strong leadership, a renewed sense of camaraderie, and a roster full of emerging talent, expectations are high for a run toward districts and beyond.
