Former Liberty boys’ soccer assistant coach Andrew Uhler will take over as Liberty girls’ soccer head coach for Scott Rodenbach who retired at the end of last season.

“I knew Scott was going to retire, and we coach together at Nitschmann [Middle School],” said Uhler, who played soccer at Freedom from 2005 to 2007. “Since I already knew a fair amount of girls, I hit the ground running pretty quickly.”

But Uhler was only able to conduct just one voluntary practice before schools were shut down in March.

“We’re stuck in a holding pattern, but I hope to get back on the field as soon as possible,” he said.

Until then, Uhler has joined Liberty assistant field hockey coach Laura Sutter in holding Zoom workouts on Mondays and Wednesdays for girls’ soccer and field hockey players.

“The idea originated with Laura Sutter. Most of the coaching staff is on it, and everyone is in their own homes, but it’s one way to come together,” said Uhler. “We get to see each other even though we can’t see each other.”

Uhler’s coaching career started at Pleasant Valley where he helped coach the girls’ team.

“I like coaching girls as much as boys,” said Uhler, who is looking forward to the opportunity to instill in them his values. “They’ll be more than soccer players, so building a strong foundation of women will speak for itself.”

Regarding the upcoming season, Uhler is hopeful.

“I’m looking forward to having a season in any capacity, but health and safety comes first,” he said. “I’m excited to get out there to see what they can do. I want to help them learn and grow together. And it’s always good to have anyone come out to watch girls’ games.”