Wahl a Wizard with wisdom

Coaching was the natural next step in Tyson Wahl’s soccer career. As he builds a professional career in the present, it was time to begin a coaching career for the future.

But it quickly became more than a casual venture.

Wahl is in his first year as a boys’ assistant coach to Newport Harbor High Coach Ryan Hernandez, a former teammate with the Sailors.

Wahl finished his first season as a defender for Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards in July, allowing a seamless transition to coaching high school soccer.

It didn’t take long for coaching to consume Wahl, who played in 10 games and started six for the Wizards. He said he found it was constantly on his mind.

“Ryan keeps using the word obsession,” Wahl said. “I kind of agree with him. You can really tear yourself apart with it. It’s a fun challenge. You try out strategies, find the best starting lineup and work on things in practice. At the end of the day, you can see the mistakes you made and go back and work on it.”

Wahl and Hernandez often attempt to maintain normalcy by talking about life outside of soccer. But the conversation inevitably turns back to the game. The two said they are always trying to improve the team.

“We try to stop ourselves from always talking about soccer, but we always come back to it,” Hernandez said.

Focus on soccer has been a regular part of Wahl’s life. But as a coach, he is learning to adapt to it differently.

“As a player, you get a release in playing on the field,” Wahl said. “It’s not as mentally tiring. As a coach, you don’t get to release. It has given me a new perspective.”

Throughout his career, Wahl has been on the receiving end of advice from coaches. As a coach, the ability to pass on that knowledge and see it come to fruition is what he enjoys most.

“What’s most gratifying is when you see an improvement a player or the team can make,” Wahl said. “And you’re able to see actual change in performance. You see your message get across and see the direct results.”

The main beneficiary of Wahl’s input has been the backline and senior defenders Kyle Rohan and Danny Gonzalez. The focus has been on the four defenders working in unison to control the width of the field and not let a forward slip by onside.

“Ryan and I have done a good job with the backline,” Wahl said. “With Kyle Rohand and Danny Gonzalez, we’ve been telling them what to do to hold the fort down.”

The friendship between Wahl and Hernandez has strengthened their ability to work together as coaches.

“Ryan always has the final say,” Wahl said. “We have a close relationship so we both feel like we can say what we want and I know I won’t be stepping on his toes. I respect his decision.”

Hernandez pointed to his desire to run a 4-4-2 formation, with Wahl saying that a 4-3-3 formation fit the team better. After discussion and practice Hernandez decided on the 4-3-3.

“We told each other to be honest,” Hernandez said. “I want him to tell me if I make a mistake. It has helped the team. It’s just a different way of thinking. It’s always conversation. It’s not a pain to talk about.”

Hernandez said Wahl’s presence also benefits the team because he is currently playing.

“He’s playing at such a high level,” Hernandez said. “And I’m detached from playing. I told him to be mindful to let it help his playing.”

Seeing Wahl on the Newport Harbor soccer field is nothing new for the Sailors’ seniors. After Wahl finished up his high school career as a two-time All-CIF Southern Section Division II honoree, even though he missed his junior year to play in the U.S. under-17 residency program, he moved on to play for the University of California.

And Wahl, who was an All-American his senior year for the Golden Bears, always came back in the offseason to play with the Sailors.

“I knew him before he played professionally,” said Gonzalez.

The biggest shock for Gonzalez was not seeing Wahl on the Sailors’ sideline, but seeing him in a video game.

“I saw him on ‘FIFA ‘07,’ ” Gonzalez said.

On the actual field, Gonzalez said Wahl has had an impact on him.

“He tells me a lot about [extending the defense to limit the opponent’s open field],” Gonzalez said. “I was excited when I found out he was going to help out. It gives you a lot of motivation.”

With Wahl’s help, the Sailors are 7-4-3, 1-0-1 in the Sunset League, heading into Wednesday’s league clash at Fountain Valley at 3 p.m.