June 29, 2010
By Richard Stevens — Senior Writer/GoLobos.com
Jeremy Fishbein knows that when you got something good, you take care of it — or them. Fishbein thinks he has something better than good in Paul Souders, who no longer can be called a Lobo assistant soccer coach.
You can still call him Paul, but you also can call him the program’s Associate Head Coach.
“Paul is more than deserving of that title,” said Fishbein. “I want to show the respect and faith I have in him as a coach and as a person. I want to make it clear how valuable Paul is to this program and that that value is recognized and appreciated.
“He has so much passion for this game and he takes pride in all the things we stand for as a program. I feel fortunate to be able to work with a coach and a person of his caliber.”
For Souders, the title isn’t as important as what the title reflects: that Fishbein wants his right-hand man to be a part of the program for a long time. In the coaching business, stability and security are something you latch on to when you have the chance.
Souders will pull this opportunity close to his chest for another reason, too. The University of New Mexico is where he wants to be.
“First, it tells me that Jeremy values me. That’s important,” said Souders, in his third season at UNM. “But this also is where I want to be. We get special support from this administration and New Mexico is a special place to coach. This (new title) gives my wife and I peace of mind to know that we will be here long term.”
Souders came to UNM after three seasons at Dayton. He probably secured a position on Fishbein’s staff when he worked some camps with Fishbein. The Lobo coach said he was immediately impressed with Souders’ energy, knowledge and passion for teaching the game. He also liked the competitive fire he saw in Souders.
“Paul is the ultimate competitor, a guy who knows nothing but success,” said Fishbein. “As a player, he was one of those guys who maxed out his ability. You always respect any player who has the work ethic and the pride to reach his full potential. That’s Paul. And he brings that passion for success to our players.”
Souders said he grew up as a sports junkie in the Dallas, Texas area, playing most sports. “But I always took to soccer first,” he said. “It became my absolute passion and I always knew that I would be a coach. I got a degree in education because I saw myself as a teacher.”
Souders played soccer for Clemson University where he says he was an “overachiever” on the field. His competitive drive got him a spot on the U.S. Under-23 Olympic pool. His first contact with New Mexico came when he held a club position with a New Mexico U-16 team.
That also was one of his first experiences with the enchanting ties of New Mexico. “Growing up in Dallas, I didn’t hear much about New Mexico soccer,” he said. “But I started hearing the rumblings and UNM became known as an up and coming program.
“I understand now why New Mexico is considered by so many to be a special place. And the community support for soccer is unbelievable.”
It’s not always necessary if you respect, or like, your boss, but it always helps. Souders says another appeal to being a long-term Lobo is working with Fishbein.
“We share the same values,” said Souders. “We share a competitive drive. Coach is always challenging me to be a better coach, a better mentor, a better recruiter. He is a guy who never allows us to settle for anything less than what we are capable of reaching.
“That’s a special quality. There are other (coaches) who say that or push for that, but Jeremy does it with a balance of perspective. He knows it’s not simply about winning and losing. Of course, it’s important to win, but you also have a responsibility for the student-athlete that goes beyond the field and Jeremy understands that.
“I’m lucky to be here.”
Editor’s Note: Richard Stevens is a former Associate Sports Editor and sports columnist for The Albuquerque Tribune. You can reach him at rstevens50@comcast.net.