MELFA, Va. — Eastern Shore Community College has hired Chase Baxa as the head coach of its newly formed soccer program, the school announced. Baxa will officially begin his role on Feb. 3 and immediately start recruiting players for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Recruitment efforts will focus on current ESCC students and high school seniors from every high school on the Shore. The college said it is eager to build on the enthusiasm for the program across the region.
As part of the program’s launch, ESCC held a naming campaign last fall, allowing community members and students to weigh in. In January, students voted to name the teams ESCC-FC (Eastern Shore Community College Football Club), drawing inspiration from global soccer traditions. Logos and branding for the teams will be released in the coming months.
The program’s budget was developed based on similar athletic programs at other Virginia community colleges and was presented to the Accomack and Northampton Board of Supervisors. Both boards, along with the ESCC Foundation, have approved funding to support the initiative.
Baxa, a Western Pennsylvania native, moved to the Eastern Shore in 2021. He is a Geneva College graduate and played four years of Division III soccer. Currently a science teacher at Northampton High School, he also serves as the boys’ soccer coach, leading the team to a 43-14 record, a state championship, and a runner-up finish.
In preparation for the inaugural season, ESCC will offer multiple opportunities for student engagement, including an intramural league and weekend pick-up games starting in March. The first ESCC Soccer ID Camp will be held in April, giving prospective players a chance to showcase their skills. Open tryouts are scheduled for the beginning of the fall semester.
Additional updates on the program will be available on the ESCC website, es.vccs.edu, and the college’s social media channels. Coach Baxa can be reached at cbaxa@es.vccs.edu.
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