Orlando Medellin has stepped down as head boys soccer coach at Bossier after eight highly successful seasons.
The 34-year-old Medellin, who served one year as an assistant before taking over as head coach, guided Bossier to a state championship game appearance in 2023.
The Bearkats have reached the non-select Division III semifinals four straight years. Bossier has reached at least the quarterfinals six consecutive seasons.
Bossier went 18-6-2 last season. The Bearkats fell to eventual champion University Lab in the semifinals.
Medellin, a graduate of and standout soccer player at Bossier, said it wasn’t an easy decision.
“Coaching at Bossier has probably been one of my greatest experiences in life, honestly,” he said during a phone interview.
He said coaching at Bossier “is more than just coaching. It’s connecting with these kids. It’s really being a father figure for them.
“It’s coaching 24/7 and with everything we have going on, my wife and I, I just didn’t feel like it was going to be fair. I wasn’t going to be here 100 percent.”
Medellin’s daughter Valerie will be a freshman at Calvary Baptist this fall and he’s looking forward to watching her play.
“I’ve got to be there with her,” he said. “Truly I have only four years to be there with her before she goes off to college and who knows what happens after that.”
Medellin will also continue to build the Cumbre Alta Bossier City Soccer Ministry and “invest in the lives of young people in the Bossier High and surrounding communities,” according to a post on the Bossier High Athletics Facebook page.
Medellin said this is something he and his wife have been praying about for about the last 18 months
“It was something that has been in my mind,” he said. “After this final whistle against UHigh I felt at peace knowing, man, I think I did my part. I think we have a strong foundation. I think it’s time for me to step away.
“I think I did everything that I was supposed to do here. It was not easy. I love Bossier. I’m 34 … You’re talking about 13 years out of my life involved with Bossier High, so it’s always hard to say bye to something that you truly love and that you really kind of grew up with.”
“He has worked tirelessly to prepare the Bossier High boys soccer team for the upcoming seasons and has built a lasting legacy at his Alma Mater,” the Facebook post states. “While Coach Orlando will be missed he knows the program will continue to pursue greatness.”
Medellin agreed that everything is in place for the program’s success to continue.
“I think with the help of great people around us, great coaches and great administration we’ve been able to put Bossier on the map,” he said. “I’m not going have the time to be here and be there for the kids that requires the time to be the head coach at Bossier High.”
Anyone interested in the position should submit all resumes to Principal Michele Tugwell at [email protected].