Tom Guinn has been playing catch-up.
When Guinn joined the Jefferson City soccer staff last fall, he figured he would spend the school year as an assistant for the boys and girls teams.
But when Eddie Horn stepped down as the Lady Jays head coach earlier this year, Guinn was chosen to step in.
"I've been in scramble mode," Guinn said as the Lady Jays prepare to face Ursuline Academy to open the season today at the 179 Soccer Park. "I had to familiarize myself with everything in a pretty big hurry. But I'm comfortable with where we're at right now."
Guinn took over in early February when Horn stepped down to take the head coaching position at State Fair Community College in Sedalia. Practice for the girls season started March 1.
"It's difficult to take over for a legend," Guinn said. "I've had people in the district talk to me about how Eddie is an icon. The nature of the situation has been a little strange, but I think we've done a good job getting ready for the season."
Most of the changes to the team on the field are due to graduation.
"We've had to move some people around from where they may have played last year to fill some roles," Guinn said.
The Lady Jays have a veteran goalkeeper in Megan Foster, a senior who has played on the varsity since her freshman season.
"We're expecting big things, she's an incredible athlete," Guinn said. "When she came out last week after basketball, it didn't look like she missed a beat.
"We don't have a lot of concerns about that spot."
Alaina Allsbury, a junior, returns at one center back position. She will be joined by junior Kirsten Schwandtner.
The starting outside backs with both be freshmen - Greta Haarmann and Halle Bohlken.
"I'm excited about what those two are going to bring to the team," Guinn said.
Katie Tambke, a senior, and junior Mackenzie Lochhead will start as center midfielders.
"We've got two center-mids who have never played there before," Guinn said. "They looked sharp in the Jamboree, so that was a good first step."
Grace Haarmann, a senior, and freshman Morgan Jordan were the starters in the Jamboree as the outside midfielders.
Taylor LePage, a senior, and sophomore Mackenzie Gourley will start up front.
"We're looking for them to be our goal-scorers," Guinn said.
The three freshman starters are among eight on the varsity roster. There are 16 freshmen on the junior varsity.
"It's a massive group and one that we can build off for the future," Guinn said. "Eddie left the program in phenomenal shape, there's not a lot that needs to be done when it comes to the culture of the sport."
Guinn is no stranger to being a head coach. This will be seventh season at the helm of a program, which has included stints at Mountain View: Liberty and Springfield Catholic.
"It's been a progression from Class 1 to Class 2 to Class 4," Guinn said. "Hopefully I can use my experience to help this program in Jefferson City."
Today's JV game is slated for a 10:30 a.m. start, with the varsity contest to follow around 12:15 p.m.