The girl’s soccer team is not just excited about starting a new season; they are excited about their new coach, Heather Whitten.

Whitten is also the new aerobics teacher. After Coach Mira’s decision to leave, some students’ outlook on aerobics took a turn for the worse.

Now that has changed.

Whitten said, “[My students] enjoy coming to class and getting fit from a good workout for free.”

Upon entering Whitten’s office, one notices the photos that arrange her desk, capturing exceptional moments of her soccer team.

But something more striking is the familiar scene in her office before a game: a swarm of young girls crowd the small-framed woman, placing her in the middle of a horde.

On other days her office is a quiet place where she can reflect. A place where she can get her work done.

It’s on days like these that she takes time out of her busy schedule to have interviews with The Lightning Strike.

It is then when she pulls up a chair to talk about her goals for the new season and her reactions to being a new coach.

Highlights of Interview...

Lightning Strike: Do you know why Coach Torano retired from coaching the girl’s soccer team?

H.W.: She wanted to spend more time with her family and she also coaches two other sports.

L.S.: Do you have any prior coaching experience aside from coaching at Krop?

H.W.: None. I just graduated in May from Barry University with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education.

L.S.: In your opinion, how do you think your students and athletes view you?

H.W.: In the beginning they hated me, (laughing) now they love me!

L.S.: Do you have any special coaching techniques?

H.W.: Being strict, consistent yet fair.

L.S.: In your opinion, what are your strong and weak points as a coach?

H.W.: Let’s go with weak first. And that would be the fact that this is my first time as a coach. My strong point: my patience and that I’ll do whatever it takes to win! My girls work hard, we practice six days a week even on Saturdays. We’re 10:1:1 and I’m very proud of that.