By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

The “Getting to Know” series was created to learn more about the coaches and administrators that are guiding today’s Portage County student-athletes to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Today, we get to know Ravenna High School girls soccer head coach Taryn Vespoint, who is a Ravenna alumni and in her first year leading the program.

Q: Hometown?

A: Ravenna, Ohio.

Q: High school?

A: Ravenna High School. Class of 2008. Played soccer and softball.

TARYN VESPOINT

Q: College?

A: University of Mount Union. Class of 2012. Played soccer. Degree in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology.

Q: Current occupation?

A: Prevention specialist at Townhall II.

Q: What inspired you to be a coach?

A: I want to give this generation the same kind of coaching mentality that I had at their age. Some of my coaches not only made me the athlete I am today, but also the person I am today. These girls need a positive influence in their lives to help guide them to being the best versions of themselves.

Q: What makes being a coach at Ravenna special to you?

A: Being able to step back on the field that I played on 15-plus years ago. Being able to experience all of the emotions that come from being a student-athlete, but this time as a coach. Playing high-school soccer with my best friends is a core memory for me. Being able to help these girls experience this in the most positive way possible is special to me.

Q: Who has been your biggest influence as a coach?

A: Coach (Jim) Lunardi, coach (Ben) Ribelin and coach (Chris) Gentille. These men have taught me what it takes to be a student-athlete. Sacrifice, dedication, discipline are just some of the things they instilled upon me. To this day, 15-plus years later, I still lean on them for advice. I know they put the student-athlete first ALWAYS. Coaches like these three men don’t just stick around for the four years they coach you and then you never talk again. They still have influence in my life, they continue to support me and help me grow as a coach and a person.

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your playing days?

A: I used to have my defenders pick my wedgies, because I couldn’t with my goalie gloves on.

Q: Funny story nobody would believe from your coaching career?

A: I unlatched the emergency door in the ceiling on the bus in the pouring rain on accident. The bus driver had to pull off on the highway to help shut it. I got soaking wet.

Q: Favorite TV show?

A: Scooby Doo.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: Aladdin.

Q: Favorite food?

A: Anything pasta.

Q: Best vacation?

A: St. Croix with family.

Q: Shoutout to former teammates?

A: Caitlin Fortson, Jensine Stepp, Kayla Pischera, Carly Paulus, Katie Ferguson, Brittany Dowdy, Kaitlin Fields, Kelly Karaffa.

Q: Favorite motto or quote?

A: Live your best life!

Q: Describe your coaching philosophy?

A: Be the coach your younger self would want and need. Remain firm, fair and consistent. Take each day as an opportunity to help these girls grow into the best versions of themselves on and off the field.

Q: Favorite restaurant?

A: Guido’s.

Q: Favorite teacher from high school?

A: Mrs. Spangler.

Q: Advice you would give the younger version of yourself?

A: Put in the extra work daily. It will be worth it!

Q: Favorite coach from your playing days?

A: Chris Gentille (2008 Portage Trail Conference Metro Division champions).

Q: Favorite sports team?

A: Cleveland Indians.

Q: Favorite athlete then?

A: Kenny Lofton.

Q: Favorite athlete now?

A: LeBron James.

Q: First job as a teenager?

A: Dairy Queen.

Q: Family member that always gave you the best advice?

A: My sisters Jessica McCarty and Taylor Burger.

Q: Halloween costume last year?

A: Beetlejuice.

Q: Favorite video game?

A: Mario Party Nintendo 64.

Q: Favorite candy?

A: Snickers and peach rings.

Q: First car?

A: Chevy Cobalt aka “Papa Smurf.”

Q: Best friends?

A: My dog Tali and Dana Dutched.