By JEREMY SELLEW
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Tom Cameron put it as simply as he could Wednesday – “I just couldn’t stay away.”
The longtime Valley soccer coach will man the sidelines once again this coming fall after being hired Tuesday to guide the Charleroi girls program.
Most recently the girls coach at Belle Vernon Area for two seasons in 2017 and 2018, Cameron was let go in controversial fashion after winning a section title with the Leopards in 2018 after going 12-0 in section play. In two seasons with Belle Vernon, Cameron went 21-2-1 in section play and 25-9-1 overall.
After officiating the past two seasons, Cameron said he just couldn’t pass up the opportunity at Charleroi, where he was the boys coach in 2015 before stepping aside for personal reasons.
“I had coached the boys there and everyone up at Charleroi, including the board and Dr. (Ed) Zelich, everyone was really nice. Even when I decided to leave, they said I was always welcome back,” Cameron said. “Well, here I am.”
Cameron said he’s always loved coaching, especially when he has the opportunity to coach the high-school level girls.
“Girls seem like they’re more open to learning the game,” Cameron said. “To me, it seems like they’re more attentive and willing to learn. They want to absorb as much from the coaching as they can.”
Cameron said he’s watched the Cougars over the past couple seasons and knows there is some young talent there. He’s also been an official for many of their games.
“I know they have a couple nice, young ballplayers,” Cameron said. “I really want to get in there and add a few players and just sit back and enjoy coaching the kids.”
Charleroi will return standouts Bella Carroto and McKenna “Boots” DeUnger as sophomores next season. Both were among the WPIAL leaders in goals and points last season. Taylor Ramsdell, the Cougars’ top defender, and goalkeeper Addison Conrad will also be sophomores.
“The first thing I want to do is talk to the players coming back,” Cameron said. “I’m planning on doing that next Wednesday. Then I want to get into the school and meet with them and some other girls and get some of them involved in the program.”
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