What landed Tom Traxler the job as the Orlando SeaWolves’ first head coach wasn’t his knowledge of the Major Arena Soccer League.
He has that, sure, but what impressed Sea Wolves co-owner and General Manager Chris Kokalis was Traxler’s willingness to learn.
The hunger to improve is what separated Traxler from the dozen other candidates who could have led the SeaWolves through their inaugural MASL season.
Traxler, a longtime analyst for Orlando City SC matches on WRDQ-Channel 27 in Orlando, on Tuesday was named the SeaWolves’ first head coach. Orlando opens its regular season on Nov. 30 against the St. Louis Ambush, and their training sessions begin Friday at XL Soccer World.
“Obviously, it comes with its own set of pressures,” Traxler told Pro Soccer USA.
“It’s pressures that you want. It’s something that can push and challenge you, and I’ve always been up for a challenge. I love challenging myself. Looked at the roster and I think this roster has players that love to push and challenge themselves, as well. Felt very comfortable. I thought this felt like a good fit.”
Piotr Silwa, 32, will be the SeaWolves’ assistant coach, as well as a goalkeeper on the roster. Charles “CJ” Gonsalves, will be the team’s performance coach. Gonsalves used to work with Orlando City SC as a strength and conditioning coach.
Before the regular season starts, the SeaWolves with first play against the Brazilian National Minifootball Tea in the International Challenge on Nov. 10.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who are new to the indoor game, so having someone who isn’t a know-it-all, you know?” Kokalis said. “Someone who is going to come in and be open to suggestions, criticism and creativity. Those really were the attributes that I liked about Tom.
“He’s no stranger to the indoor game, having spent time with the [Tampa Bay] Rowdies organization way back in the day when the game kind of evolved. He came into the interview process knowing he didn’t know everything about the game, but he said, ‘I’ll work harder and I’ll learn the game better than anyone that you could hire.’”
Traxler said he hopes his new role as the SeaWolves’ head coach doesn’t impact the broadcast work he gets to do with Orlando City.
He added he’s had a conversation with Orlando City Senior Director of Broadcasting Marcos Peres about staying on as an analyst for Orlando City games. The MASL season runs during the MLS offseason.
“I’ve absolutely loved everything I’ve ever done with Orlando City going back since 2012,” he said. “Obviously, love the people inside the club. James O’Connor is a great friend, as well as others who have become my friends. I’m passionate about their success. I’m hungry for their success. I’m now extremely hungry for SeaWolves success, which is why I’m here today.”
Traxler’s time with Orlando City worked for him in multiple ways. The first is obvious. The SeaWolves have a few of former Orlando City players on their roster. Former City fullback Luke Boden said Traxler represents the early vibes of Orlando City SC.
“Back in 2011 when Orlando City first came around, we tried to build this family environment where families could go down and watch the games and you could go and meet the players after the games,” Boden said. “You could go and meet the players after the game. You could meet the coach after the games. You could get autographs. You could get pictures. I think it’s trying to create that environment again.
“I feel like Orlando has lost touch with that a little bit. I think that’s why – along with results – it’s been difficult for them, at the moment, to get fans back onside. I think it’s really important for us that we start on the right foot and we finish on the right foot and we do things right. I think Tom is a great example for everything I just mentioned.”
Plus, Traxler has gotten to know all of Orlando City’s coaches.
“I have had a chance to learn from three great guys,” Traxler said. “I think all three are just great men, and I’ve taken something from all of them. I think I can say that if I ever needed to pick up the phone and ask James a question about how he handles certain things, I’m sure that he would pick up that phone and answer my questions.”
So, with all of that knowledge, what kind of soccer will the SeaWolves play under Traxler? He’s been the coach at Winter Park High school for the past 12 seasons and spent more than two decades preparing for this role.
As Boden said, “He knows what he’s doing.”
“It’s going to be defensively sound,” Traxler said.
“We will build from the back first, and we’ve got tremendous defenders to do that with. But at the same time, we’ll have the ability to score goals. You’re talking about a guy like Gordy Gurson, who was one of the top goal scorers in MASL and has been for the past few seasons. I think transition will be exciting. I’m looking for a team that’s going to defend first but also press. I think you can expect to see us press a little bit. I want to win the ball higher up the park.
“I want to be able to get to goal very, very quickly. In this league, it’s easy to do, but if you can take advantage of some things in the attacking end, the goals will come even faster.”