David era begins as Lady Dragons rebuild
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Clinton’s Ayana Miller advances the ball deep into Rockwood High School territory during the Lady Dragons’ soccer playday matchup Saturday. - Tony Cox
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Clinton junior Topanga Easterday dribbles past Rockwood defenders and advances the ball beyond midfield during the Lady Dragons’ playday match Saturday. - Tony Cox
When the Clinton High School girls soccer team opens its 2025 season later this month, it will do so under the direction of a new head coach.
Sylvain David takes over the Lady Dragons program, but he’s no stranger to Clinton High School or its soccer programs.
Last spring, David served as an assistant coach under Filip Leander with the CHS boys team.
A native of France, David teaches French and STEM classes at the school. He also has prior coaching experience in East Tennessee, having served as an assistant with the girls team at Gibbs High School in Corryton from 2013-16.
David played professionally in his home country.
“I played in France until I had a bad injury and had to quit,” he said. “I became a referee.”
Now in his third year as a teacher at Clinton, David said he relishes the opportunity to coach the Lady Dragons.
“Coaching girls is different [from] coaching boys,” he said. “Girls are more receptive to criticism.”
Clinton is coming off its best season in recent memory. The Lady Dragons finished second in the District 4-AA regular-season standings and were runners-up in the district tournament, earning a Region 2-AA tournament appearance.
Still, expectations will be modest in 2025, as Clinton begins a rebuilding phase.
“We’re going through a complete rebuild, much like we did with the boys in the spring,” David said.
He noted that the support from players and parents has been outstanding.
“The players have been great,” he said. “And I really want to give a big shoutout to our parents. They’ve all welcomed me and been great.”
Clinton hosted a play day Saturday, and David was encouraged by what he saw on the field.
“We lost a one-goal game to Concord Christian, and we tied Rockwood and tied Campbell County,” he said. “I know we have a long way to go on the field, but everybody has been great.”
