Improvement, Growth Continue for Muuss’ Deacs Amid Pandemic

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Although Wake Forest men's soccer added the No. 4 ranked recruiting class in the nation, it's returning group will be tasked with duplicating 2019's success.

"We have to try to find ways to win games with our veterans, without relying on our newcomers," Head Coach Bobby Muuss said. "If we can do that, the younger guys just make you better."

The Deacs, who are coming off a 16-5-2 campaign that included a postseason run to the College Cup, were able to compete in three spring matches before the COVID-19 pandemic altered the calendar.

"I was kicking and screaming because we played games way earlier than we usually do, but at the same time, we actually got three games in," Muuss said. "We tied North Carolina, beat Duke, lost to Clemson, and three days later everything got shut down.

"We started seeing this group really coming together with the way they played. We had really good movement from some guys who didn't play a lot last year. You can see their development. I'm optimistic with the current talent we have, then we'll get to sprinkle in the new guys with their competitiveness and ability to play the game. It could be exciting."

With campus empty due to the pandemic, Muuss communicates with his team through virtual meetings and phone calls. He believes they are still working hard to prepare for the coming season.

"For a bunch of guys who have lofty ambitions to be cooped up in their homes, the amount of positivity that comes whenever we speak to them individually or collectively is encouraging to me," Muuss said. "I feel the way we've grown in this time of uncertainty, no matter what is thrown at this group, I feel like they will thrive when we get out to the other side.

"We're trying to do things that can develop players individually and collectively. It's as good as it can be."

There are certainly challenges the staff encounters when trying to get with groups of soccer players, similar to the challenges they face with different virtual class schedules.

"We have three kids in a different hemisphere, so they're 12-13 hours ahead and have to learn remotely differently than the kids who can communicate with their professors live," Muuss said. "That's a challenge for us as a staff as well. As a group, I think all the guys have adjusted well. It's different.

"Everybody wants online classes until you actually have them. Wake Forest is unique and different. At some schools the interaction maybe isn't as much as it is here normally. That's part of what makes Wake Forest special. I think they miss that interaction and they miss those classroom settings, and communicating with other people face-to-face."

Collegiate sports came to a screeching halt on March 12, while Wake Forest students were on spring break. That break was extended a week, followed by all classes being moved to a virtual format while students were sent home. Two months later, we're continuing to learn more about the virus, but don't yet know when live classes will resume, students will be allowed back and when soccer team workouts can take place.

"These guys all have ambitions," Muuss said. "We don't know when this is going to be lifted or when they will be able to play. Our strength coach Dave Bass has done a great job of communicating with the guys each week — some of them have different opportunities at their house to stay fit. A couple kids are in New York, where it's difficult to get out to run.

"We're trying to use this as an opportunity to get better and practice self discipline. We all need structure. We're trying to flip it into a positive. We talk to every player each week individually. I feel like this time, if used correctly, can galvanize the team and strengthen relationships with the person. I've enjoyed the conversations. We're connecting on a different level."

And while Muuss wants to see his team get back in training and gear up for another successful run in 2020, he also realizes the impact the pandemic has had on the country as a whole.

"Being from New York, and I check in every day to see how things are going, it's extremely humbling to see family and friends who are hunkered down worse than I am right now," he said. "We all have to do our part to stop this thing. I feel like we all have a hand in it. How can I get it if I'm in my kitchen? It's not coming through that door. If we're all doing our job, this will be over sooner rather than later."

Wake Forest Athletics

Improvement, Growth Continue for Muuss’ Deacs Amid Pandemic

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