Humans of Reno: Erin Otagaki Gets Nevada Back to a Competitive Level

Hugh Tomasello documents how the University of Neva, Reno, women’s soccer coach is at the commands of a turnaround season. One of her strategies has been to recruit players from her native Hawaii.

One year after winning just a single game, the Nevada women’s soccer team won three and tied two of its first eight games this season. Erin Otagaki has been the head coach of the University of Nevada women’s soccer team since December 2016, after being an assistant and co-head coach. Known as EO by her players, the Hawaii native was excited for the opportunity to leave her mark on the program. And most importantly, she was ready to do it her way.

“I remember being done with college soccer and remember how much I loved that experience,” said Otagaki about when she realized she wanted to be a head coach. “I want to be able to mentor young people, and to understand what it’s like to not just succeed on a soccer field but in life.”

To Otagaki, playing soccer is more than just kicking a ball into a net. “I think there’s life lessons in everything. It’s about being part of something that’s bigger than yourself,” she said.

After establishing herself as the leader of the Pack, Otagaki began to move the program in her direction. She wanted to bring Hawaiian culture and talent to the Biggest Little City.

It’s not just nostalgia that makes her recruit from the islands. “There’s good talent there. There’s great soccer talent there and I trust and know a lot of club coaches and because of that connection, I trust what they have to say. When the coach learns what you’re trying to build in your program and at your university, they will have a good idea of what kind of player you look to recruit over the years.”

“Not everything is always easy,” said Otagaki. “That’s exactly what I’m trying to teach these student-athletes. It won’t be easy, but you have a choice on how to learn from mistakes, and learn to be okay with that process.”

As a head coach, Otagaki says she has learned that it’s not just the players who have struggles outside of soccer. Being a mother while traveling constantly and keeping an eye on all of her players is just part of her own job.

“I think there’s a lot of growth that happens between ages 18 and 22 and to be a part of that growth is something that every coach wants to do. We want to teach them how to lead, and how to be strong and independent women.”

This year, Otagaki and the team began the season 3–0–1, the second-best start in program history. Regardless how the rest of the season turns out, she says she knows that her athletes need her to be a coach and a mentor even for life after soccer.

Photos and Reporting by Hugh Tomasello shared with the Reynolds Sandbox