From the Bench: BHS Sports Program Going Back to Future with Bridgeport Grad on Board as New Coach
By Jeff Toquinto on June 16, 2024 from Sports Blog
When a particular sports program is not only a regular challenger for state championships, but already has a title to its name and a pair of runner-up finishes, there is always diligence when hiring a new coach. Such is the case with the latest hire for Bridgeport High School.
On June 6, the Harrison County Board of Education approved the recommendation of a new coach for the girls’ soccer team. And the name if a familiar one to the program, as well as soccer throughout the community.
Olivia Arbogast has assumed the reigns of the program. She is taking over from Sam McKinney, who was hired in June of 2020.
Why is the name familiar? For starters, Arbogast served as an assistant coach with McKinney for the last two years.
Arbogast is also a 2019 graduate of Bridgeport High School, playing on several successful teams. She was solid enough to go on to play for Fairmont State University her freshman year but left the sport in a competition capacity during the wiped out 2020 year due to COVID.
“I’ve also coached youth soccer here and there while in college,” said Arbogast. “I’d coach a U-10 or U-12 team and help out with the kids. I did that because I love coaching.”
BHS Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Tom Sears is glad to have her on board. He said he anticipates a continuation, and growth, in the program’s success.
“She did very well in her interview for the position,” said Sears. “We’re excited because we think she’ll bring a familiarity to the program that will be beneficial and, at the same tie, continue as well as build on what Coach McKinney did.”
The path to build on the foundation in place is already being traveled. Arbogast was given the okay to coach by the Board of Education on Thursday, June 6. On Monday, June 10, Arbogast was leading the team in their first set of summer flex practice sessions allowed by the 
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“Right now, we’re focusing on just getting back into shape and seeing where everyone is after club play,” said Arbogast, a 3rd grade teacher at Victory Elementary School. “We’re also focusing on the unity of the team and come July we’ll start working on more on fitness as opposed to technical aspects and how we move on the field together. When we start full-time practice in August, we’re hoping it all comes together.”
Arbogast, not far removed from playing at her alma mater she is now coaching, is confident at the ripe old age of 22.
“Knowing soccer from my past and understanding the game made me confident to go after the position,” said Arbogast. “I will do my part as a coach to put this team in position to win, but it’s always about the players and what I’ve seen from those who are back and what I’ve seen in the early practices is all positive.
“They have so much heart and want,” she continued. “They have made it easy as an assistant and early as the coach that they make you want to lead them.”
Although 22, Arbogast – as noted – already has several years of coaching under her belt. She has also been playing in Bridgeport since she was 10.
“I played all the way through high school in Bridgeport,” said Arbogast, who is engaged to Tylynn Smith. “I’m excited to have been involved with the program for the last two years and even more excited to take over as coach.
“There are changes from assistant to head coach and you have to learn, adjust to the ins and outs of that,” she continued. “One thing that has been great is that all of the (Big 10) Conference coaches have been amazing with help and guidance.”
Arbogast said she was hired for the assistant gig after learning about it from her father. Her father found out due to McKinney mentioning the job opening to him.
“I didn’t want to miss that opportunity,” she said. “I’m glad I didn’t. I genuinely enjoy coaching.”
Ironically, Arbogast was not sure if she would at first. The reason stemmed from her earlier coaching.
“I absolutely loved teaching the little ones and teaching things at such an early, developmental level,” she said. “I just wasn’t sure about high school because my experience coaching and professionally as an elementary school teacher has been with young kids. I am glad I listened to what my head was telling me because coaching high school has been incredible.”
Now, the initial goal is to make the experience for the 2024 team incredible as well. And Arbogast thinks it is possible.
“We have a talented team coming back, a lot of players with experience. The one thing you never know about is injuries but if we avoid injuries and get everyone on the same page, this team can go the places it wants to go to,” she said. “The biggest thing is that they enjoy soccer.
“I know high school could be the last time playing for many of them, but a few will continue to play,” Arbogast continued. “No matter what stage of their soccer career it is, I want them to put everything into their season and be able to say their effort resulted in positive accomplishments and memories.”
The BHS season-opening contest is August 24 vis. Herbert Hoover at 11 a.m. The game will be played at Wayne Jamison Field.
BHS last won a state championship in 2012 with a win vs. Fairmont Senior. The Tribe was runner-up in 2013 and 2014.
Editor's Note: Photos of Olivia Arbogast by Joe LaRocca are from the first day of Flex Day practices June 10.
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