Buffalo Wild Wings September 2017 Coach of the Month: Rob Kurtz, Bethesda-Chevy Chase Girls Soccer

Rob Kurtz, who has coached the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School girls soccer team to an 8-0 start this season, is the County Sports Zone/Buffalo Wild Wings Coach of the Month for September!

Coach Kurtz is a native of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He played multiple sports in high school, as well as college baseball at Rutgers University.

Coach Kurtz got his start working in Montgomery County as a counselor at Westland Middle School. He was asked if he would be willing to coach either of the school's soccer teams.

"I'd coached many different sports throughout my life- not soccer specifically, but I had played, so I wasn't going to say no to that," Coach Kurtz said. "It kind of fell upon me, but I've loved every minute of it."

After coaching at Westland for a couple years, Coach Kurtz was approached about taking on the same position at B-CC, the high school that Westland's students attend. Coach Kurtz accepted and began working with the Barons in 2001. He's also been able to keep coaching at Westland- soccer is a spring sport for middle schools in Montgomery County, which has put him in the unique position of being able to coach some of his players for up to six years.

The Barons have thrived during Coach Kurtz's tenure with the team. The program has won five MPSSAA state titles, as well as one co-state championship, with the team's most recent triumph coming in 2011.

This year's Barons' team looks like it could be in the same class as those championship teams. B-CC has outscored opponents 34-2 during this early win streak.

"This year's group has incredible depth. To be able to have six forwards, six midfielders, four center backs, two goalies and four wingbacks that you can sub in freely without concern, there's nothing better," Coach Kurtz said. "We can run any of our players against any opponent at any time, which helps keep everyone fresh."

In Coach Kurtz, the Barons have a leader that's very personable and approachable.

"He's very supportive, and whenever you have a question you can ask him. He always wants to help us get better," senior defender Alex Fine said. "As a coach, it's really important to not be super intense all the time, and he does a great job with that. He knows when to be serious, but also when we need a break and to have fun."

His willingness to help his players also goes beyond improving their skills on the field.

"When I was going through my college process, he was one of the key elements," senior defender Caroline Ward said. "He helped me communicate with different schools, getting to know other coaches and finding good opportunities to play at the collegiate level."

To Coach Kurtz, coaching and helping students figure out what they want to do go hand in hand. For him, it's the best part about being an educator.

"We've been lucky to have a lot of kids go off to play college soccer," Coach Kurtz said. "When they come back and have these amazing professions it motivates you. To see them transition from being seventh graders all the way to being successful adults is just special."

For being named County Sports Zone/Buffalo Wild Wings Coach of the Month, Coach Kurtz received a gift certificate, bottle of sauce and hat from Buffalo Wild Wings, as well as a County Sports Zone t-shirt.

Email Wick Eisenberg at weisenberg@countysportszone.com with the subject line "Coach of the Month Nomination" to nominate a coach for this award!

Congratulations to Coach Kurtz!