Riverside High School officially announced Douglas Fowler as the new head varsity boys soccer coach on Monday. Fowler has been with Riverside’s JV program for the past six years.
“I feel pride right now, that’s the word I would use,” said Fowler. “I feel like this is the natural step for me. What has been built here at this school, with this soccer program, it’s incredible, and it’s certainly not broken. We want this to be a continuation of that."
Fowler replaces Scott Columbia, the five-time state champion head coach who announced his departure over the summer. Fowler knows it's a large pair of shoes to fill. But he is more than up for the task.
“It’s really like a poison chalice, if you will, wanting to pick things up where it left off,” said Fowler. “Scott [Columbia] did such a tremendous job in his time here. It’s kind of like [current Liverpool FC manager] Arne Slot taking over for Jurgen Klopp. One guy just got to the point where he didn’t want to do it anymore, so someone else gets to come in and give it a go.”
Riverside athletic director says he’s thrilled to hire Fowler. The key? Fowler’s deep familiarity with the program.
“Douglas has been a part of this program for six years. He’s coached on JV almost every player from our past five state title-winning teams,” said Hardy. “So if there’s anyone who knows what it takes for players to be successful at the varsity level, it’s him.”
Fowler will be assisted by Ricardo Cabrera, another key component to Riverside’s recent success. Cabrera was a right-hand man for Columbia during the five-year state title run.
Fowler had the chance to meet with the current Riverside roster and potential new players on Monday afternoon.
He can’t wait to get started and get the soccer ball rolling on the 2026 season.
“‘I’m kind of disappointed that it’s still four months away from getting started,” said Fowler. “I’m chomping at the bit to get to work.”
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