Tiffany Van Hoose '14: Coaching Soccer in Abilene

Tiffany Was Recently Named Head Girls’ Soccer Coach at Abilene High School

After an impressive career as a standout defender for the Hardin-Simmons University Women’s soccer team, Tiffany Van Hoose '14 has accepted the position of head girls’ soccer coach at Abilene High School. 

At Hardin-Simmons, Tiffany was a 4-year starter and helped the team reach the NCAA tournament all four years with two Sweet Sixteen appearances and one Final Four appearance. Having met her long-time boyfriend Matt Pitcock while at HSU, the couple has coached several club soccer teams in Abilene together as well as worked as instructors at several soccer camps across the state.

Tiffany comes to Abilene High, a 5A public school, from Wylie where she has been teaching fifth-grade science and social studies at West Junior High School. In a recent interview with Abilene ISD News, Tiffany stated, “I am extremely excited to be the next head coach at Abilene High School. This is a fantastic opportunity for me, and I’m honored to be able to lead these girls on the field, in the classroom, and the real world. I’m ready to bring my knowledge and experiences to the girls to be able to create my own culture of success.”

TIFFANY AT FWC

Tiffany spent 16 years at FWC, and her mom, Mrs. Whitney Van Hoose, continues teaching in the Science department at FWC. Tiffany played all 4 years on the Cardinal Soccer team. Alongside Cannon Jones, she was also voted “Most Likely to Go Pro" and shared the "Most Spirited" award with Josh Leaks. Josh added his congratulations to Tiffany:

"Congrats on this new position Tiff. Seems like yesterday we were planning some ridiculous scheme to get morale up around the birdcage. From after-game bus ride chants during soccer to you and your mom sideline screaming at football games, spirit was always something you never lacked. I know the girls that you’ll be coaching this up-and-coming season are gonna have the time of their lives. Best of luck and well deserved. #BBCG”

Josh Leaks '14

Recently, we reached out to Tiffany to ask a few questions after learning of her new role at Abilene High. 

How did your FWC education prepare you for life now?

In college, I felt significantly more prepared than many of my other classmates. Through basic knowledge, study habits, and especially in my classes. FWC allowed me to build confidence to talk to my peers, professors, and other adults in any situation. I also built a firm foundation in my faith through FWC, and was able to carry Christ with me through any circumstance that was thrown at me. I felt prepared for life from my time at FWC! 

When you think back on your time at FWC, what did you love most about Fort Worth Christian?

When I think back on my time at FWC, I loved the community and family aspects. Whether you were an athlete, in band, or did academic team, there was always a place for you. It broke the social norm of only having “one place” to belong, because there were many students that participated in multiple activities. I loved the fluidity of friendships and belongingness. I also loved the opportunity to go on mission trips to other cities and countries. I was able to go to Peru twice, and both times were incredible. These are not opportunities most schools or students are able to participate in, so I was extremely fortunate to be able to share God’s love in these forms. It gives you a deeper appreciation of God’s creation with hiking around Machu Picchu, and of God’s love through the simplicity and joyfulness of life. 

Who were some of the teachers and coaches during your time at FWC that left an impact on your life? 

This is a difficult question . . .I loved every single one of my teachers. From elementary all the way through high school. But I would have to say my favorite teacher was Mr. Hensley. My sophomore Bible class was the one I refer to most often. The topics discussed put me out of my comfort zone, in good ways, and made me think about and defend my faith in ways I hadn’t thought about before. I came out of that class with a deeper understanding and appreciation of my faith. We talked about different religions and their beliefs, which I believe is essential in being able to connect to others, as well as why Christianity is the way that it is. One of my most memorable questions he asked our class was “if I showed up in jeans at church, would you be okay with that?” It was probably the most divided the class has been, and mind you this was only 10 years ago- many people saying a dress code was essential, while others saying who cares what he’s wearing, he’s here to worship. It made us all think about what is truly important- what you look like, or where your heart is focused? My favorite coaches were Brenda Andress and Collin Madding. Coach Madding was gracious, encouraging, a fierce competitor, and made me laugh all the time. "Coach A" ALWAYS did the work with us- if we had to run laps, you can bet she was running with us and beating us!! I gained a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for her. And I am excited to get to work with her at Abilene High now too! But now we transition into being co-workers, co-coaches, and friends.

What would you say to a prospective student considering joining Fort Worth Christian? 

Do it! You will be a better person for it- a better student, a more confident athlete, and a stronger Christian. You will be well-rounded and well prepared for the “real world.”