Paradice New VHS Soccer Coach
Courtesy of VHS
Vidalia High School wasted little time filling its head coaching position for the soccer programs, announcing the hiring of former standout Dakota Paradice to lead both the boys’ and girls’ teams. A proud graduate of Vidalia High School, Paradice, who completed his studies in 2013, has spent the past five years as the head coach of the South Effingham boys’ soccer program, where he has amassed an impressive total of sixty-two wins. During his tenure, the Mustangs made four playoff appearances and maintained an undefeated record against their rivals, Effingham County. Additionally, he has successfully coached several players who have moved on to compete at the collegiate level, as well as in Europe and professionally.
“I’m incredibly excited to come home to Vidalia, not just as a coach, but as someone who was shaped by this school, this town, and this community,” Paradice shared. “This place made me who I am, and now I feel called to give back everything I’ve learned.”
Vidalia High School Athletic Director Tommy Dalley expressed enthusiasm about Paradice’s return, stating, “We’re thrilled to announce that Coach Dakota Paradice will be returning home to take over the Indian soccer programs. We have full confidence in his leadership abilities, competitive spirit, and tremendous teaching skills. Coach Paradice is the perfect fit to guide our teams to new heights, and we’re excited to see what the future holds under his direction.”
A four-year starter for the Indians, Paradice played a pivotal role in leading his team to a Region Championship and an Elite 8 appearance. As he prepares to coach both the boys’ and girls’ programs, he acknowledges that this will be his first experience coaching a girls’ soccer team, but he is more than ready for the challenge. “Talent is talent, and toughness doesn’t wear a label. I’m here to coach athletes, and we’re going to build something that competes with anyone, anywhere,” he declared.
Leaving South Effingham, where he has formed strong bonds with players, families, and colleagues over the past few years, was a tough decision. Paradice reflected on this emotional transition, saying, “It’s been hard, no doubt. But the opportunity to lead the Indians, where I once wore the jersey myself, was something I couldn’t pass up.”
Not only was Paradice recognized as an All-Region selection as a goalkeeper in his senior year, but he also made contributions as the place-kicker for the Indian football team, notably kicking a 48-yard field goal and becoming the second leading scorer on a team that won the Region Championship. He believes that hard work is the key to success and outlines his coaching philosophy: “My coaching philosophy is simple: cocky in expectations, confident in preparation, and humble in results. I believe in high standards, not arrogance. We don’t expect greatness because we’re entitled to it. We expect it because we’re willing to work for it every single day.”
