Above all else, Mercer Island girls soccer coach Ryan Camden wants his girls to come together.

“Unity is the main focus. Once we have a unit, the opportunities are endless,” said the first-year coach. “If we come together as one program, if everyone is sticking to plan, then we’re going to be successful. That’s the goal.”

Camden takes over at the helm for the departing Terry Ryan. He’s served as the JV coach for the past three years, working under Ryan and Ryan’s predecessor, Nicole Nelson.

Camden said the Islanders will look to build from the back this season, with the team’s strength coming on the defensive end. His philosophy is once establishing a solid defense, a solid offense will come.

“The team wants to get to the playoffs, their dreams are high,” he said. “I told the girls that if you put in the work and stick to the plan, come together as one unit and one team, you will meet those team goals this year. If everyone wants it and is dedicated, everything else will fall into place.”

Camden plans to carry a slimmer varsity roster and bigger JV squad to serve as a message that no one’s varsity spot is safe. He said when it comes to those varsity spots, everyone has to come in day-in and day-out and prove themselves to their coaches and teammates.

“Every single player has an expectation and a role and duty they try to perfect,” he said. “They have jobs and assignments in practices that carry into games. We have high expectations this year, but when everyone’s committed, we can definitely succeed and get where we want to go.”