A new coach is coming to the ACU, but it is not what any were expecting. Ted Lasso will be coaching next season for men’s basketball.
Many know Ted Lasso from his successful Apple TV show “Ted Lasso,” and is a fan favorite among many soccer and American football fans. He has decided yet again to jump into a different sport in hopes of continuing his success.
“I thought since I have done this jump before, why not do it again,” said Lasso. “As the man once said, the harder you work, the luckier you get.”
ACU decided to sign Lasso after his win for AFC Richmond against their rival, Manchester City, and finishing second overall in the tournament. This was a surprise win after the difficult times they faced in the starting games.
Lasso not only knew how to coach, but also how to make a team understand each other as a person. He made sure to check on his players and understand why they sometimes act out in the locker room or on the field. This has overall helped the players feel more connected as they play.
“I had my doubts at first, which is why I hired him, but he has done a wonderful job at changing everybody’s perspective, not only on the sport, but also of the people on and off the field at Richmond,” said Rebecca Welton, owner of AFC Richmond soccer team. “I will be terribly sad to see him leave, and I am already missing the biscuits in my office he would leave every morning.”
With having Lasso here, the school is hoping to have a successful season as the players will be able to grow and connect with one another.
“I am excited that he is joining the team over here,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university. “Not only is he famous and known for being a great team player, but he knows how to work to make a team understand and trust each other.”
The TV show has won multiple awards, including many Emmy and Golden Globe awards. Lasso is very happy about this success, but does not think that it has changed his mentality on the sport or in his personal life.
“I think that you might be so sure that you’re one in a million, that sometimes you forget that out there you’re just one in 11,” said Lasso.
Ted Lasso will be on campus this fall in preparations for the season. His preparations will be to see how the team plays, go in blind and with a good spirit, and with his motto: Believe.
