By Brandon Petersen

Karam Idris knows a thing or two about Westcliff Soccer.

A year ago, Idris — the Warriors' captain — turned in an unforgettable season.

The team's Offensive Player of the Year led the Cal Pac in assists (12) and led Westcliff to the first team playoff appearance in the history of the university. 

During those playoffs, Idris was the first Warrior in history to score a postseason goal, which led to the first postseason victory in Westcliff history. 

In the spring, Idris walked with his classmates during graduation, having earned his bachelor's degree, completing his Westcliff journey. 

Or so we thought. 

Graduating alongside Idris a year ago was a large group of soccer seniors, many starters and major contributors to the playoff team. 

Still waiting for Quentin Hornung to hit the pitch this season, and having lost Justin Devlin to a season-ending injury, the only other major contributor from last season putting in minutes this year is Silva Mosue.

In other words, the Warriors are a young team, and with Devlin gone, they are in need of added leadership. 

Enter Idris. 

"I'd spoken to Karam some time ago about joining the coaching staff because of the energy and passion he brings," Westcliff head coach Tom Lancaster said. "He was a leader for us last year as a player and will continue to be a leader as a coach.

"The fact that he is not far removed from the program means he has a close connection with the players — I am delighted things managed to align. He will bring a winning mentality and offer mentorship and guidance to a young and talented squad."

Idris came to Westcliff out of a junior college in Philadelphia, and while he had captained there, it wasn't until he reached Westcliff that he found himself a part of an athletic family. 

"The culture we created, the togetherness, was unmatched from anything I had been a part of before," Idris said. "The odds were stacked against us. We were a first-year program and we never had the time to find our identity. But we took misfortune and used it to our advantage. We faced adversity from Day 1 to the last week of the season, when we played four away games in a row. Against all odds, we qualified and competed in the postseason, even though the majority of the season we were counted out. 

"I'm sure everyone on the roster will remember that season most fondly down the line."

After Westcliff's season ended with a physical, 2-0 loss to Marymount, it was as if Idris flipped the switch then, from player to coach, as he took over the postseason huddle and gave an electrifying speech aimed at the seniors' successors.

He asked them to remember how they felt, and to use it to fuel them. He told them to take over the culture, and continue what his class had started.

Idris spoke with incredible passion, and it was obvious to anyone who witnessed the moment just how much the season, and the team, had meant to its captain. 

Idris remained around the program this fall, in fan capacity, as a consistent fixture at matches, but when Devlin went down in a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to NAIA No. 10 OUAZ, Idris decided to return to the sideline.

"Justin's injury was a catalyst for me to come back," Idris said. "When I handed him the armband last spring, we shared similar goals for the program, as well as personality traits.

"Justin represented the best he could, and will continue to do so. Just showing up on game days speaks volumes of his leadership, as well as his new responsibilities off the field."

Last Sunday was Idris' first game with the team. 

Besides standing on the sideline and being dressed as a coach, not much had changed. He helped lead the same way he did a year ago. 

His coaching style is tactical and motivational, and overwhelmingly positive.

"I've been a constant supporter of what we started from the ground up," Idris said. "I understand the sacrifices these guys made to be here. I'm confident I can provide the tools and help create an environment for these guys to be successful."

This season, the Cal Pac is formatted differently, and each game has heightened importance because it represents the lone matchup with an opponent for the entire season. 

In essence, every game defines a potential playoff tie-breaker.

Idris believes the Warriors are up to the task.

"My expectation for the team is to give all every game," he said. "The set-up is different this year, the stakes are much higher, but the lads can handle the pressure."