Ethan Baltier has spent much of his life devoted to soccer and now wants to give back and help young soccer players grow in the sport.
Baltier, a 2013 Midland High graduate and former head boys soccer coach at San Jacinto Junior High has been named the new head boys soccer coach at Legacy High School, the Reporter-Telegram has learned.
Baltier replaces Chris Bryant, who was promoted to a vice principal position at LHS last month after leading the Rebels to their second straight playoff appearance. Bryant had served as the Rebels’ coach from 2001-13 before returning to coaching at LHS in 2019.
“He’s been our head soccer coach at San Jacinto where he’s done a great job there,” said Midland ISD Executive Director of Athletics Blake Feldt. “He’s done some really good things and we’re really excited about the future of Legacy soccer. We’re very confident that he’s going to do a great job, and that’s why we hired him.”
Baltier said being a high school soccer coach is something that he has strived to do.
“It’s definitely something I’ve been working for,” he said. “I an grateful for the opportunity and I don’t play to take any of it for granted. I hope to lead this program to success in the future. I am grateful for those people throughout my life and coaching, who helped in getting me to where I am now.”
Baltier was a two-time all-district player for the Bulldogs in high school for then head coach Warren Cottle before going to Lubbock Christian University, where he played three years before graduating from Texas Tech University. He also played with Midland’s Farm of Professional Soccer FC in the United Premier Soccer League before getting into coaching.
“I’ve always wanted to help people, especially being around the sport,” said Baltier about coaching. “I’ve always been wanting to kind of show kids that there is a future with soccer. I got to play at the next level and I just want to show them that, hey this can happen for you.”
He said being the head coach at LHS will definitely be a new experience but added that not only will he look to carry on some of the things that Bryant did but also implement some of his own things into the program.
“(Bryant) actually coached me while going through club,” Baltier said. “He taught me the game and I was able to learn how he does things. He is definitely someone I will seek advice from as I will be able to see how I can keep this program moving forward and not down.
“It’s very exciting to take over this program, especially one that has made it to playoffs,” he added. “We’ll do well and I’m excited to see this team work hard. This team will fight for a high position in the standings and a playoff spot, so we can get on a roll and continue that success we’ve had in the past.”