Photo: Longtime youth league soccer coach Jorge Ndong (pictured at center) was introduced as Westbrook Christian boys soccer coach on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Pictured with Ndong are assistant coaches Zyler Higgins (left) and Tyson Simon. (Chris McCarthy/Messenger)
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor
Westbrook Christian has a new director for the school’s boys soccer program.
Jorge Ndong, a longtime youth league coach in the area, was introduced as the Warriors’ head coach on Wednesday, Sept. 18 in the school’s gymnasium.
Ndong has coached competitive youth boys soccer since 2016 with the Rainbow City-based Fusion/Alabama Rush clubs. His teams won nine state championships at various age levels during that span. He also coached girls teams the last two years, with one of his 2023 squads finishing as state runner-up.
The Westbrook faithful need not be concerned about Ndong’s level of commitment.
“I eat, breathe and live soccer,” he said. “I hope that I can share that passion here at Westbrook. I’m not saying we’re going to win a championship this season, but we’re going to set a solid foundation and build from there. I appreciate what Coach (Danny) Dunlap has done the past few seasons, and I just hope to continue the stability and success and pass it on to the next coach.”
A native of Equatorial Guinea in Africa, Ndong moved to the United States in 2010, where he attended Georgia State University on a soccer scholarship. After graduating, he relocated to Gadsden to be closer to his girlfriend and future wife, who was attending Gadsden State at the time.
“She told me to move here, so I moved,” he said with a laugh. “I didn’t know what I was getting into at first, but I’m glad I made that decision, because I love it here. [Westbrook] really feels like home, and I’m definitely excited about the opportunity.”
In addition to having coached several current Westbrook players in the Rush league, Ndong worked as a high school soccer referee the past several years.
“I always liked how the Westbrook kids carries themselves,” he said. “I think a lot of that has to do with it being a Christian school where everybody is really nice and welcomes you with open arms.”
Dunlap stepped down after two years at Westbrook. During his tenure, Dunlap guided the Warriors to 26 wins and consecutive berths in the Final Four state tournament in Huntsville. His 2022 team finished as the Class 3A state runner-up.
“I want to thank Coach Dunlap for his commitment to our soccer program and the great job he’s done,” said WCS athletic director and head football coach Steve Smith. “Coach Jorge has a tremendous reputation within the soccer community in this area, and he’s coached a lot of our kids at some point in time. I think he’ll be a great addition to our staff. I’m also thankful for [assistant coaches) Tyson Simon and Zyler Higgins for helping with both the previous and future soccer staffs. I think the future for our boys’ soccer program is bright.”