Carrick: 'We’ve been very successful at soccer here at Sycamore because of Dave'
SYCAMORE – After leading the Sycamore girls soccer program to 253 wins, 12 regional titles and two appearances at state, coach David Lichamer decided it was time to move on.
His decision to leave the Spartans surprised Sycamore Athletic Director, Chauncey Carrick.
What wasn’t up for debate was Lichamer’s impact on the program.
“He’s done a great job,” Carrick said. “He took a group of girls, brought them along and made sure the talent was in the right direction and continued that upward trend. He’s won three trophies – that shows how good of a coach he is.
“We’ve been very successful at soccer here at Sycamore because of Dave.”
Lichamer took over the helm in 2002, leading the Spartans to a 253-97-27 record in 16 seasons. Sycamore finished fourth in the state in 2009 and took third in 2016.
The Spartans finished this past season with an overall record of 20-3, marking the third most wins in a season under Lichamer. The 2018 campaign came to an end against Crystal Lake in a semifinal of the Class 2A Rochelle Sectional, 3-2, in overtime.
Lichamer did not respond to interview requests.
“He didn’t really give me a reason,” Carrick said. “He just said he thought it was time and I’m not sure. It caught me off guard. …I understand when you’ve done something for 15 years, it can get overwhelming. I also understand how much success he’s had in the position.”
Carrick is hopeful Lichamer stays involved around the program. Lichamer works as a physical education teacher at Sycamore Middle School.
“I honestly don’t know what his plans are,” Carrick said. “He teaches at the middle school – so, we would love to have Dave be part of the soccer program in some capacity still.”
Despite only playing under him for two seasons, Sycamore sophomore Kierah Meier said Lichamer was a major influence on her and the Spartans.
“Within those two seasons, he helped me not only with my soccer ability but my physical ability, as well,” Meier said. “He was tough on our conditioning…as tough as it was, I could really tell how much he impacted me in the season.”
Senior Ella Holland, a Northern Kentucky signee, said Lichamer helped prepare her for the next level.
"His coaching style has given me a new perspective of the game," Holland said.
Lichamer also coached the Sycamore boys team for 14 seasons from 2000-2014. He compiled a 171-118-30 record, claiming five regional titles and a second-place finish in 2005.
Carrick said he hopes to hire a new girls coach before the start of the 2018-19 school year, but added he isn’t committed to that timeline.
“We want somebody who is obviously extremely knowledgeable with high energy,” Carrick said. “Whoever is our next head coach is not getting the empty cupboard – there’s lots of talent. … We want to make sure we do our due diligence with this hire.
“The next coach should be able to take the girls, put them in the right spot and keep them going in this upward direction.”