Who is Mr. Soares?
Name:
Mr. James Soares
Birthday:
March 5th & 6th
College:
CSU Fresno
Degree:
Mathematics
Degree:
I.T. Graphic Design
Masters:
Education Administration
Favorite Book:
Lord of the Rings
Favorite Movies: Braveheart, Star Wars
Favorite Food:
Almost Anything
Favorite Quotes:
“But I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear - is that moment when he has to work his heart out in a good cause and he's exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.” Vince Lombardi
“Any coward can fight a battle when he’s sure of winning; but give me the man who has pluck to fight when he’s sure of losing. That’s my way, sir; and there are many victories worse than defeat.”
George Eliot/Mary Ann Evans
Favorite Music:
Almost anything except most hip/hop rap music. I just don’t get it.
A long time ago in a state far, far away...
I was born in New Jersey many moons ago. My father was in the military and my mother was a “domestic engineer”. I have two older brothers that I always looked up to my entire life. Like most military families we move around quite a bit.
When I was 4 years old we moved to Okinawa (Japan). After spending a brief period in Asia, we moved back to the USA. Fort Ord (Monterey) was the first place my dad was placed when he got back to the USA. He was later stationed at Fort Hunter Liggett which was approximately 1.5 hours south of Monterey. He bought a home in King City and that is basically where I grew up. I was 6 years old at that time.
I eventually graduated from King City High School in 1986 and decided to attend CSU Fresno. I obtained my first degree in Industrial Technology, Graphic Design. While I was working after college at a Printing Company, I also became interested in coaching. I started coaching volleyball at Clovis West High School with my friend. I was only an assistant coach for a girls JV team. It then dawned on me that I enjoyed coaching and helping out athletes/students. I then decided to go back and obtain a 2nd Major. The 2nd Major was in Mathematics. All my college friends thought I was crazy, and maybe I was at the time, but I was determined to teach. I loved mathematics in High School and later wondered why I never pursued this my first time in college.
I eventually finished my Mathematics Major and at the same time obtained my teaching credential. Throughout this time period I was coaching year around, quit my job from the printing company, and was ready to teach. In the Spring of 1996 I applied for a teaching job at several locations. Three districts contacted me: Visalia, Sanger, and Clovis. My goal was to work at Clovis West. At that time there were no openings for Mathematics Teachers at CW. I then got in contact with a coach at Buchanan High School, Paul Wilson. Paul Wilson was the head coach for Boy’s Volleyball and desperately need someone else on campus to help him coach. Paul Wilson introduced me to several people to set up an interview and the rest was history. Eventually I became the head coach for Boy’s Volleyball and Central Cal Volleyball Club (Boy’s).
The graduating class of 2000 was the last year I coached volleyball at the varsity level. I wanted to go back to school to obtain my Masters in Education. In 2003 I graduated from college (again), but this time with a Masters Degree.
Since then I have enjoyed my time at Buchanan teaching and creating new relationships with new students every year. People have asked why I didn’t get into Administration and my response is...”I enjoy being around the students...who knows maybe I will give it a shot”.
Lately another chapter has been added to my life and that is coaching Cross Country and Track. In the Spring of 2006 Mr. Simpson asked me to help him out during track. I agreed and have enjoyed the opportunity that Coach Simpson and Coach Weaver have given me to work along with them.