The Newtown High School soccer sideline will feature a familiar yet new coach this coming fall. Adam Bourret has been named the head coach of the girls’ program. Bourret will be new to this group of Nighthawks but brings with him a wealth of experience and familiarity at Blue & Gold Stadium. Bourret previously served as an assistant with the NHS boys’ program and, before that, was the junior varsity coach and varsity assistant at Joel Barlow of Redding, one of Newtown’s foes in the South-West Conference.

“Having Adam take over the program immediately puts the program in a really good spot. His demeanor, his personality, his knowledge of the game, just the way he relates to kids — I just think that will benefit this program immensely,” Newtown High Athletic Director Matt Memoli said.

“I am extremely excited. I’m very thankful for Matt Memoli to give me the opportunity and I am happy to be a part of this program,” said Bourret, who has spent the last 14 years in a high school soccer coaching role.

“It’s the opportunity I’ve been looking for,” said Bourret, adding that he is looking forward to shaping the program.

“Energy and excitement, and making sure our players are getting better from day one throughout their careers,” is what Bourret plans to bring to the field.

His first four seasons were with Berlin High School girls’ soccer as a varsity assistant, followed by seven seasons at Joel Barlow. For his most recent coaching assignment, he has been an integral member of the resurgence of the Newtown High School boys’ soccer program as the junior varsity and varsity assistant coach.

Bourret’s playing days are long behind him, but he found much enjoyment and success as a member of his high school team. He attended Granby Memorial High School and won the 2001 Class S State Championship. Bourret said he learned the value and importance of leadership during his high school career, and was elected captain during his senior year.

Bourret has taught Physical Education and Health in Easton for the past 12 years at both the middle and elementary school levels. He has worked hard to establish himself as a member of the community and takes great pride in building positive rapport with his students. Bourret said his work as a teacher has taught him a lot about team building and creating a culture which he will apply to the program.

Soccer is soccer, but there are differences between girls’ and boys’ soccer, Bourret recognizes, specifically the pace of play and physicality. There will be more of an opportunity to focus on tactical aspects of the game and technique with the girls, Bourret anticipates.

The new coach said he knows the Nighthawks — whom his wife, Becky, has helped coach as an assistant — are committed and have had a long run of success in the SWC, something he will look to continue.

“We want to be at the top of the SWC and put ourselves in a good position when the state draw comes out,” Bourret said.

Bourret received his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Central Connecticut State University. He then completed his master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University. And he earned an educational leadership from University of Bridgeport. Bourret has his E license from the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association and a Level I Goalkeeping Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. He is also a registered athletic administrator through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.

Adam Bourret and his wife Becky, head coach of the NHS girls’ indoor and outdoor track and field teams, live in town and have two future Nighthawks: Kennedy and Dempsey.

Youth soccer players ranging from rising third graders through freshmen may sign up for the Future Nighthawk Girls' Soccer Camp Bourret is running through Newtown Parks and Recreation. The camp will take place at NHS July 31 through August 3, from 9 am to noon. Cost is $180. Register through Newtown Parks and Recreation.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.