Following the boys varsity soccer team concluded their season with a controversial playoff loss to BCC, head coach Hector Morales announced his retirement. Just a few games earlier Morales got his 200th win as a coach.

Morales came to Walter Johnson in 2013 from Sherwood High School, his alma matter, where he was an All-American his senior year and coached them to back-to-back state championships in 2004 and 2005. He established a winning culture at WJ, having successful season after successful season, as he eventually led the wildcats to the state championship in 2016. Morales retires as one of the most successful coaches in the area with 200 total wins and three state championships.

Multiple players commented on Morales’ impact.

Alejandro Linares

“Hector has been one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. He was more than just a coach. He inspired us, led us, and treated us like family. Without him, our team wouldn’t have been the family we created, nor would we have been a state championship contending team.”

Fernando Ibarra

“Coach Hector was the most influential coach in my soccer career. He’s a really smart coach that knows what he’s doing. Even though sometimes I don’t agree with his decisions I know that he does what’s best for the team. I wish him the best in life.”

Leo Dobosz

“Hector was the most important coach in my life. You wanted to win for that man. I respect and trust him so much, and he was the man that made me fall in love with this sport. You wanted to win for your school but also for him. I’ll never forget him for the shot he gave me my freshman year, he is the man.”