Erik Lane anticipates a lot of things when he’s standing on the sidelines coaching his Captain Shreve girls soccer team to yet another victory.
But the extraordinary coach wasn’t expecting an ice bath from his players Monday night immediately following his team’s 8-0 victory over Northwood just outside Lee Hedges Stadium. Thankfully, it came on a balmy night and signified reaching a bar few soccer coaches reach.
But a cold bath is just what his team ordered after Lane reached his historic 700th career victory on his team’s opening night contest of his 35th season of trying to coax his charges to see the field the same way he sees it.
“Numbers are numbers and it comes down to 35 years of having great kids, great administrations, great staffs and schools to work with … extremely supportive parents,” Lane said. “None of this happens without all that. And talented kids. You can be the greatest coach ever and not win if you don’t have talent.”
And his 2025-26 team has plenty of talent and depth. Against the Lady Falcons, goals were scored by Sarina Miller (3), Maddie Penwell (2), Bailey Mandigo, Claire Embry, Bella Becnel with Ryleigh Cram adding an assist and Izzy Vowell pitching a shutout in the net.
“I’m glad I’m part of this huge accomplishment for him,” said Penwell, Lane’s latest athlete to sign a college scholarship. “He’s been one of the best coaches I’ve had. The Byrd-Shreve game is always one of the most fun games even though it’s the most stressful. It’s high intensity and a lot of work.”
Part of Monday’s celebration included the team coming across the field en masse carrying giant balloon numbers that evolved in the strong wind to read “007” rather than “700.” The athletes sang a poor rendition of “Happy 700th win” to the tune of “Happy Birthday.”
Lane has picked up 141 of his coaching wins at Captain Shreve after moving here several years ago from Texas due to a family situation. His other 559 victories came across the Texas line at Spring, Brenham and Langham Creek High Schools. He also spent a couple of seasons coaching at the University of Houston.
Retired from the Texas public school system, Lane teaches social studies at Captain Shreve and thrives on his overall 700-204-131 record.
“I’ve been extremely lucky at places I’ve been — especially with my timing,” Lane said. “When I’ve arrived, we’ve shot up. My assistants have done tons of unheralded, behind-the-scenes work. Emily Bush has been here with me the whole time and she’s been fantastic.”
Among memorable milestones Lane mentioned No. 100, No. 500 and No. 600.
“You never forget No. 100 and No. 500 the school district I was in at the time made a big deal out of it,” he said. “No. 600 was the sweetest. That’s when we beat Byrd in January of 2021.”
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Find out what Captain Shreve’s Erik Lane endured to get win No. 700
