Stewart Johnson
The girls’ soccer program at Carroll High School has been synonymous with success for more than 20 years. In that time frame, the program has won 15 district championships, been to 14 regional semifinals, 13 regional finals, six state semifinals, won three state championships and been state runner-up four times. Matt Colvin, the decorated head coach, has been here for all of it. Many of Colvin’s players have been so good that he’s seen several opt to leave Carroll early and enroll either in major college soccer programs or even professional teams. After having celebrated his 500th career victory in March, he continues to be the humble yet steady hand for Lady Dragon soccer.
WHEN I REALIZED…I had won 500 games as a coach, I thought, “I’m getting old.” It was a fantastic night. Former Carroll coaches came out to share the moment. To have the players, parents and current coaches there also meant the world.
I STARTED COACHING… as an assistant high school soccer coach at Lewisville High School in 2000. I was then hired in 2001 as the head girls coach at Carroll, and I’ve been here ever since.
TO BE A COACH MEANS… to fulfill others’ needs, while giving [the athletes] the tools and providing an environment where they can be successful.
COACHING HAS HELPED ME … with time management and organization, for sure. Most importantly, coaching has taught me to take care of those around me first. Coaching has shaped me into the person I am today.
A MOMENT THAT STANDS OUT... is a 2005 playoff win against Plano West. We won in penalty [shots], and that propelled us to the regional tournament in the highest classification.
THERE WERE ALSO…some very vivid memories of all the state championship games. Those are unforgettable.
A HEARTBREAKING PLAYOFF LOSS I’VE HAD… is all of them. You hate to see the tears of disappointment from any teenager who has poured their heart and soul into something. The way in which we lost this year will sting for a while.
THE 2025 TEAM WAS UNIQUE BECAUSE… the girls had an incredible connection with one another. That doesn’t happen organically – that must be continually worked on and monitored. Our seniors did an unbelievable job of fostering relationships. Every year, the makeup of that particular team is different. What set this year’s team apart was their connections with one another, on and off the field.
MY COACHING STAFF… all brought something to the team this year. Lady Dragon Soccer has been blessed with a handful of assistants that were once head coaches or have turned down head coaching opportunities. Their commitment and loyalty are major pieces of our program’s success.
EVERY YEAR I TRY TO… focus on commitment, competitiveness, player load and being detail-oriented.
WORKING HARD CAN BE… fun. The most important thing is that the players have enjoyment in what they are doing.
I LOOK UP TO… Pep Guardiola, head coach at Manchester City in the English Premier League. He has set the bar in coaching on the world stage. What makes Pep great is his ability to instill his style of play, discipline and principles everywhere he has coached. League play, Cup play, Champions League – wherever he goes, his teams win.
I AM HUMBLED… to be just a small part of an amazing community. I am very grateful to have been a part of the Southlake community for the last 24 years. I have been lucky to have met many colleagues, friends and mentors. The high expectations and support system of Southlake is what fuels all of its success.