It has been just over a month since Kris Kelderman was introduced as the new men's soccer coach at Green Bay. The Neenah, Wis. native is excited to be home and lead the Phoenix but also knows there will be challenges throughout his transition. He discussed that transition recently in an interview with GreenBayPhoenix.com.

Given the time of year you were hired, what has the past month been like for you both personally and professionally?

"It's been exciting and at the same time challenging, for both me and the players. The timing is not ideal but I knew that ahead of time. There is change whether we like to admit it or not. Even though there's a lot of unfamiliarity, there's also still a lot of excitement.

"Behind the scenes there are a lot of things that go on that people don't realize like ordering equipment and making sure it's in stock, making sure our incoming freshmen's needs are taking care of. There's a lot to do off the field in a short amount of time." (Kelderman's wife and two kids will be joining him in Wisconsin at the end of July.

What has been the biggest challenge for you throughout your first month?

"There are a lot of challenges because of timing but I think the biggest one is getting familiar with the roster, which is still unknown, and seeing what we can do on the field. There's been a lot of turnover whether it's due to graduation or a handful of guys transferring or injuries. So I'm trying to figure out which guys are in which positions and do it all on paper because things may change once we hit the field."

What did you tell your team the first time you met them?

"I have met a good number of guys and I'm still in the process of meeting everyone personally. I'd like to meet everyone in person before the first day of training, which is August 10. I hope they share the same excitement I do."

Does anything make you nervous heading into the season? If so what?

"I like to think of myself as a players' coach. First and foremost, I like to make sure the players have the proper resources available to have success whether that's on the field or off the field. There are a few things that still need to get done in a timely manner and I want to make sure the players have what they need so there is no room for excuses."

What are you most excited about as you begin this new stage in your career?

"I wish training started tomorrow. I'm really excited to see what we have as far as talent, character and attitudes. I've heard good things but with the large turnover it will be interesting to see which guys step up on the field."

When the team reports on August 9 and hits the practice field August 10, what will be the first thing you work on?

"I have emphasized to the players that they need to take their summer workout program very seriously. With the new players and new coaching staff coming in, the guys need to be fit so we can focus on playing. If everyone comes in tip-top shape we can focus on forming our team identity and getting to know each other and the staff."

Are you more of a defensive or offensive-minded coach and what is your bread and butter when it comes to coaching?

"There's a way or style how I like to do things but at the end of the day the players will decide that. For example, if we have some really exciting, attacking players with speed then we'll really want to emphasize a formation or style that plays to their strengths. If we're a team that's very good defensively and we can have some success looking to play on transition then that's something we need to adapt as well.

"In general I like to play exciting, possession-oriented soccer so first and foremost as a team it's important we're organized and very willing to help each other defensively and when we win the ball we keep it and be aggressive."

You haven't lived in Wisconsin since 2000 when you were here for a year. What did you miss the most while you were away?

"I didn't necessarily miss the snow but I do accept and understand how much we get and how often. It's home. My family and friends are still in the state and I feel like I'm more in a comfort zone being in my home state."

What do you feel at first glance will be the toughest challenge for this team this fall?

"For me as a coach it will be managing expectations. This program has had a lot of success over the past couple of years and we expect to keep the winning ways going both on and off the field. With added change comes uncertainty and there will be times when we're in the process of growing and there will be some bumps in the road.

"With every win it doesn't mean that we've perfected things and with every loss it doesn't mean we're on our way down. There will be ups and downs and we just have to manage them and stay even keel throughout the season, work hard and have confidence that we will have success by the end of the season."

What can fans expect to see from this year's squad under your leadership?

"The thing we want to make sure that is present with this group is that everyone is hard working and we'll do everything possible to garner success. That has been in place here, this is a group of winners and we want to maintain a winning environment with the players and compete with each other every day to get better.

"The fans can expect to see the effort this staff and these players are putting into this program and it's something they can be very proud of and want to cheer on."

What excites you about this squad as far as the players go?

"We're going to be a young team. Starting in goal with Ryan who has had a great career thus far but is going to need to step up and be even better through his own performance and being a leader. Stuart Grable has also had a great career and I know he's really excited for his senior year and to go out with a splash.

"What excites me the most is the area of opportunity for everybody and with that we expect all the players to come and be ready to roll and be excited about the opportunity in front of them. Individually we'll need players to step up and score goals with losing JC Banks to graduation. The part that's exciting is knowing others will have to step up in some fashion."