A Coach, a Friend, a Brother: Roberson using youth to his advantage as Greer soccer continues rise

Nick Roberson as captain and striker for Greer soccer in 2016 (left). Nick Roberson coaching Greer soccer in 2025 (right).

Nick Roberson’s first few weeks on the job weren’t easy.

Hired as head coach of Greer High School’s boys soccer team in 2020, Roberson admits he at first felt lost. At just 21 years old at the time of hire, Roberson was far and away the youngest varsity head coach hired for any sport in Greer’s storied history.

Roberson, however, couldn’t shake his own doubts. He believed his youth was a crutch — a cripple that left him reeling wildly with “impostor syndrome.”

“At first, it was really hard on me mentally,” said Roberson. “Everything in me was telling me I wouldn’t be able to do it, that I wouldn’t be able to connect with these players. I didn’t feel like I belonged.”

Former Greer athletic director Travis Perry hired Roberson to lead Greer soccer, however, because in Perry’s eyes, no one belonged more than Roberson did.

The now 26-year-old Roberson was a standout in both soccer and football during his time at Greer High School. He’d already joined the Greer soccer staff as an assistant coach in 2019. In 2022, Roberson was inducted into the Greer High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Roberson’s youth mattered not. His passion for Greer meant everything. Roberson bleeds gold and black.

“I’m a Greer guy through and through. Always have been. They’re going to have to peel me out of here before I leave,” said Roberson. “I think the people who brought me in here to do this understood that as well.”

TWENTY SHOULDERS

Roberson and his son, Brooks, with Nick’s father Bruce. Bruce Roberson (left) passed away unexpectedly three weeks ago.

Three weeks ago, tragedy struck for Roberson and his family. Roberson’s father passed away unexpectedly. The two of them were close. The heartbreak was sudden and sharp.

Roberson needed a friend to lean on. He found 20 of them in his players.

“It was incredible. Once my boys found out, they all lifted me up and showed me so much support,” said Roberson. “I had so many of these kids messaging me saying ‘You’re more than just a coach to us, you are part of our family.’

“That’s just what we’re all about here. It’s a different feeling, knowing people are going to have my back no matter what’s going on. That’s what Greer is.”

Roberson’s youthful passion and fire for the game — along with his desire to see his players grow — has led to the 26-year-old fostering real, meaningful friendships with players on his team.

Just ask senior goalkeeper Eduardo Garcia-Duran.

“Coach Nick is very in touch with all his players. We view him not just as a coach, but as a brother who is always one phone call away,” said Garcia-Duran. “He relates to us. We joke around, and from time to time, we have deep conversations outside of the sports world. Coach Nick is always checking up on us, sending us messages in the offseason and even supporting us in other sports we take part in.

“We are a family that just happens to also play soccer together.”

Roberson’s players see him not only as a leader and trustworthy general leading the Jackets into battle — they see him as a brother.

That kind of relationship, Roberson’s peers say, is a valuable asset for any coach to have. 

“I think it’s a huge advantage for Greer’s boys to have a younger coach. It makes the dream of playing at the next level—and staying connected to the game—feel that much more attainable,” said Eastside soccer head coach Stephen Wood. “When Nick talks about soccer, he’s drawing from experiences that are still fresh, ones the players can relate to. 

“He’s not some grumpy old guy on the sidelines—he’s more like an older brother figure. That kind of presence creates a strong connection and makes his message resonate even more.”

Balancing that friendship with his players while also reminding them he’s in charge can be a challenge, says Roberson.

“I like to think I’m a fun coach because I’m so young,” said Roberson. “So, we’ll crack on. We’ll have a good time. But when it’s time to put your head down and work, it’s time. I think our boys do a good job of understanding that.

“I joke now because I’m getting older. But when I first started, it was only four years since I’d been in their shoes. I feel like I can use my age to my advantage and have a good hand on how to relate to these boys, how to get to know them on a personal level.”

PROGRESS AND PASSION

The progress for Greer soccer has been steady and gradual under Roberson’s leadership. Little steps every season have led to what appears to be an awakening for the Jackets in 2025. Greer has raced out to a 6-2 record to begin the year — the best mark for the program since 2019.

Undefeated in 4-A Region 2 play, Greer looks ready to compete with the best of the best and potentially chase a historic state title.

“It takes time to change a culture at any program,” said Roberson. “None of this was ever going to happen overnight. All these years, what we’ve been preaching to these boys is communication and honesty. I think collectively, everyone is really starting to buy in this year.”

Roberson is a passionate coach, he makes no mistake about it. On the touchline during games, he’s consistently yelling out instructions and tactics. He’ll celebrate goals with his coaching staff like he’s still the star striker he was for Greer in his playing days. There’s an occasional hat toss, too, when something goes awry or the referee makes a questionable call.

Roberson’s passion shows his players how much he cares. 

He’s learned how to balance that, too.

“I really admire Nick’s attitude,” said Wood. “He strikes a rare balance. He’s laid-back and quick to smile, yet fiercely competitive and always ready for a battle. During a match, he’s fired up and vocal, pushing everyone around him, but the moment the final whistle blows, he’s the first one inviting you out to grab dinner.

“Nick has a unique ability to make the game fun while still demanding the intensity and focus it takes to compete at a high level. That’s a huge asset for his program.

And of course, it helps that he’s spent a lifetime pouring into the soccer community at Greer—his passion is contagious.”

As someone who became the youngest varsity head coach of any sport in Greenville County when he was hired, Roberson hadn’t always been required to grasp fully the concept of waiting.

Now, five years into his tenure as Greer’s head coach, he sees just how much his patience has paid off.

“These things do take time. I see that now. I know it sounds cliche, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. I’ve had to learn to instill patience in myself because at times, it’s been frustrating.

“I’m just thankful to have been blessed with this opportunity. They’re going to have to drive me out of here before I hang it up.”