Welcome Back Coach adreN!
December 22 2018
Over the past two years, we've had the benefit of working with and learning from one of the best coaches in Counter-Strike. Our search for a new coach was certainly influenced by the positives that we saw in the past, and we had a very clear set of guidelines while assessing our choices. Aside from a resume as an in-game leader, we wanted someone with recent playing experience who was already knowledgeable about our team and our players. Fortunately, there was one player who we considered a prime candidate to help the team in this new (but familiar) era.
Welcome, Coach Eric "adreN" Hoag!
As one of the original Team Liquid players, adreN returns in a role that he was born to take. Our former AWPer has always shown a propensity for leadership, and he possesses both a calm demeanor and a strong mind for strategy. Fans of Counter-Strike all recognize adreN's understanding of the game, and while this will be his first venture as a coach, we believe that he has the qualities to succeed in this new career. It will certainly be a learning process for adreN, but he has shown in the past that he is up to the challenge.
"I think this opportunity came at the perfect time for me. Lately, I've been wanting to take on a new challenge and while I never publicly announced that I was interested in coaching, it's something I've been thinking about a lot. I'm excited to begin this chapter of my career and thankful to Liquid for the opportunity. I look forward to and can't wait to help elevate Liquid further."
Eric "adreN" Hoag
More than just his personal qualities as a coach, adreN offers continuity. Having played with nitr0, NAF, and EliGE in the past, adreN is familiar with each player's strengths, positions, and tendencies. The built-in rapport will help in the transition period and strengthen the team's ability to work towards a single goal. He has very big shoes to fill, but our players and our staff all believe that adreN is the right man for the job.
"I have known and competed with Eric since I was 13. Over that time our career paths have crossed quite a few times. I believe Eric will add a new depth to our strategic approach to CS that could be much needed for the new year. He has already been hard at work going over all of our demos from last year. He has the drive, knowledge, and leadership to take our team to the next level. I can't wait to work with Eric again and I believe he will be an amazing addition to the team."
Steve "jokasteve" Perino
I am really excited to reunite again with adreN going into 2019! Eric is a super smart guy and I know he is going to fit well into our team and bring what we need to stay on top of our game. Always loved working with him when we were teammates and I’m positive that I still will as a coach!
Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski
I am so eager to work with adreN again, but this time as my coach. He’s taught me so much about the fundamental game of CS early on, which has helped me become the leader I am today. I am certain we will make a great team. We will work harder than ever to become the best team in the world.
Nick "nitr0" Canella
