UNLV soccer coach balancing new job while watching son play in LLWS

The Bingham family has navigated an eventful eight‑month stretch since Kacey Bingham was appointed the eighth head coach of the UNLV women’s soccer program in December, following a seven‑year tenure at Western Oregon. After relocating to Southern Nevada with her husband, Kyle, the couple enrolled their two youngest sons in local sports, including 12‑year‑old Theo in Little League. Within months, Theo progressed from casual practice with a nine‑player squad to earning a starting role as a midfielder for the Paseo Verde Little League team that will represent Nevada at the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Paseo Verde opens its tournament on Thursday against West Side Little League of Hamilton, Ohio. “He’s truly excited astir it,” Kacey Bingham said. “He’s truthful excited to beryllig there.” Nevada’s appearance marks its fourth consecutive trip to the Little League World Series, and the second appearance for Paseo Verde in three years. Theo, one of the Bingham’s four sons, will have his father, Kyle, in the stands cheering him on. For Bingham, the situation presents a logistical challenge as she balances her first season at UNLV with the possibility of traveling to Williamsport. It was not part of her original plan to attend the series while opening her inaugural campaign with the Rebels. UNLV secured its first victory under Bingham with a 1‑0 home win over Portland State on Sunday. Once it became feasible that Theo might play in the World Series, Bingham anticipated needing time away from her new squad. She discussed the matter with UNLV athletic director Erick Harper, who granted her full permission to step aside should Paseo Verde advance deep into the tournament. UNLV faces UC San Diego at home on Thursday, followed by road contests against California Baptist on Sunday and Idaho State on August 27. Paseo Verde’s next game would be Saturday if they lose, or Sunday if they win. Harper told Bingham that when it comes to family, there is no question. “He’s mentioned that he’ll support me if I choose to go out and be a part of things,” Bingham said. “I think, right now, we’re just playing it day by day and seeing how he’s doing, how the team’s doing, and make those decisions as they come.” Theo will not play Thursday due to illness, Bingham noted. Paseo Verde manager Cory Edwards said Theo is day‑to‑day. Edwards recalled that the initial impression of Theo was that he was a newcomer unfamiliar to the league. “I was like, ‘Who is this kid, and where did he come from?’” Edwards said. “Also, why didn’t I pick him? He seemed to be fun enough to be part of anybody’s team.” Edwards described Theo as having a quiet demeanor, noting that players who are less vocal can sometimes be overlooked. “His name kept coming up whenever Edwards and coaches would tally nominations for the Paseo Verde roster. Coach Lynn Cowley would tell Edwards that the more he’s around Theo, the more he liked him.” “I was a quiet soccer player. My effort on the field and how I executed was how I spoke,” Edwards said. “That’s what I kind of liked about Theo.” The Bingham household continues to take each day as it comes. “We have a note in his room that he made 2 years ago that said, ‘My goal is to make it to the Little League World Series,’” Bingham said. “It’s something he’s dreamed about and worked for for a long time.”