Coaches- Doug Smith (2nd yr., varsity head); Belinda Stevens (2nd, JV, keepers coach), Tony Pustina (1st, vars. def. coor.), Sam Anderson (1st, vars. off coor.).
Last season’s accomplishments-5-12-1 overall, 5-2-1 GNC, 2nd place, two kids voted 1st Team All-Conference, John Breaman and Peter Achterberg.
Major losses- Peter Achterberg (1st Team AC), Ryan Dahm (2nd AC), Zach Heyne (2nd AC), Max Schmelling (HM AC), T.J. Brunett.
Key returnees- John Breaman (1st Team AC), Jordan Broesch (2nd AC), Lucas Olson (HM AC), Derek Woellner, Luis Mendoza, Kyle Hahn, Noah Koebe,
Promising newcomers- Logan Brunett, David Pophal, Mike Grund, Harold Melo.
Smith quotable- “We have a young team with 10 kids either Freshman or Sophomore on the initial Varsity squad. We have moved back into the Valley. Last year we were 0 – 10 against D-1 sized schools, so we know we have our work cut out for us. But the enthusiasm is high on the team and the work ethic solid. With a stronger coaching staff, we will see great progress over the length of the season, likely pulling off some upset wins.
“Our goal is to grow the team in their mental game.
“With three seniors anchoring the defense and solid keepers behind them in Jake Yonke and Austin Gartman, our defense is the strength of the team.
“The team’s attitude is excellent. It’s a pure joy to work with these boys; there’s not a rotten kid in the bunch. I love the enthusiasm and the coachability of the team. Many players repeatedly are asking the coaches what they can do to improve their game.
“Key returnees are Jordan Broesch, Noah Koebe and Lucas Olson, three highest scorers from last year; John Breaman and Derek Woellner, anchoring the defense; and Luis Medoza and Kyle Hahn controlling the center. Jordan grew his mental game huge since last year, is making very smart choices on the field. John and Derek are great defenders, fiercely competitive.
“Freshman Logan Brunett has the most energy and endurance on the team so far, never stops fighting. Freshman David Pophal, extremely solid at the stopper position, uses his body to shield away opponents better than anyone else on the team so far, and is very smart with the ball. Mike Grund and Harold Melo are our most improved JV players that moved up. Mike is big and strong at defense, Harold has an excellent short game.
“Numbers are down this year, primarily because we graduated so many Seniors last year. We don’t have enough players for three teams again, but that gives us solid depth on the remaining two teams.”