All posts by Chace Hutchison

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Allison Marshall

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Brent and Diane Marshall

High School Soccer Team: Gretna Girls Varsity Soccer

Position: Forward

Club Team: Gretna Elite Academy ECNL 06

Grade: Freshman

What is your favorite subject in school? Why? 

My favorite subject in school is math. I like math because I enjoy the challenge of solving new problems every day. I have also had many math teachers that make learning new concepts enjoyable.

What are your goals as an individual player? What are you doing to achieve those goals? 

My goals as an individual player are to get better every time I step on the field and to always give 100% effort. I want to be the best teammate I can be by encouraging others and being positive. To achieve these goals I have to make sure that I am always focused and ready for any challenges that come my way.

What goals do you have for your high school team during the 2021 season and beyond? What do you hope to accomplish as a group throughout your high school career? 

My goals for my high school team during the season is to take one game at a time and improve all throughout the season. Another goal is to never let another team out compete us. We focus on being confident and dealing with failure the right way.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

My favorite soccer player is Alex Morgan because I have watched her ever since I was a little girl. She is a very hard worker and always gives 100% effort every play. It’s also very fun to see her play a game that she loves.

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Sara Fjell

Name of High School Program: Bellevue East Girls Varsity Soccer

Occupation Outside of Coaching: Teacher and Instructional Coach for Bellevue East

Favorite Professional Soccer Team: USA Women’s National Team

Soccer Idol (Player or Coach): Mia Hamm and Julie Johnson-Ertz

Who would you consider to be your soccer mentor? What is the story behind your selection? How did they help you in your soccer journey? 

My Dad, my father has always been one of my biggest fans both as a player and a coach. He also would watch the game with me when I was younger and we would talk and discuss the games as we watched. I think this is what would eventually lead to my interest in coaching. I grew up watching and playing a lot of soccer and became very passionate about working with kids as I became a teacher. Also, playing at the collegiate level gave more confidence in my understanding and playing of the game.

Describe a favorite soccer memory that you have been involved with. This memory could be from your playing or coaching experiences. Tell us the story and impact of this memory.

One of my all time favorite soccer memories is when Bellevue East made the state tournament in 2007. It was my first year as head coach, and we were the 3 seed. We upset Burke who was the 2nd seed, and then beat Papio South in a shootout to go to state. It was an unbelievable game and so much fun celebrating with the team afterwards, a great day for Bellevue East Soccer.

List and describe three important pillars or values of your program. What is the culture of your program built on? What do they mean to you? 

Teamwork, Hard work, Commitment 

We strive to always bring our best not only for the improvement of ourselves as players and coaches but also when representing our school. The group I have this season is extra special because they take pride in these three pillars and it shows each practice and day at school.

What is your motivation for coaching? This is a time-consuming and challenging occupation. Why do you do it? 

I coach because I love working with kids and teaching them the game of soccer. It is so empowering to help and develop student athletes over a four year period of time. You don’t just see them develop as soccer players but also as young women. I have loved every minute of coaching at the high school level!

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Addy Gleckler

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Kelli Gleckler & Chad Gleckler

High School Soccer Team: Elkhorn South Girls Soccer

Position: Forward

Club Team: Gretna Elite Academy

Grade Level: Sophomore (10th grade)

What is your favorite subject in school? Why? My favorite subject is biology because I want to go into the Medical Field when I am older.

What are your goals as an individual player? What are you doing to achieve those goals? 

As a player, I have set many goals for myself so that I am always improving. Some goals I made at the beginning of the year are improving my speed, my footwork, and my confidence. With the pandemic, I had a lot of free time to get some touches on the ball everyday and go on runs in the mornings. I also went up to the field a few times and worked on some drills and my shot with my sister.

What goals do you have for your high school team during the 2021 season and beyond? What do you hope to accomplish as a group throughout your high school career? 

This high school season I hope to follow in the footsteps of the last season and work our hardest to make it to state and possibly win it! I also hope that throughout my high school career my team continues to improve and get better together.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why? 

My favorite soccer player is Tobin Heath. She has AMAZING footwork and is always creating opportunities for her team. She is a great team player and always seems very positive and happy to be on the field and playing soccer.

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Allison Morrow

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Julie Morrow & Dan Morrow

High School Soccer Team: Lincoln Northeast

Position: Central Defender

Club Team: Gretna Elite Soccer Club

Grade Level: Freshman

What is your favorite subject in school? Why? My favorite subject in school is geosciences because I like learning about our earth and universe.

What are your goals as an individual player? What are you doing to achieve those goals? 

My goals are to keep expanding my knowledgeable skills of soccer for my future career. I will achieve these goals by practicing more and reviewing my games to see what I can do better.

What goals do you have for your high school team during the 2021 season and beyond? What do you hope to accomplish as a group throughout your high school career? 

A goal that I have for my high school career is to work together as a team to win more games.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

If I would have to choose one, I would choose Alex Morgan because I have been watching her since I was little.

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the season, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which are meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Kristie Brezenski

Name of High School Program: Columbus Scotus Central Catholic Girls

Occupation Outside of Coaching: 2nd Grade Teacher 

Soccer Idol: Abby Wambach

Who would you consider to be your soccer mentor? What is the story behind your selection? How did they help you in your soccer journey? 

My cousin Kim Engelbert was my soccer mentor.  My dad and I would go watch her play when she was at Duchesne.  She was quick, had moves, and had this “never say die” attitude.  Kim was so kind off the field, but her presence on the field made me want to be her.  She put in the work outside of practice and was willing to take me aside and show me some soccer moves.  Any time given to a kid that looks up to you changes them.  It builds them up, it gives them a sense that they can do anything, they can conquer the world.  

Describe a favorite soccer memory that you have been involved with. This memory could be from your playing or coaching experiences. Tell us the story and impact of this memory. 

When I was in college, we were playing in Kansas and we were up 2-1 against a top 10 team in NAIA.  The game was getting rough and a little out of hand.  A few of my teammates got into a small brawl and I remember our whole team sprinting from every side of the field to be there to defend them.  We knew we had each others’ backs.  That gave us the fuel we needed to get behind each other, dig in, and pull out the win.  That year, we were so rough with each other at practice and would push each other so hard.  But getting through those tough times together, we ended up being so close and would do anything for every member of that team.  I truly believe that is one of the main reasons we were so successful that year.

List and describe three important pillars or values of your program. What is the culture of your program built on? What do they mean to you? 

1. Perseverance – going above and beyond, despite the obstacles that lie in the path.  Having that “Never give up!” attitude, fighting till the end.

2. Effort – that no matter what, 110% will be given at any point in time.  The one thing that we can always count on is effort. 

3. Camaraderie – any team that plays together and for each other, nothing can stop them.

This program is built on tradition.  A tradition of being team first, doing everything we can to make each player be the best that they can for the betterment of the team.  There have been a multitude of strong, successful athletes that have come through Scotus to strengthen the tradition of “whatever it takes.”  I love that it hangs over our girls’ heads to strive to be a part of that tradition.

What is your motivation for coaching? This is a time-consuming and challenging occupation. Why do you do it? 

My motivation for coaching is to not only give these girls the skills to succeed on the soccer field, but also to help aid in developing the skills to succeed in life.  They need to find their own motivation to keep going when things are tough, they can’t depend on others to do it for you.  Giving 100% effort when things seem pointless, can give you the push you need to rise above all else.  To never settle on being just good enough at something, but to constantly strive to better yourself in every aspect of life.  There will always be time and ways to get better to keep stepping up that ladder in life.  Don’t always take the easy way, if it’s too easy, it’s too good to be true and probably not worth it.  Things are hard in life, embrace the hard, take the bull by the horns, and be ready to fight.  You are worth it!!!

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

This list was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, game observations, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions.

Also, included in each article is a section titled Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible; any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class B Boys Top 10 Ranking

1. Omaha Skutt (6-0)
2. Lexington (6-1)
3. Crete (3-1)
4. Bennington (7-2)
5. Blair (5-0)
6. Northwest (3-1)
7. Mount Michael Benedictine (3-2)
8. South Sioux City (1-6)
9. Aurora (3-2)
10. Norris (3-2)

Teams on the Verge: Beatrice, Elkhorn North, Schuyler

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

This list was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, game observations, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions.

Also, included in each article is a section titled Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible; any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class B Girls Top 10 Ranking

1. Omaha Skutt (6-0)
2. Omaha Duchesne (6-1)
3. Omaha Mercy (5-1)
4. Norris (5-0)
5. Elkhorn (4-2)
6. Lincoln Lutheran/Raymond Central (5-0)
7. Omaha Roncalli (3-2)
8. Waverly (4-2)
9. Blair (5-2)
10. Aurora (3-2)

Teams on the Verge: Conestoga, Northwest, Bennington

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

This list was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, game observations, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions.

Also, included in each article is a section titled Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible; any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class A Girls Top 10 Ranking

1. Lincoln East (6-0)
2. Gretna (6-0)
3. Papillion-La Vista South (5-0)
4. Elkhorn South (5-1)
5. Lincoln Southwest (6-0)
6. Omaha Marian (4-2)
7. Papillion-La Vista (4-2)
8. Lincoln Southeast (5-1)
9. Millard West (4-2)
10. Columbus (5-3)

Teams on the Verge: Millard North

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

This list was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, game observations, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions.

Also, included in each article is a section titled Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible; any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class A Boys Top 10 Ranking

1. Omaha South (7-0)
2. Gretna (8-0)
3. Lincoln Southwest (6-0)
4. Lincoln East (5-2)
5. Papillion-La Vista South (5-2)
6. Creighton Prep (4-2)
7. Lincoln Southeast (4-2)
8. Kearney (3-2)
9. Millard North (4-2)
10. Grand Island (3-3)

Teams on the Verge: Omaha Northwest, Millard West, Lincoln High, Millard South, Norfolk, Omaha Burke, Papillion La-Vista, Omaha Westside

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

By itself the final scoreline of this matchup gives the impression that this was a comfortable victory for Gretna. In reality, this was a wonderful night of soccer from both sides as they put their skills on display. There was as much talent on this field as you will find in the state of Nebraska.

Overall, there were a total of seven known Division I prospects sharing the field. Most of these players are in their junior or senior season. However, that number will surely increase in the coming years as the talented underclassmen begin the recruitment process.

This game was competitive for seventy-eight minutes until the Dragons closed with two late goals. Both teams moved the ball efficiently and looked very organized. Highlight reel worthy free kicks from both squads provided clear high points of the night. Our observations confirmed that Gretna and Papillion-La Vista are legitimate title contenders in 2021. 

Game Result – Gretna 5     Papillion-La Vista  2

Women of the Match – Madelyn White & Allison Marshall

NEST Quick Hits 

• Sarah Weber is a general for her team from start to finish. Her positioning on the field, as well as her communication, set her apart from many. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is getting a very talented player. Her goal off of a free kick opportunity was wonderful to watch. 
• Gretna is closing the gap on Lincoln East for that #1 ranking. Lincoln East is an excellent team, and they have done nothing but win. However, the Dragons have performed to the highest of standards during the first portion of the season. 
• Gretna has an excellent group of youngsters that are ready to keep the program in title contention for years to come. Madelyn White is an ultra speedy attacker that is only in her sophomore season. Her attitude and work rate provide a great foundation. Allison Marshall is a name to know for the next three years. Although she was not featured in the starting lineup, the dynamic of the game changed once she entered at forward. 
• Lauryn Anglim was the standout performer for the Monarch side in this match. She was dangerous with the ball at her feet. The future Husker put on a show with her highlight worthy free kick. It was a textbook approach and a fabulous moment of soccer. 
• An interesting discovery that should be noted was the absence of Ella Guyott. Guyott was expected by many to be a key contributor for the Monarchs. However, she is listed as a student manager and did not see the field.  

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison