Category Coach’s Corner

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.

Brian Anderson

Name of High School Program: Omaha Burke Girls

Occupation Outside of Coaching: Art teacher at Burke

Favorite Professional Soccer Team: Chelsea FC

Philosophy: Our first goal is to live up to the standards set in the Burke
High School motto, Loyalty, Integrity, Honor. In doing so, we hope to create and maintain a
winning attitude through teaching young women the value of leadership, teamwork, discipline,
toughness (mental & physical), and self-sacrifice. All of this will be integrated into a competitive
environment. You will compete against yourself, your teammates and your opponents. We hope
each young woman will a have a positive experience and develop a sense of pride in Burke High
School. We will teach you to make good decisions. We will teach to you not be afraid to fail. We
will teach you character through winning and more importantly, through losing. We will teach
you to have a competitive drive on and off the field.

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?

Mike Bailey. He was head boys coach at Burke when I started my coaching career in
2003 with the boys team. I worked as his JV coach and his Varsity Assistant. He taught me everything he knew and was an amazing example to try and emulate. Much of which I still do today.

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.

Beating #1 seeded Norfolk in the 2017 District Semifinal as the #4 seed. We had had THE most
injury plagued season I have ever been a part of. We had 9 concussions, an ACL tear, and ankle
sprain, a thigh bruise and 2 bouts of stomach bugs and a GK with a back injury. It was a year of
constant changes and adjustments. I had some fierce competitors sidelined with concussions that
couldn’t STAND not playing. We had some heart-to heart talks about what was most important
in life; playing now or dealing with brain issues at age 25. We followed all the rules and did
things the right way and finally had my entire team at full strength (minus the ACL tear) for the
first round of districts. We went in as the 4th seed, traveled to #1 seed Norfolk and beat them 3-1!
It wasn’t just the win, but how hard the players battled all season and never gave up when it
would have been so easy to just call it quits.

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. Competition
2. Don’t be afraid to fail
3. Toughness, both mental and physical
Team unity. When all players are putting the team before self, good things happen.
All of these things combined mean I am more concerned about helping shape young women that will be successful in life BECAUSE they played soccer. Sports teach so many things, and I try to focus on all of those aspects that AREN’T soccer before and during the coaching of the game I love.

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

I love the feel of belonging and community that sports brings.
Being an art teacher, I am certified to teach K-12 and one of the main reasons I chose to teach at
the secondary level was that school pride that sports can bring to a school. Also I love being able
to connect with and get to know students that DON’T take art. I always have some soccer players
in my art classes, but I would miss out on knowing some pretty amazing humans if I didn’t coach
too!

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.

Andre Watts

Name of High School Program: Papillion LaVista Monarchs Boys  (11th year)

 Club Team: Gretna Elite Academy Girls 2013 assistant

Occupation Outside of Coaching: Elementary Art Teacher Portal and Golden Hills Elem

Favorite Professional Soccer Team: Liverpool

Soccer Idol (Player or Coach): Brazilian Ronaldo

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?

Jay Mims-Union Omaha-Back when he was with Creighton we played on several indoor and outdoor teams together and have always just talked soccer.  When he was at UNO I was able to attend practices and training sessions.  Over the years, he has always been someone willing to share ideas with young coaches.  He even provided a free leadership seminar over the Covid break in 2020. Jay has gone out of his way to include me in some amazing soccer experiences.

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.

Getting to the state semifinal in 2019 a year after we had only won 4 total games in the previous season.  You start to question if what you are doing is reaching the student-athletes and then something like this run we went on validates everything and provided memories that will last a lifetime.

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? 

-Quality-Family, School, and Soccer

-Giving Back-Community

-Enjoy the Process as success comes in many forms.

I try to provide a variety of opportunities for my players to grow as individuals within their family, school, and team.  We feel that giving back is important as all of the people came before them provided the opportunities that they now take part in. The experience should be a fun one…don’t get so caught up in outcomes as much as enjoying each soccer opportunity and time with the team while learning how to play the game.

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

I guess it’s all tied to that idea of giving back. So many people in my younger years provided quality coaching to me and it’s my turn to pay it forward.  The relationships you build with your players are what keep me in the coaching world. I now have a few former players who are getting into coaching themselves and being a mentor to them is very rewarding.

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.

Zack Wayman

Name of High School Program: Columbus High Girls Soccer

Occupation Outside of Coaching: High School Social Studies Teacher

Favorite Professional Soccer Team: Arsenal

Favorite Soccer Coach: Jurgen Klopp

Favorite Soccer Player: Christian Pulisic

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? 

Have a few, starts with my high school coaches; Scott Steinbrook and Robert Mishou at Kearney High School during my playing days, they were the first to get me on the path to coaching. Then it was Matt Bice, former Nebraska ODP director, and former coach of Nebraska United Club team. It was him who taught me how to teach the game and connect to players. Finally Jess McHargue, Lexington Boys High School coach, an old club coach during my days in Kearney and my boss at Lexington while I was his assistant for two years (State Semi-finalists class B 2019). He taught me a lot about setting the standards and building a program from the ground up, he allowed me to grow and prepare for where I am now. For all of these coaches I am extremely grateful. Special shout out to Mike Doria, former head coach at Millard West (boys) for letting me volunteer coach to the State Semi-finals when I student taught (Spring 2017).

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.

First as a player for Kearney High School, came back down two goals in the second half against Millard West in the State quarterfinals (2013) to win in a PK shootout. We won 3-0 making all three of our first shots (I shot 2nd) and our GK, Quincy Bennet, blocked all three of Millard West’s shots (never seen it in my life). What made that so sweet is Millard West was the only loss we suffered in the regular season (besides a District final loss, we got in on Wildcard) and we only had 3 returning players for that season (a lot of people counting us out).

Coaching memory: Coming back from 1 goal down to win in OT with Lexington Boys Soccer in 2019 against Omaha Roncalli in State Quarterfinals. We had such a young team with great potential and it was such an emotional and positive experience to know how hard those players had worked and dedicated themselves and were rewarded for their efforts. Now many of those players are Juniors and Seniors trying to win state with Lexington in Class B (definitely a team to watch out for).

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? 

Connect – be positive in our communication with each other in verbal and body language, be attentive listeners with our coaches and teammates.
Commit – putting others and the team goals ahead of your own. What role can you fulfill to help the team find success. Do the little things that no one sees so we can accomplish the big things when everyone is watching.
Care – When you care about someone or something you are willing to put it all on the line for them. Only when we first connect and commit to each other, can we then care for each other. When you care you are willing to sacrifice and suffer for your teammates, not just in running open for a pass or spacing or defensive backtracking but taking care of grades in the classroom, doing the little things right to maintain character standards, etc.
The biggest thing I want players to strive for is “leave the place better than you found it”, not just our team buses, or locker rooms or sidelines, but when players leave the program they left it in a better place and left a lasting legacy for the program to build upon. That is my biggest focus on our culture.

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

To give players information I wish I would have known to be as successful on the field as possible. Secondly to teach them life lessons so that players are able find success in their own ways and leave their own legacy before pursuing their next goals in their life.

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.

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

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.

Lindsay Aliano

Name of High School Program: Elkhorn South Girls Soccer

Occupation Outside of Coaching: High School Math Teacher (and mom!)

Favorite Professional Soccer Team: US Women’s National Team

Soccer Idol (Player or Coach): Julie 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 high school soccer coach (who is still coaching at Millard West), Jacque Tevis-Butler.  When I played for her in high school, she had a way of getting our team to focus and play our best soccer, but always made the process enjoyable.  She made you love the game even more than before the season started.  After I became a head coach, there have been countless times I have reached out to her for opinions, advice, and guidance.  She never hesitates to listen and help me through whatever challenge I may be facing, even after all these years.  But …. she will hate every minute of me calling her my “mentor” in this article! 🙂

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. 

Winning state in 2015 and 2019 are memories I will never forget, but I think one of the most pivotal moments for me as a coach was the Metro Conference Championship game in 2018.  Being down 0-2 at half and keeping a team motivated enough to stay in the game is a difficult task for even the most experienced of coaches.  Watching my team believe in themselves and fight their way back into the game to tie it up 2-2 during regulation and then finding the back of the net in overtime to win the game 3-2 was such a proud moment for me as a coach.  Getting kids to believe in themselves is such an impactful moment for any coach and something you hope they continue to do even when their time playing for you is over.

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? 

Respect  – Respect starts with respecting yourself.  Recognize your abilities and believe in yourself.  Along with respecting yourself, you have to respect others.  Support others, acknowledge their feelings, and accept all teammates, coaches, team managers, etc.  Be welcoming and respectful of officials and opposing teams and value the time and effort your teammates and coaches are putting in to make you a better person and player.

Discipline and Accountability – In life you have to accept responsibility for actions or outcomes.  We believe in holding players to a standard and if that standard is not met, we accept responsibility and make a plan to change the unwanted outcomes.  This is more about navigating life lessons than it is about winning soccer games.  Sports are there to teach kids and to hold them accountable when they make mistakes.  This allows them to make mistakes in a comfortable environment, learn from them, and move on.

Teamwork – There is not much you can accomplish in life without teamwork.  Nearly every aspect of life requires you to work with others.  Your career, raising a family, friendship, etc.  It is important that players learn from a young age how to work with others and even with others that may not have the same skill set or beliefs you have.

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

I hope to influence and empower young women not only in their soccer journey, but also in life.  The most important part of coaching is developing players into ethical, thoughtful, intentional people.  You want to be there to offer support and encouragement as your players are going through such an important time in their lives where they are developing into adults.  As a high school teacher, I have the opportunity to do this every day, but the lasting relationships you have with your players in something different.  There is an overwhelming amount of joy I feel when former players contact me for advice, to update me on their accomplishments, or simplify just to check in.

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