Millard North – Class A Team Preview (Boys)

Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible.

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. Over the course of the next several weeks, NEST will overview EVERY high school soccer program in our state. This was done to the best of our ability using all of the information we could collect.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to support many fantastic teams, coaches, players, fans, and referees that make our game possible. One mission of this venture is to discover and centralize newsworthy information. This can only be done in collaboration with individual programs. As a whole, our sport must better promote itself in order to grow the player and supporter pool. We encourage every team to proudly and consistently advertise itself to us and the general public. The more information available, the more our game will grow. Soccer is a game historically left behind to linger in the background in the United States. That circumstance is changing, but that change will not happen automatically. Growing and covering all aspects of our sport will take effort from all of those who love it.

Disclaimer – To prepare for these articles, a questionnaire was sent to every school’s head coach and athletic director. Many of these questionnaires were returned in a timely fashion, others were not. Nebraska Soccer Talk prides itself on equal and in-depth coverage, but cooperation is needed to meet that goal. Please consider this to be our reasoning when it comes to article length and accuracy.

Millard North

Head Coach – Sandro DeAngelis

Previous Records

Year Record
2019 8-8
2018 7-8

State Status – Front Runner, Contender, Dark Horse, Up-And-Coming, Building, Too Early To Tell

NEST Analysis – The Mustangs enter 2021 looking to take the next step as a program. Traditionally hovering near or at the .500 mark, Millard North will be eager to improve those numbers. The title of top-tier Millard program is up for grabs with Millard North well positioned to make the claim.

 

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 TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

 

Millard North – Class A Team Preview (Girls)

Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible.

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. Over the course of the next several weeks, NEST will overview EVERY high school soccer program in our state. This was done to the best of our ability using all of the information we could collect.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to support many fantastic teams, coaches, players, fans, and referees that make our game possible. One mission of this venture is to discover and centralize newsworthy information. This can only be done in collaboration with individual programs. As a whole, our sport must better promote itself in order to grow the player and supporter pool. We encourage every team to proudly and consistently advertise itself to us and the general public. The more information available, the more our game will grow. Soccer is a game historically left behind to linger in the background in the United States. That circumstance is changing, but that change will not happen automatically. Growing and covering all aspects of our sport will take effort from all of those who love it.

Disclaimer – To prepare for these articles, a questionnaire was sent to every school’s head coach and athletic director. Many of these questionnaires were returned in a timely fashion, others were not. Nebraska Soccer Talk prides itself on equal and in-depth coverage, but cooperation is needed to meet that goal. Please consider this to be our reasoning when it comes to article length and accuracy.

Millard North

Head Coach – James Abueg

Previous Records

Year Record
2019 8-9
2018 14-3

Players to Watch – Sena Ahovissi (University of Nebraska-Omaha soccer commit), Campbell Zimmers (South Dakota State University soccer commit), Ever Loveridge

State Status – Front Runner, Contender, Dark Horse, Up-And-Coming, Building, Too Early To Tell

NEST Analysis – The 2021 revival tour for the Lady Mustang program is a storyline to watch. A disappointing 2019 season will provide plenty of motivation for this talented group of players. At least on paper, Millard North is a definite contender heading into the season. Much of that prediction is based on the return of two top-tier playmakers, Sena Ahovissi and Campbell Zimmers. With this dynamic duo, Coach James Abueg has a great foundation to build his team around. Millard North enters the season ranked #10 by Nebraska Soccer Talk.

 

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 TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

 

Class A Girls – Pre-Season Top 10 List

Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible.

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. In the following article series, we will reveal our Pre-Season Top 10 rankings for the 2021 season.

This poll was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. The rankings will be updated on bi-weekly basis. 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. At season’s end, we will look back to review these pre-season rankings. What did we get right? Where did we go wrong? Which team surprised us all?

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 Girl’s Pre-Season List

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

Teams on the Verge: Kearney, Bellevue West, Lincoln North Star, Millard South, Norfolk, Omaha South, Omaha Westside, Columbus, North Platte

 

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 TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

 

Class A Girls – Players To Watch

Previewing an upcoming season is never an easy task. To do so properly takes countless hours of emails, observations, statistical research, conversation, and reflection. Adding onto that difficulty are challenges, such as a cancelled 2020 season and lingering COVID restrictions, making our preview preparation feel almost impossible.

Despite these obstacles, the approaching 2021 season and its participants – whether that be players, coaches, fans, or families – deserve some semblance of normalcy. Soccer in Nebraska and all those who participate deserve to be promoted. Over the course of four articles, NEST will recognize many outstanding athletes that everyone should look forward to seeing on the pitch.

This list was put together using several resources such as coach recommendations, past all-state lists, statistical analysis from previous seasons, and observational research. The inclusions vary greatly in terms of location, age, and future plans. The listed athletes live in every corner of the state from Omaha to Scottsbluff. Many have signed or are committed to play soccer at the Division I level, while others are pursuing other interests in the future.

Even so, there are two traits that all inclusions of the inaugural NEST Players to Watch preview have in common.

  1. Show stopping and jaw dropping ability on the field.
  2. An admirable love for the sport of soccer. With their ability, passion, and outreach, this game will grow; that is the ultimate goal of Nebraska Soccer Talk.

A special congratulations to all of the athletes. Your hard work, skill, and dedication deserve to be recognized. Nebraska Soccer Talk will be observing closely as your season and career progress.

Class A – Girls

Players are not ranked, instead listed alphabetically by first name.

  1. Allie Napora
    • High School: Papillion-La Vista South
    • Class of 2021
    • Future Plans: University of Nebraska-Lincoln soccer signee
  2. Alyssa Judkins
    • High School: Omaha Burke
    • Class of 2021
    • Future Plans: Creighton University soccer commit
  3. Annie Mulder
    • High School: Lincoln East
    • Class of 2023
    • Future Plans: Kansas State University soccer commit
  4. Briley Hill
    • High School: Lincoln East
    • Class of 2021
    • Future Plans: University of Nebraska-Lincoln soccer signee
  5. Campbell Zimmers
    • High School: Millard North
    • Class of 2021
    • Future Plans: University of South Dakota soccer signee
  6. Ella Guyott
    • High School: Papillion-La Vista
    • Class of 2022
    • Future Plans: University of Nebraska-Lincoln soccer commit
  7. Emma Prososki
    • High School: Omaha Marian
    • Class of 2022
    • Future Plans: University of Nebraska-Lincoln soccer commit
  8. Gracie Haneborg
    • High School: North Platte
    • Class of 2021
  9. Haley Peterson
    • High School: Lincoln East
    • Class of 2021
    • Future Plans: University of Nebraska-Lincoln soccer signee
  10. Kayla Hassler
    • High School: Lincoln Southwest
    • Class of 2022
    • Future Plans: University of Nebraska-Omaha soccer commit
  11. Lauryn Anglim
    • High School: Papillion-La Vista
    • Class of 2022
    • Future Plans: University of Nebraska-Lincoln soccer commit
  12. Mykena Turner
    • High School: Papillion-La Vista
    • Class of 2021
    • Future Plans: South Dakota State University soccer signee
  13. Sarah Weber
    • High School: Gretna
    • Class of 2021
    • Future Plans: University of Nebraska-Lincoln soccer signee
  14. Savannah DeFini
    • High School: Gretna
    • Class of 2022
  15. Sena Ahovissi
    • High School: Millard North
    • Class of 2021
    • Future Plans: University of Nebraska-Omaha soccer signee
  16. Taylor Cumblidge
    • High School: Lincoln North Star
    • Class of 2021
    • Future Plans: University of Missouri-Kansas City soccer commit
  17. Taylor Daffer
    • High School: Gretna
    • Class of 2021
    • Future Plans: Creighton University soccer signee

Once again, congratulations to the above athletes for all of their accomplishments. Your future in the game of soccer is incredibly bright. 

Additionally, it must be mentioned that this is not intended to be an all encompassing or complete list. There are a great number of talented soccer players in Nebraska that we have simply not discovered yet. As the 2021 season gets underway, those athletes will be seen and recognized. That is truly the whole point of Nebraska Soccer Talk. 

If you are a soccer player or know of a soccer player that should be on our radar, feel free to contact us. NEST is always looking to cover more soccer and add to our lists.

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment or recommendation of our 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 TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

 

Midland University – Women’s Soccer College Spotlight

Although it is rarely covered by the traditional media giants of the state, Nebraska is filled with exciting and competitive collegiate soccer programs. In fact, Nebraska contains a grand total of THIRTY programs for men and women. Those thirty programs compete across a wide variety of collegiate levels including Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and junior college.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to examine, cover, and promote all of these teams. This task has been made a bit more challenging by the circumstances created by COVID-19. Depending on the playing level, conference, and school, the season outlook changes drastically. Roster information can also be in flux, depending on the school. Despite these challenges, our staff attempted to put together the best program summaries possible. To our knowledge, we are the only outlet providing such coverage to our state’s college programs.

Just like Nebraska Soccer Talk, this column will grow and become more in depth as the years pass. In the future, we hope to provide sideline coverage of games, facility features, coach and player interviews. We look forward to the journey ahead. Thank you for being a part of our community. The sport of soccer is growing in Nebraska, and we intend to see it thrive.

Disclaimer – In the making of this article, team websites and other research sources were utilized. Although we attempt to avoid them whenever possible, errors can occur. Please contact us directly with corrections.

Midland University

Head Coach – Greg Jarosik

Assistant Coaches – Rachel Smith

Mascot – Warriors

Year Regular Season Record GPAC Record
2019 17-2-2 11-1
2018 14-3-4 9-0-3
2017 14-2-3 7-1-2
2016 15-5 8-2

Nebraska Homegrown Players On Roster – 

  • #10 Chloe Dietz – Fr – Papillion-La Vista – M
  • #11 Kisa Omerovic – Jr – Lincoln – M
  • #15 Sidney Wells – Sr – Waverly – D
  • #16 Melissa Warner – Jr – Waverly – D
  • #26 Anastasia Bitzes – Fr – Omaha Westside – M
  • #29 Kennedy Kress – So – Millard North – M
  • #31 Hannah DeStefano – Sr – Brady – F

7/27 = 26%

NEST Analysis – Midland represents one of the most competitive, consistent, and stable women collegiate soccer programs in the state of Nebraska. This team’s roster incorporates players from all over the United States, indicating a national recruiting strategy. Greg Jaroski and his staff appear to search high and low to find the proper additions to their team. Despite that diversity, the Warriors are able to find a common purpose once on campus. From 2016 to 2019, Midland won a combined 60 matches, an impressive mark that many programs dream about. Coach Jarosik has served as head coach for 8 seasons. With his continued leadership, Midland has a bright future competing in the GPAC. 

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 multiple different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

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

Connect with us on TwitterInstagram, or listen to our podcast on Spotify.

 

Hastings College – Men’s Soccer College Spotlight

Although it is rarely covered by the traditional media giants of the state, Nebraska is filled with exciting and competitive collegiate soccer programs. In fact, Nebraska contains a grand total of THIRTY programs for men and women. Those thirty programs compete across a wide variety of collegiate levels including Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, and junior college.

Nebraska Soccer Talk is here to examine, cover, and promote all of these teams. This task has been made a bit more challenging by the circumstances created by COVID-19. Depending on the playing level, conference, and school, the season outlook changes drastically. Roster information can also be in flux, depending on the school. Despite these challenges, our staff attempted to put together the best program summaries possible. To our knowledge, we are the only outlet providing such coverage to our state’s college programs.

Just like Nebraska Soccer Talk, this column will grow and become more in depth as the years pass. In the future, we hope to provide sideline coverage of games, facility features, coach and player interviews. We look forward to the journey ahead. Thank you for being a part of our community. The sport of soccer is growing in Nebraska, and we intend to see it thrive.

Disclaimer – In the making of this article, team websites and other research sources were utilized. Although we attempt to avoid them whenever possible, errors can occur. Please contact us directly with corrections.

Hastings College

Head Coach – Tim Bohnenkamp

Assistant Coaches – Cesar Herrera

Mascot – Broncos

Year Regular Season Record GPAC Record
2019 20-3-3 9-2
2018 17-3 11-0
2017 19-3-1 9-0
2016 24-0-1 9-0

Nebraska Homegrown Players On Roster –

  • #11 Caleb Osmond – Jr – Lincoln North Star – F
  • #14 Steven Castillo – So – Grand Island HS – Mid
  • #18 Brendon Boatwright – Jr. – Papillion – LaVista HS – Def
  • #25 Tyler Mase – Fr. – Omaha Burke – Mid
  • #29 Miles Whitaker – Fr – Millard North – Def
  • #32 Austin Uhlig – So – Millard North – GK
  • #33 Kevin Toledo- Frutus – Jr – Lexington/CCC – Def

6/35 = 17%

NEST Analysis – One must look no further than Hastings’ jerseys to understand the standard of the program. Located just above the school logo are two stars: each representing a national championship. Its most recent championship campaign took place in 2016. Hastings has undoubtedly become the state’s most consistent and successful men’s soccer program year in and year out. Just last year, the Broncos were one victory away from adding a third star to their jersey. In his third year, Coach Bohnenkamp has put together a large and interesting roster. Like many NAIA schools, Hastings is fortunate that Nebraska is home to only two D1 soccer programs, both of which tend to recruit internationally.  Hastings always seems to capitalize on this situation by bringing in some of the best talent that Nebraska has to offer. Combining those high-level homegrown players with prospects from all over the world makes this squad a case study for success. Hastings College is an exciting program that we will look forward to covering. Any Nebraska team that produces championships, All-Americans, and professionals has our attention. 

Additionally, how sweet is this hype video?! This is what it takes to grow your brand and the game of soccer!

 

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, 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 multiple 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 on Spotify.