For Immediate Release

 

 

The WSCA is proud to announce the recipients of the 2010 Girls Coach of the Year. The categories awarded are large school (>500 enrolled), small school (<=500 enrolled) and private school.  This year, the WSCA coaches nominated and voted Matt Heilman - Verona, Nathan Laabs - New Holstein and John Burke - Catholic Memorial as the coaches of the year.

 

 

The season started fast with victories over Madison Edgewood, Waunakee, Madison Lafollette and Brookfield East in their first 4 matches.  The Wildcats hit a rough patch of injuries mid-season that got so bad that they only had 9 girls training for a couple of days.  Coach Heilman was able to get the girls to persevere through the injuries and get lots of players to step up as a result.  Some of the team's finest soccer of the year was played in the post-season, including what may have been their best all-around game against Homestead.  The team advanced to state for the first time since 1995, and won their first ever state tournament game vs. Wausau East as well as their first state championship.

 

 

 

 

 

Small Schools

Coach Laabs guided New Holstein to an 18-5-4 record and the Division 3 State Championship in his first season at the helm.  Heading into the season, there were plenty of question marks for a Husky squad needing to replace three-of-four defenders and adjusting to a new coach.  The season started with a rough tournament at Beaver Dam against three Division 1 teams.  After going 0-2-1 on the day, Nathan worked with the girls to turn it around and went on a 11 game unbeaten streak.  Highlighted in that stretch was a tie against the defending conference champion Plymouth (division 1 team), and a come from behind win over the eventual conference champion, Sheboygan Falls (division 2 team).  The streak was eventually ended by a loss to Columbus. 

The season was up and down from that point, but the Huskies still had a chance to win conference going into their last game of the year, but dropped to third after losing a rematch to Sheboygan Falls.  In the sectional semifinal, Coach Laabs' squad avenged their loss last year in the regional final to Howards Grove, by beating them 2-1.  In the state tournament everything went fell perfectly for New Holstein.  Both opponents were very tough, but Nathan was able to always keep his girls fighting and to come out on top.  Throughout the playoffs, and all the way to the state championship, the girls were very confident and very focused.  Playing in a challenging conference, with teams from all divisions, helped to prepare the Huskies for the constant toughness faced in the playoffs.  Coach Laabs' guidance showed throughout the season, culminating with a state championship.

 

Coach Burke's Crusaders culminated their season with the Division 2 State Championship and a final record of 23-2-2.  John prepared the team for their post season run by setting a challenging schedule in which they went undefeated against within Wisconsin (20-0-2).  Catholic Memorial was the Classic 8 Conference champions, as well as the Laura Moynihan Tournament champions.  Under Coach Burke's watch, the team ended the season on a 21-game unbeaten streak and only gave up 1 goal in the post season.  Over the course of their championship season, the team had a streak of 16 consecutive shutouts and 20 total.  During his 16-year stay at Catholic Memorial, John now boasts an overall record of 342-34-25.

Off the pitch, Coach Burke takes pride in having a well rounded and philanthropic team.  In January, the Crusaders earned their 10th consecutive NSCAA Academic Team Award and John's team held a 3.78 GPA.  His girls also coached 18 TOPSoccer events during the school year, giving back to the soccer community.

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to fine coaches selected by the membership of the WSCA and to all the coaches who were selected by their peers to be recognized for their coaching this season.