Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Nederland. The Nederland High School boys’ soccer team wrapped up their season a couple weeks ago. This was the second season of soccer at the high school after not having the sport for several years. 

The team is under the leadership of their passionate and enthusiastic coach, Luis Gonzalez. Coach says, “I am really happy with the players because they tried their best in every practice and every game. It is an honor to work with them.”

Their record was 0 – 13. Coach says that at every game, they played with great heart and attitude. The Panthers did not give up, even when the odds were stacked against them. This is a great example of how sports teach lessons beyond the fundamental skills. These athletes learn discipline, resilience, teamwork and good sportsmanship. 

The soccer team had an end of the year party to recognize the players and their families. First year players received a soccer letter and players who played for two years received a pin. Coach Gonzalez presented the Most Valuable Player award to sophomore goalie Townes Bakke. Townes was in the net all season and blocked shot after shot. We look forward to seeing this young goalie in the net for the next two years. 

Coach also presented the Most Improved Player award to senior defensemen Cooper Nielsen. Cooper is a natural team leader. He could be heard encouraging his teammates throughout the games. When asked about the soccer season Cooper humbly said, “I want to thank the guys for a great last season.” 

Cooper is one of six seniors on the team who will be graduating in the spring. The others are Chris Francis, Barrett Johnson, Ranjan Malla, Cody Martin and Brandon Schreiner. Senior players and their parents were recognized, honored and received flower bouquets and oversized chocolate bars at the end of the season party. 

For a small school with a small team, graduating six players is a big deal. All boys at Nederland High School should consider going out for the soccer team. You will be joining a team that is constantly improving as they gain more experience and skill.

Coach Gonzalez is dedicated to doing his part in building a strong soccer program in Nederland. When he started coaching the new team last year, his goal was to prepare a team and develop a culture of soccer in Nederland. He says he wanted to create, “a place where students feel part of this project and are proud to be a part of it.”

This continues to be his goal in the years to come. Coach wants to prepare kids to compete in soccer, but also to learn those life lessons and be great kids. 

Peak to Peak Soccer, in partnership with Teens, Inc., has expanded their program to include middle school teams. This means that Nederland has soccer for kids in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade. Coach Gonzalez is also working with middle school students, and soccer camps will be held in the spring. 

Coach sees it as part of his job to work with these younger kids because they are the future of Nederland soccer. 

We congratulate this year’s high school team on their hard work and dedication throughout the season. We look forward to watching next year’s team take the field and continue this new era of soccer in Nederland. 

(Originally published in the November 14, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)