There is promising potential and unavoidable challenges that lie ahead for VYSA. Over the last few years, we have seen exponential growth and increasing competitive success. Impressively, I have observed from a coaching and parent perspective, increasing family engagement which is foundational to any successful club and important collaborative relationships forming with other successful clubs. It is a pivotal time for the club with the rapidly increasing participation and resultant pressures placed on the club’s capabilities and processes. As we grow, there is no denying challenges and complex decisions await with increasing operational business demands, board responsibilities, club logistics, branding, quality coaching initiatives, tryout/player evaluations and fortifying our long-term viability. There are increasing expectations and pressures on club operations, the club board, its coaches and our coaching director. Therein lies my willingness to pursue a position on the board to serve the player, family, coaches and our coaching director with the support necessary to continue to successfully navigate our club into the future.
If there is one thing that has encouraged me about VYSA’s future, it is the families. This is a club that places importance on developing competitive, good character, players and values family. Club decisions can weigh heavy on family logistics and resources. The impact of club decisions is not lost on our coaching director and I think we can all be reassured this focus will continue with whomever you choose for your incoming board members. I am well aware it is not just what is done but how it is done that matters to the player and family.
My hope on the board is to be a conduit between the parents and club leadership. I have a unique perspective as a former player, board member to other nonprofits, coach and dad to two players that have played in multiple clubs/programs at different levels. I am sure many of us share similar concerns, frustrations, expectations and hopes for the club.
A bit about me.
- Played soccer growing up including a year of collegiate soccer. 4 years of college tennis.
- Married to Jessie. Dad to a U15 girls and U12 boys player. Both kids have played with Rush and now VYSA with one of our kids also currently playing with the ODP organization.
- I have served on a variety of community business committees and boards. Most recent youth organization, past board member of the La Crosse Children’s Museum.
- Work at Gundersen in the physical medicine and rehab department.
- Have coached within the VYSA club for the last few years with multiple teams.
