Goertzen voted 4A Soccer Coach of the Year

Nik Goertzen came to Sisters six years ago with the hope of coaching girls soccer and making the Outlaws into one of the state's premiere programs. Over the last three years Goertzen has witnessed firsthand his hope and dream become reality.

Goertzen was recently recognized as the 2011 4A Girls Soccer Coach of the Year. The special award confirms the girls' soccer program's state identity. The last two years the Lady Outlaws compiled a states' best record of 32-3-1, which is better than any other program at the 4A level. In addition, they have held their opponents to fewest goals scored against a team combined than any other 4A team.

Goertzen said, "Those two statistical categories speak volumes to my players' talents, and willingness to play the game the right way."

Of the special recognition Goertzen said, "This is a very special honor for me. To be recognized as the 4A Coach of the Year by my peers statewide speaks volumes to our girls' soccer program and the recent successes we have had. I am so very proud."

Goertzen added, "Coaching is my passion. The sport of soccer has been very, very good to me and my family. I have been truly blessed. There are so many people who over the span of 21 years have shaped, mentored and made me the coach that I am. The Outlaws players have taken my philosophy, personal challenges, and time constraints to make girls Outlaws soccer rewarding and successful through hard work, mental preparation and team chemistry."

Goertzen drilled into his players that the team comes above all.

"My players are a reflection of me, and I am the coach I am because of them," stated Goertzen. "I have created a girls' soccer environment here in Sisters that all my players are proud of. When you come to watch us play you see the uniqueness in which we play in our set pieces, the amount of energy we play with, and the speed in which we play. As a coach I want to make it simple, basic in nature, fun and physically challenging. I wouldn't really change anything in the world about what I do and who I am as a coach. I am so blessed and lucky to be an Outlaw!"

Goertzen wished to thank his wife Joanna and his kids Olivia and Evan for their sacrifices, patience, understanding and unconditional love and support, and noted that without it he wouldn't be able to spend the countless extra hours required to be successful.

Goertzen told The Nugget he owes a lot to former Athletic Director Mary Flande and former Principal Bob Macauley for taking a chance on him and giving him the support and flexibility to make the girls' soccer program a success. Goertzen also thanked SHS Principal Joe Hosang, Athletic Director Clyde Powell and District Superintendent Jim Golden for their continued support.