The Big Lake boys soccer team is coached by Mike Baldwin and consists of 20 players. This is Mike’s first year steering the ship and he is assisted by Brennen Baldwin.

Mike and Brennen have a love and passion for the sport of soccer and they use those emotions to drive them in their devotion to teaching the youth the world’s most popular sport.

Brock Knick, a senior on the team has been named 2020 captain for the Hornets.

“We have a young team,” says Mike.  “My expectation this year is to have the team learn how to play together as a team by communicating, trusting and learning to play our formation.”

Due to COVID-19, the teams at each school have rules and restrictions they need to abide by and Mike and Brennen are making sure the rules get followed.

“Players and coaches have to wear masks while not playing on the field,” Mike said.  “Players are also asked to use their own personal items, such as the ball, water. etc.”

Mike’s background in the sport is he played in high school, college and semi-pro league, so he has the tools and knowledge to elevate the team — as long as the players do their jobs.

“I want to instill the love and the passion for the game as I have into the kids so in the future they will want to develop and grow as players and ambassadors of the game in the future,” Mike said. “Besides playing a sport with both of your feet, I would say movement on and off the ball and working as a team are the toughest challenges in coaching soccer at this level.”

Soccer’s popularity at all levels of school play has not waned through the years and Mike and Brennen hope to see the sport continue to grow at Big Lake.

“I think the future is bright for high school soccer and Hornet soccer,” Mike said.  “I see it as still a growing sport in the U. S.”