The Becker girls soccer team has anew head coach this year, with long-time instructor Arnold Changamire stepping down to pass the reins to Ben Strom.

Strom started playing soccer in middle school and by the time he reached high school, he was fully enveolped in the sport and was recruited and committed to a college in Illinois. He also played adult soccer in Minnesota’s amateur league and then in adult rec leagues for many years. He has been coaching soccer at various clubs for 22 years — many of those times coaching his own kids.

“I love the game of soccer,” Strom says. “The intricacies, creativity, and the unpredictability and I truly enjoy watching players progress mentally and physically.”

Strom’s JV coach is Isabelle Strom and the JV2 coach is Abby Rothstein. His captains are all seniors, Kaylin Peterson, Megan Gamble, Faith Madsen and Alaynna Suchy.

Strom has seen 39 girls go out for soccer in 2020.

Strom figures Big Lake will be his team’s biggest rival.

“I live in Big Lake and know nearly everyone on their team (Hornets), and it is always a well fought and close game, so it feels like a rivalry,” Strom says.

With COVID-19 throwing a wrench in his first full year as head coach, Strom is juggling how to balance his coaching style with staying within the state guidelines for protecting athletes.

“Keeping up with changing rules and making sure everyone is wearing masks is probably the most difficult (challenge) but it’s not too bad,” he said. “We bought masks for each player and bought enough equipment this year so players aren’t sharing.”

Lots of kids can run up and down a field and kick a round ball, but Strom says the sport is more than foot and eye coordination. When asked what is the toughest thing to teach kids at this age, Strom didn’t hesitate to answer.

“Emotional and mental toughness,” he said. “Many high school varsity players have been playing for a while, they understand the game and they play it well; mental toughness is the next step in their development.”

Becker soccer has always had a good following over the years and the future looks bright for the sport. Strom hopes he and his staff are around for many, many years forward.

“Becker has had great numbers for many years and I am hoping that continues,” he says. “I do see a bright future for Bulldog soccer for the rest of this and down the road!”

The team consists of Amanda Miner, Alaynna Suchy, Sarena St. Denis, Kennedy Rusin, Megan Gamble, Faith Madsen, Alayna Mohler, Mackenzie Janisch, Kaylin Peterson, Riley Norberg, Rachel Fuller, Ava Ewald, Adeline Kent, Isabelle Carlson, Hailey Szabla, and Elle Schendzielos.

Vikings 2, Bulldogs 1

Last Tuesday, the girls traveled to North Branch to take on the Vikings and lost a close match, 2-1.

Junior Bulldog Kennedy Rusin scored Becker’s lone goal, assisted by senior Alayna Suchy.

Junior Amanda Miner  suffered an injury in goal and senior Megan Gamble came in and had three saves.

Saints 5, Bulldogs 1

Thursday, Becker hit the road for St. Francis and  left with a one-sided loss.

Senior Kaylin Peterson tallied Becker’s only goal on a penalty kick.

Gamble had 12 saves in the loss.