Hornet girls soccer has a new coach.
Brady Johnson has taken over the reins of girls soccer at Big Lake High School after long-time coach Mike Turner stepped down after last season. Johnson has been coaching soccer for the past seven years and began coaching after he finished his collegian soccer career at Bethany Lutheran College.
“Last year I was the assistant varsity coach of St. Francis High School and we won our first conference championship in the program’s history,” Johnson said.
Outside of high school, Johnson is a director for a local youth soccer club called Boreal FC.
“At Boreal, I’m the technical director and have had a chance to work with many players in the Big Lake community,” he said. “I hold my United States Soccer Federation ‘C’ License and hold my United Soccer Coaches ‘Premier Diploma’.”
Johnson inherits a program that seems to be on the rise with 29 youngsters vying for spots on the squad. Johnson has his eyes on all the players and their potential but he is especially excited about three girls who could shine in the spotlight during the 2021 season.
“Kadyn Dilger (goalie) is arguably one of the top goalies in the state of Minnesota,” said Johnson. “She has had a prolific club soccer career where she has won a Presidents Cup National Championship and has reached a State Cup final while playing up two age groups.”
Dilger is a sophomore captain and will be vital to Johnson’s team’s success on the field.
“She is fearless, fantastic with the ball at her feet, and makes saves that leave everyone in awe.”
Another player Johnson holds esteem for is midfielder Lexi Moen.
“Lexi is an extremely talented player,” he says. “She is the hardest working individual on the team and sets a great standard for the rest of the program to follow.”
This season will be Moen’s third year on varsity but with several seniors graduating, it’s now her chance to step up.
“She is a rare player because of her immense talent paired with her humility. She is a great defensive player that can also contribute with goals and assists in attack.”
Forward Savannah Baker is another Johnson treasure and she is the lone junior in his program.
“She contributes to a great culture within our program by making everyone feel at home when we are together. She will be our most attacking player and should be set to have a fantastic season.”
Johnson realizes he is coaching youngsters who sometimes don’t eat that well, or get enough sleep or condition their bodies to be their best, but he hopes to introduce a standard his players can follow that isn’t too restrictive.
“As we move to build our program this (diet and nutrition)will become a dynamic that we focus on,” Johnson said. “Soccer is one of the rare sports where younger players must consider how their lifestyle off the field affects them on the field. A regular sleep schedule, a healthy diet, and stretching are crucial to being a high level player on the field.”
“I believe that I have been blessed through my career as a soccer professional to get the highest levels of education and be in a leadership role through my soccer club,” says Johnson. “The most important dynamic of my career is to create an environment that allows for growth. Growth for me focuses on academics, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and being able to create relationships with peers. Players who join the Big Lake Girls Soccer program will have an opportunity to grow in these areas of their life and become a better individual.”
“Additionally, it’s a fun group of players to be with on a daily basis.”
Johnson’s team consist of: Kadyn Dilger, Lilly Berglund, Savannah Baker, Kaycie Jacob, Ava Vizenor, Lauren Huver, Abigail Polacec, Alexis Moen, Mya Turner, Mackenzie Cypull, Rylie Sternquist, Kelsey Meyer, Sophia Lange, Halle Holman, Emily Steen, Trinity Zoccoli and Willow Stevens.
The team begins the 2021 season with a home match against Zimmerman Aug. 26. The next day, Aug. 27, they travel to Hutchinson, then return home Aug. 31 to host Rockford. Sept. 7 they play at Watertown-Mayer, then host Princeton Sept. 9. On Sept. 11, they play at Willmar, then host the Bulldogs from Becker Sept. 14. Two days later, they hit the road for North Branch, then for Heritage Christian Academy Sept. 18 before returning home to play Monticello Sept. 21.
The Hornets hit the road Sept. 23 for St. Francis, then head to Chisago Lakes Sept. 27. Maranatha Christian Academy comes to Big Lake Sept. 28 as well as Cambridge-Iasnti Sept. 30. The final two matches of the regular season include a trip to Waterown-Mayer on Oct. 5 and then a final home match Oct. 7 against Delano.
