Small Town Celebrities – Coaches Steve, Matt & Barry Lead Youth Soccer Team

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By Amy Rowley

LogoThey are there in the rain, organizing drills when the wind is ripping through three layers of clothes.  They dodge balls of hail and shield their eyes from sun rays.  In my life, Steve Hamilton, Matt Bell, and Barry Diseth are more reliable than the postal service.

Together, the three coaches have created a passion for soccer that illuminates my fourth grade daughter’s fall and spring months.

olympia youth soccer
Coach Steve Hamilton gives a message to his player during a spring season soccer game.

For five consecutive seasons, Steve Hamilton ends his day as a veterinarian and walks onto the field, prepared to coach a girl’s youth soccer team.  Along with his assistants, Black Hills High School teacher Matt Bell and accountant Barry Diseth, this trio has led the Wolverines to consistent victory through the Oly United Soccer Club.

The girls affectionately call the coaches by their first names, adding the respectful title of “Coach.”  Both on and off the field, each coach is also called “Dad.”

“Each girl is special and I can see her potential inside,” comments Coach Steve.  “I enjoy coaching because I want to crack that ‘something special’ out of each player.”

Kim Hamilton, Coach Steve’s wife, comments that she often finds her husband and daughter in the backyard practicing a drill.  Bella, their daughter, plays forward for the Wolverines.  “He truly loves coaching and remembers to have fun too,” says Kim when asked about how she manages to share her husband three days a week with the team.

olympia youth soccer
Coach Matt Bell warms up the fourth grade soccer players before a game.

Now ten years old, the girls started as a ragtag group when they were six and seven year old second graders.  Hailing from Griffin, Pioneer, LP Brown, and Charles Wright Academy, the team has formed a strong bond that enables them to respond positively to coaching direction.

“It’s so wonderful to have been with the same coaches,” says Jen Valdenegro whose daughter Sam plays defense.  “I like watching them go through their sporting career together.”

“Lucy looks forward to practice and games,” says parent, Christy Peters.  “The coaches have such a sense of each girl’s ability level and are able to challenge each player individually.”  Peters’ daughter, Lucy, adds “Coach Steve doesn’t yell at us if we are doing something wrong.”

Instead, the coaches are known for their positive attitude.  “The coaches do an excellent job of blending encouragement with challenging motivation,” shares mom, Heather Brandsma.  Heather’s daughter, Brooke, is often seen belting a kick well into the opposing team’s territory.

This season, the team welcomed two new players, after competing together on a winter basketball team.  “These coaches are great,” says newcomer, Sydney Reidel who states that the World Cup game at the end of practices is her favorite.

“The coaches utilize each of the girls’ strengths which really fosters a strong team spirit,” adds Brandsma.

Sheri Sage-Plyler appreciates the kind and patient coaching of her daughter, Kyrstin.   Josh Plyler adds that “the coaches clearly have a passion for the game and want to make sure the girls are having fun, learning something.”

olympia youth soccer
Coach Barry Diseth practices with a Wolverines player.

Coach Barry agrees with this mission.  “I like seeing the girls grow, learn and mature as soccer players,” he says.

The family time coaching their daughters is something that all three dads appreciate.  “I recognize that there is a short period of time that I can be involved with my kids,” says Coach Matt who has coached multiple high school teams.

Coach Matt focuses on coaching the defense and specifically trains with his daughter, Makenzie who often plays “keeper” or goalie.  “I like that my dad helps me when I am in goal,” reports Kenzie.

Hannah Diseth, Barry’s daughter, sums up the atmosphere on the soccer field.  “My favorite part of playing soccer is that my dad is here, watching me play.”

Go Wolverines!

 

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