Coach Greg Anderson started coaching 20 years ago when his oldest daughter started to play. This was his 14th year of coaching the Trojans. (Photo/Submitted) 

Anderson named Coach of the Year 

Sara Stadem | Editor 

West Central soccer team can add another item to their growing success list. The South Dakota High School Coaches’ Association announced the Coach of the Year awards for the Fall of 2020 and West Central’s soccer coach Greg Anderson was it. 

Coach Anderson, who began coaching soccer 20 years ago for his oldest daughter, is now in his 14th year coaching the Trojans. The first eight years, the soccer team was considered a club with the past six years being a high school sanctioned team. 

The Trojans, under the leadership of Coach Anderson, has a sanctioned record of 59 wins, 24 losses, 10 draws and finished this past season with their fourth State Championship. 

Coach Anderson explained this season was more challenging than most with the biggest challenge obviously being COVID-19 and the new procedures that were put into place in order for there to be a season. “Even with the procedures in place, the possibility of someone catching the virus or being a close contact to someone who had it was always in the back of your mind,” Anderson said. He continued, “We also sustained quite a few injuries this year, which had us switching up the lineup, putting some players in positions they had never played before.” 

Despite the many challenges, the Trojans still had a successful year. “With everything that our team went through, I am proud of all of the players for how they accepted every challenge,” stated Anderson. He continued, “I am very appreciative of our senior captains, Jada VanOverbeke and Shelby Sherard, for how they helped lead the team to make this a very successful season.” 

Also a nominee in 2018 for Coach of the Year, Coach Anderson stated, “I am very honored to have been nominated for, and selected to receive this award.” He continued, “It is rewarding to be recognized as Coach of the Year.” 

Coach Anderson credits several individuals for his success as a coach and for receiving the Coach of the Year award. He credits his assistant coaches, Coach Evans and Coach Kurtz, and his past and present players. “They (Coach Evans and Coach Kurtz) do an excellent job with our younger players, which makes my job easier.” Anderson continued, “Most importantly, I have to give credit to my past and present players. Without their hard work, dedication, and leadership, we would not have experienced the success that we have had. Being recognized for this award is just as much of a testament to what they have accomplished as it is to what I have done.” 

Looking ahead, Coach Anderson is excited for the next season. “With the loss of only two seniors, we will have a team that is experienced and very versatile.” He continued, “The quality of teams in Class A soccer continues to increase each year, so there should be some very fun and competitive games to watch.”