Lomira New Girls Soccer Coach Josh Haefs

What appealed or attracted you to the Lomira job?
“There has been substantial growth in soccer in the Lomira communities through the soccer programs in Brownsville, with the girls’ programs, specifically, having grown tremendously in numbers and commitment to development in the sport, with a real sense of community between all the girls who are playing in these programs,” said New Lomira Girls Soccer Head Coach Josh Haefs. “Often, the youth players will come to watch the older teams, and the older teams will take time to encourage and watch the younger girls’ team. The future is bright for this program moving forward.”
Coaching history and background?
“I coached the boys and girls teams in Lomira from 2009 to 2012 after attending Ripon College. During this time, the boys won the first playoff game in school history, and the girls’ program brought home to regional titles and one sectional final,” said Haefs. “ After this, I became involved with North District Flyway Soccer in Brownsville, where I currently serve as president of the club. I have coached at every age level from U5 to U19 at the club and have seen the positive impact soccer can have on kids as they begin their development in soccer and in life.”

“I hold a degree in coaching methodology from the Barca University of the famed Barcelona FC in Spain. I also have several coaching diplomas from US Youth Soccer, and I am an ambassador for North District Flyway Soccer to Minnesota United of Major League Soccer,” said Haefs. “Although not a coaching history, I am also a licensed US soccer official and WIAA official, which gives me a unique perspective on the game that I had not seen before becoming an official.”
Thoughts on the current state of the program?
“We have a young team, but through our first meeting, I can see that they are excited to learn and develop as a team,” said Haefs. “Through film study of last year’s games, I can see the team has potential for a large development leap forward this year.”
Thoughts on the Lomira community and school?
“As a graduate of Lomira High School, I am always proud to tell everyone about what Lomira can provide for the school and the community,” said Haefs. “This is a great community where people are always willing to put the work in and help each other out. Larger schools and communities struggle to have the amazing teachers, school facilities, and community events that Lomira has.”
What are your initial and long-term goals for the program?
“Initially, we will be focusing on development and building player confidence, and we will spend a good amount of time building the team through a player-focused methodology,” said Haefs. “Long-term, I am looking to see this program move back to where it was when I left as a coach previously, which was top 5 in conference and a perennial playoff threat to anyone the team faced.”
Thoughts on the youth and middle school program at the school?
The youth programs have continued to develop and challenge themselves year after year through the North District Flyway in Brownsville,” said Haefs. “This past fall, the first Brownsville U13 girls team to compete in the WYSA Southeast Classic league kicked off.”
“These girls are challenging themselves against some of the best players in Southeast Wisconsin as well as at tournaments that feature teams from neighboring states,” said Haefs. “This coming fall, U10 girls will kick off their first game in the Kettle Moraine Soccer League against some of the best players in the Kettle Moraine.”
Thoughts on the Flyway conference?
“The Flyway conference is very difficult, and we will be challenged this season by some very dynamic players on many strong teams,” said Haefs. “Having been an official at some of the games as well as attending, we will be up against some very good teams throughout the season, but the long-term benefits of this will be outstanding as girls will be able to face some of the best players and coaches every week as they develop.”
What are the Most Important roles as a coach?
“As I have progressed through coaching, I have found that coaching is so much more than the tactics from week to week,” said Haefs. “One main thing I like to go over with players is that this is a game and should be enjoyed. Working with the players so that they become leaders on the field and in life, so that these talented young ladies can take control of their development journey, is another focus this season.”