Northwestern prides itself on the outstanding coaching staff it brings in for each team and they continue to do so in women’s soccer. This past year, Kelli Herman, accepted the position as the women’s head soccer coach. Being her first season coaching here, Herman has already made improvements to the team on and off the field.
“Being positively driven and high achieving, she brings an encouraging attitude to practice every day” said Evyn Eblen, about NW’s new head soccer coach.
“Coach demands a lot out of us, but only because she knows what we are capable of and wants us to succeed. She coaches hard and loves harder,” Eblen adds.
Herman’s experience as a high school soccer coach has equipped her with valuable skills and knowledge on how to be an excellent coach. In addition to her coaching experience, she played soccer for South Dakota State University and obtained a master’s degree in sports and recreational studies. Her impressive background makes her a valuable asset to the organization.
Being approached by the past athletic director, Herman took time and prayer in deciding to accept the position. After visiting campus one weekend, she felt called to accept the head coaching position. “I visited campus on a Saturday after my interview. There was spring soccer going on, so I was able to watch the players interact with the community and check the campus out. I sat on the campus green and prayed over the decision,” Herman said.
Herman’s goal for this season as the new coach is to “continue to build a culture around kingdom leadership while playing soccer.” Herman makes it a priority to grow the team closer together and build a strong culture as she believes it improves the performance on the field.
“During the game, I try to just let the game run itself and coach in the moments needed on the field but address most things as players come off the field,” Herman said.
