Karli Angle –

Soccer, Athena FC

Coach Angle’s podcast interview

What was shared about Coach Angle:

Karli teaches our athletes life-lessons like teamwork, perseverance, and discipline, helping players develop both on and off the field. Karli inspires our athletes to overcome challenges and grow their confidence, resilience, and leadership.

Nikki Hoffman

Basketball and Track, Olathe South HS

Coach Hoffman’s podcast interview

What was shared about Coach Hofffman:  If you have been around Coach Hoffman for very long, you will recognize that more than winning games, although she wants to win more than most, she wants her athletes to understand that their approach to playing the game matters more than the scoreboard.
For sure character is what Coach Hoffman believes drives winning. However, she knows the catalyst of it all is Jesus. In organic ways, Coach Hoffman can share her faith and show that her true identity is in Jesus. This is the true confidence that we can have on and off the court!
What sets Coach Hoffman apart is that she doesn’t just have a poster on the wall of her core values for the program. She, her staff & athletes work very hard to live out the core values every day. She does things like having a retreat to start the season off on a great foundation. Her team has mindset practices where they take time to work on things of the heart and mind. These are just a couple of examples.
I have personally been around many coaches, for many years and I can say that Coach Hoffman truly wants more than anything for her athletes to walk away from the season as not just better players/athletes but better humans.

Steve Essex

Football, Basketball, Track, Prairie Star Middle School

Coach Essex’s podcast interview

What was shared about Coach Essex:  Coach Essex is truly the heartbeat of PSMS, playing an integral role in nearly every sport offered at the school. He is not only the most liked teacher but also the most approachable. Steve is always willing to lend a hand and offer support to anyone in need. Through his coaching and servant leadership style, he demonstrates his faith by pouring into the lives of his athletes, shaping their character, determination, and work ethic. Coach Essex’s influence goes beyond the field or court—he motivates his athletes to not only become better athletes but also better students. His commitment to excellence helps each athlete to be the best version of themselves, fostering a team atmosphere that encourages growth and fellowship. Steve goes above and beyond in coaching football, girls and boys basketball, and track. He dedicates time and energy to develop the physical skills and creating relationships with each individual athlete. His fierce passion for coaching and his genuine care for his athletes make him an invaluable asset to the PSMS community.

Sam Soliday

Volleyball, Maranatha Christian Academy and MAVS

Coach Soliday’s podcast interview

What was shared about Coach Soliday:  He is building more than just a volleyball team; he is helping build a family. Coach Soliday brings people together through one common goal and makes them better people. He teaches us friendship, leadership, humility, and confidence. No player leaves the same as when they started and that is all because of his dedication to our team through years of consistent coaching and mentoring. The only reason we won a state title is because of his incredible passion and abilities. He makes each and every player feel cared for, and he makes sure that no matter what happens, we have our priorities set on more than just winning a game. He teaches life lessons like grit and resilience that will carry each player through different seasons of their life, on and off the court. He makes sure we have unity and prioritizes our spiritual life over any title or trophy. He is a fair coach who imprints unforgettable life lessons and lasting bonds between players and coaches. He not only invests in being a high school coach, club coach, and former police officer, but also strongly invests in being an incredible grandfather. He is a family man at heart, and he grows each girl that steps onto his court into a strong woman for Christ.