Phil DePauw, in addition to being an intelligent English teacher, has also shown his prowess in coaching soccer. DePauw was named the girls soccer Northern Indiana Conference Coach of the Year. This makes it two years in a row – as he won it last year in the 2019 as well. He has led the team this year to a record of 16-2, boasting 15 shutouts. The squad ranked in the top ten of class 3A all season long and captured first place in the NIC for back to back years.

Captain Natalie Moore says “We’re so thankful to have Phil as our coach. He pushes us day in and day out to do our best. He set up a challenging schedule this season to prepare us for the post season and get us where we want to finish, which is state.”

Another team member, defender Josie Lloyd says “Phil has obviously been a successful coach, taking the team to state in 2017 and 2018. [We plan] to be back there this year. He’s also my teacher so that’s pretty cool.” The team can’t express enough gratitude for having DePauw as their coach, making practices a learning environment while also making it a place for some of their favorite memories. 

Saint Joseph girls soccer also garnered the MVP for the Northern Indiana Conference – captain Georgia Place. Place has been a key factor on the girls team since her freshman year. Starting on varsity as a freshman, she has continued to show her talent ever since.

With 24 goals so far this season, she knows how to perform in key games. Place scored twice against Penn in the regular season, fueling the huge win for the Indians. She also scored three goals in the first game of sectionals against Mishawaka, following it up with two  goals against Adams for the sectional championship, and one goal to secure the regional championship against Chesterton. As a junior Place scored 22 goals, 15 as a sophomore, and 22 her freshman year.

Teammate and midfielder Sarah Hiestand says, “Georgia keeps us going. She’s the motivation we need to improve and knows when to be serious and disciplined at practices and during games.” Place is a leader on and off the field for the girls –  having gone to the state championship as a freshman and sophomore, and she is eyeing another trip there this year. 

The girls play Noblesville this Saturday in Semi State. Come out and support Coach Phil DePauw, Georgia Place, and the rest of the squad!