North Muskegon Girls Soccer

 
 
Coaching Staff

Ryan Berends - Head Coach

I began working with the North Muskegon Varsity Girls Soccer Program in 2004 as an assistant to Phil Connor and Bob Houseman. I enjoyed working with them and learned an incredible amount from them. I have also worked with the boys program as an assistant to Jeremy Tjapkes and as a JV coach since 2003 also acquiring a great deal of knowledge. Soccer has become a "lifestyle" in our family as we all play or coach at some level.

I played for the very first varsity soccer team offered by Caledonia High School in my youth, and messed around a little with club teams in college. I continue to play indoor and outdoor soccer with Jeremy Tjapkes (and other coaches from around the area).

I teach high school and middle school math, science, CAD, and Media at North Muskegon and truly enjoy working with students outside the classroom in a different environment.  Wonderful life lessons can be learned during practices and games; lessons involving what I would consider the three core areas of my coaching philosophy.

The first is in teamwork and selflessness.  I believe each and every athlete has something positive to contribute to the team.  My goal is to teach the work ethic required to improve oneself and ultimately those surrounding and the selflessness to bring this forward with others in mind.

The second is showing respect and sportsmanship.  I feel that players should at all times have and show respect for the officials, their coaches, their teammates, and themselves.  I also feel this idea needs to extend to the coaches and the fans because it is right, and if nothing else, it makes the game more enjoyable for all. 

This leads me to my final core area – having a positive attitude and simply having fun.  I love the game of soccer and the competitive arena and wish to pass that passion on.

Sara Potter - Assistant Coach

I am a 2003 Graduate of North Muskegon. After high school I attended Grand Valley State University, where I graduated with a degree in Integrated Science/Elementary Education. I enjoy running and playing all sports.

In high school I played 4 years varsity soccer for North Muskegon. Throughout my high school career I was named to the all-state honorable mention team, all-state second team, and was an all-area and all-conference player.  I started playing soccer when I was 5 through the NM rec. program. In elementary and middle school I joined the Muskegon Lakers. After several years with the Lakers I joined a premier team, Grand Valley Premier, out of Grand Rapids where I had the opportunity to travel and play teams from all over the mid-west.  During my sophomore year I joined a premier team, Great Lakes Premier, out of Muskegon where I finished my high school career. I spent my high school career on the field as a mid-fielder and/or forward, however I did spend time on defense when I played out of Grand Rapids.

I currently teach fourth grade at North Muskegon. Although it keeps me busy I love every minute of it.  I am looking forward to this season, meeting new faces, and getting some touches on the soccer ball. 

Stephanie Cutler - Assistant Coach (taking time off with new baby!)

Soccer has always brought joy to my life.  I played as a child and continued to play in high school at Reeths Puffer.  After high school I played on several indoor teams and I now continue to enjoy the sport as I follow the high school teams. 

You may see me in the school, I teach third grade at North Muskegon Elementary.  This is my third year as a teacher in this fantastic district.  I grew up in the Muskegon area, graduated from Aquinas College, and now live in Muskegon with my wonderful husband Justin.