Coaching is not new to middle school teacher Andy Bouwens. His first job was lifeguarding, while also teaching swim lessons. His first real coaching job came around in 1989, coaching age group swim lessons.
“Since then, I have always coached swimming at levels from age group, to middle school, to varsity high school, to USA swimming. I have coached Softball before as well,” Bouwens said.
As spring sports began, Bouwens took on being the coach for the girls Northview lacrosse team, as they were going to be coachless this season due to their prior coaches being let go.
“I saw a lot of potential with this team and they needed a coach. I also needed a challenge myself,” Bouwens said.
Coaching a sport that was fairly new to Bouwens’ knowledge was a challenge, but a challenge he was willing to take on.
As girls sports struggle with stereotypes and stigma, Bouwens pushed his team all day, everyday. Breaking the label that others have placed on his team was a big goal for Bouwens.
“I want fans to come out and see how exciting our games are. This team works so hard and has no quit. I want people to see the beauty in the game of girls lacrosse. They don’t get enough credit for what they do,” Bouwens said. “My goal is also to get our community and fans to see that girls sports are exciting to watch and they deserve the same respect as boys sports.”
Not only did Bouwens help with the effort to break the stigma around girls lacrosse, but he also managed to drive this year’s team to become the OK White Conference champions for the first time in program history.
On Monday, May 18, the Girls demolished West Ottawa 8-5, bringing the championship home for the Cats.
Bouwens won’t stop here. He has some powerful plans to come next year, hopefully bringing back another championship for the Girls.
“Our goal will be getting a conference title every year from here on out and winning some regional games.” Bouwens’ said. “I would say this team will make it as far as the work they put in takes them.”
The girls played in their first round of districts on Monday, May 24 at Caledonia High School, winning 7-6! This was the girls first ever win in districts.
The girls season ended on Wednesday, May 26 fighting through against Spring Lake.
Even with the loss and his first year coaching, Bouwens’ continues to remind the girls how they made history this year for Northview girls lacrosse and plan on to continue to make a legacy.
very greatly written.