The locker room buzzes with nervous energy and excitement as teammates exchange words of encouragement, their minds racing with strategies they have practiced. The girls lace up their cleats, feeling the weight of the game ahead. This season, the excitement is heightened by the arrival of their new coach, Chris Bale.
For as long as he could remember, Coach Bale has always had an enduring love for the game. He started playing at the age of five and continued his passion for it throughout high school by participating in the varsity team at SPASH (Stevens Point Area Senior High) for three consecutive years.
Bale states, “Soccer has given me so much—from lifelong friendships to invaluable life lessons—and now, my mission is to give that same gift back to others through coaching.”
What began as a way to stay in touch with the sport he loved, quickly transformed into a pursuit of developing young athletes. He has done so through coaching on the various levels such as recreational leagues, academy programs, collegiate level at Carroll University and Legacy Sports where he coaches year-round.
This year, Coach Bale is at Homestead continuing to pass on what the game has given him. Throughout the season so far, he has cultivated an environment that values adaptability, openness, leadership, as well as team unity.
Bale states, “The most impactful change I’ve made this year is shifting our game strategy to a 4-2-3-1 formation — a move that steps outside the norms of traditional high school soccer.”
With big change, comes big adjustments, which the girls have openly adapted to.
Bale sad, “Their willingness to play a different position, adapt to a new formation, and support each other has created a powerful team culture. Winning is a great outcome, but the real victory is in the joy they bring to the game and the relationships they’re building along the way.”
With these new changes, Coach Bale prioritizes fostering a collaborative team, open to input of others.
Varsity Team Captain, Julia Bentley, states, “Coach Bale has been very open to suggestions and ideas from the girls and our assistant coaches.”
This sense of unity is a core value driving Coach Bale’s team to success.
Varsity Team Captain, Greta Foshag adds, “Coach Bale is all about playing as one, playing as a team, and having each others’ backs.”
Both on and off the field, the team strives to advance this idea.
Off the field, the team participates in many team bonding activities, as well as weekly team dinners.
While on the field, Foshag explains, “We are very encouraging and offer a lot of support, and our coaches cheer for us and expect us to play the best we can.”
For Coach Bale, soccer is more than just a game.
He states, “It’s a powerful vehicle for growth, character and building your own legacy.”
