St. Joe has a new look on the field
After three months of sun and freedom, we’re all shuffling back to school to drown in another year of learning. While we’re all filing out the front doors after school, a large number of us are running onto the courts and the fields after school to put in the work before game night. But they’re not alone in this adventure. Typically, the players are the ones in the spotlight—making the game-winning plays and setting best times—but the coaches are just as important. Working behind the scenes, here are a few coaches that deserve our attention.
Coach Natalija Galens is taking over as the freshman volleyball coach this year. She previously coached seventh-grade volleyball at Upton and freshman basketball at SJHS.
“I love the sport. I also love the opportunity to invest in players and their lives, not just on the court but also teaching them life skills off the court,” Coach Galens said.
Coach Galens not only loves the sport of volleyball, but also cares about the well-being of the players. She wants to be a safe person the players can talk to if they need a helping hand. This mentality is reflected in her goals for the team this season.
“We’re not focused on the outcome, the results—we’re focused on the growth, just getting a little bit better every day,” she said.
Coach Andrew Pratley is taking on a big responsibility with the football team this year. As the new varsity head coach, he’s making some major changes. For instance, he’s trying to embody the community of St. Joseph within the football program.
Every home game, the players head over to the SJPS elementary schools to read to younger generations before they hit the field. You may have also noticed the players looking a little more dapper on game nights, sporting their blue blazer and blue-and-yellow striped tie, another change that Coach Pratley incorporated to “class up” the program.
“Great kids, lots of energy, a lot of passion for football here,” Coach Pratley said when asked what his favorite part about coaching at St. Joe was. Coach Pratley loves the spirit and the community here in St. Joe and wants to represent and improve it as best possible.