On Sunday evening, Oct 25th, Washburn Girls Soccer held a virtual banquet via Zoom.  Special Thanks to host Meredith Jurek & communications manager Lori Malvey (and any others involved) for an excellent event that included engaging survey interaction & a suprise appearance by the “booth guys”.  While we may not have been in person, it was a special way to wrap up our season.  The celebratory slideshow can be viewed HERE

On Saturday night, Washburn Girls Soccer had a program-wide celebration with players and coaches.  Here’s a link to the photos from the fun night.

We were excited to finally get all the players together. For those of you new to the program, in a normal year, all four teams would have mingled a number of times to get to know each other and for teambuilding.  Because of Covid, most of those events were canceled–no alumni game, captains’ practice, kick-off potluck, or end of the season banquet to celebrate with parents, coaches and players. On Saturday, we took some elements from another missed tradition, the Miller Cup, and all got together to celebrate 2020 style.  The Miller Cup is a practice where all four teams are mixed up to form smaller teams that compete in dodgeball, small-sided soccer scrimmages, and a dance contest.  On Saturday, the girls stayed within their regular teams but had a picnic and competed in a scooter relay race and a dance contest.  Then we took some elements from the traditional banquet and had coaches introduce their teams and hand out awards that players and coaches had voted on.  Some players also spoke.  Lastly, we had the traditional Senior Send Off where the seniors received their gifts from the booster club and each got to say a few words about her time as a Miller.

Coach Reina Nelson introduced the B Squad which is made up of eighth and ninth graders.  Their Most Improved Player (MIP) was Maggie Kocanda and Most Valuable Player (MVP) Tierney Mullady.

Coaches Sarah Shepard and Ella Endo introduced JV Blue.  Four Juniors, Anna Christensen, Arianna Hawkins, Avery Cmiel, and Tia Linder also talked about their season. JV Blue’s MIP, Tia Linder and MVP Alyvia Hildebrandt.

Coach Lydia Ruppert introduced JV Orange and Captain Paige Selberg said a few words.  MIP Kate Moore and Co MVPs Izzy McEwan and Sylvia Pulkrabek.

Coaches Cheryl Peterson and Reuben Ndely introduced the Varsity team and captains Liz Ocar, Lillian Selberg, Sonia Svedahl, and Quinn Jurek spoke.  Rookie of the Year honors went to freshman Amelia Anderson, MIP Gabby Harritt, and MVP Quinn Jurek.  Quinn and Lillian also won the Miller Award which recognizes leadership and is voted on by the entire program.

Please watch your email for another Washburn Soccer tradition—a link to the end of the year slideshow!  (Should be ready in a week or so.)

2020 certainly was a strange season, but we are happy we were able to play soccer and make some friends.  The B Squad, JV Orange and JV Blue teams have finished their seasons and the Varsity has its first Sections game at Washburn against Hopkins at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 14 (streaming link to come.)  Thank you to all the family members who volunteered time and supported their student athletes and our teams this year.  A special thank you to Janet Mitdbo, Lori Malvey, Cary Percy and Laurie Kocanda for your work preparing for and running the event Saturday night.  Thank you to the parents who showed up early to help wrangle the kids!

Good luck to you all as the school year moves on.  And remember what Coach Reuben says, “Your training for next year starts now!”

Washburn received the #3 seed in the Section 6AA playoffs.  They will host #6 Hopkins Wednesday Oct 14th at 7:15 pm at Washburn Stadium.  Streaming info HERE!  See the full bracket HERE

Tuesday, Sept 22nd we will honor our 9 seniors.  Game at 5pm vs Edision with a program to follow the game.

Watch the game HERE and then turn to our Facebook page for a live stream of the senior recognition festivities.

2020 graduating seniors are (full details HERE):

Quinn Jurek
Willa Malvey
Zarah O’Brien
Elizabeth Ocar
Anna Omdal
Linnea Schott
Lillian Selberg
Sonia Svedahl
Ellie Wells

UPDATE: Streaming information here:

JVO – Click Here
Varsity – Click Here

But what’s the story behind The Sylvester Cup? The Sylvester Cup is more than a crosstown rivalry, it’s a time when we honor the life of Washburn legend & community pillar- John “Sly” Sylvester.

John grew up in southwest Minneapolis and attended Washburn as a standout soccer player. After graduation, John played professional soccer for the Minnesota Thunder, leading them to a national championship. Following his playing career, John returned to Washburn to coach the girls’ team and then Coaching Director at Minneapolis United.

But in 2012, John’s dedication to the soccer community would be interrupted with a devastating diagnosis of ALS. The Sylvester Cup was launched in 2013 to celebrate his unwavering love of the game and deep connections within the Southwest and Washburn communities. We were touched to have John and his family as our honored guests at these games each year.

In 2017 at the age of 44– after a courageous, 5-year battle, we lost John to ALS. In memory of John and in honor of the thousands of lives he touched, the Sylvester Cup Scholarship was created. Awarded each year to two Washburn seniors who exemplify John’s core values – Inclusiveness, Ambassador, Commitment, Passion and Hard Work. In a season that we’re grateful to be playing, even if we can’t celebrate the Sylvester Cup the way we’d like…

Please help us grow the Sylvester legacy with a donation to his scholarship fund. Donate Via Venmo: @WashburnGirls-Soccer (note Sylvester Scholarship) “Soccer is Life! Live it to the fullest!” John ‘Sly’ Sylvester

The MPS District AD has declared no specators allowed inside Washburn Stadium for soccer matches this season.  However, our Washburn Athletic Director has worked with a local provider to stream all home games.  Links will be posted in the “Next Match” countdown on our home page and also shared via Facebook events.  There is a cost for this service and while we can’t sell tickets this season, we are asking for donations to help defray the expense.  You can contribute HERE

Hi Millers! We are ready for the week ahead. We are asking everyone to read the following safety protocol. We are in an unprecedented time and want to do our best to keep ourselves and others safe. Please reach out with any questions. (Evaluation schedule appears after this message.)

Entering the stadium

• All athletes must enter the stadium through the gate at the North West corner near concession stand, closest 49th Street- at the top of the stairs.
• Masks worn into the stadium. (if you do not have a mask, we have a limited number of disposable ones for use)

Check in process:

1. DO NOT come to training if you have any of the following:

• new onset cough
• shortness of breath
• fever (100 ºF or higher),
• chills,
• muscle pain,
• sore throat,
• loss of sense of smell or taste
• gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea

2. Temperature Check (if 100’ or above we will have the player wait and retest 5 minutes later. If still high we will contact a parent/guardian to pick up.)
3. Attendance taken.
4. Bags will be placed along track 2 yards apart from each other. This will be your personal area: keep bag, water bottle, mask in your area please.
5. You will receive a reversible numbered pinnie for you to keep for evaluations.  It is your responsibility to keep as clean as possible and you will return the pinnie at the end of the tryout window.

During practice protocol

• Athletes must wear a mask to enter/exit the stadium.
• During the soccer sessions, athletes must have their mask near them or in their bag and when sitting out for longer periods of time they will need to put them back on.
• All coaches will be wearing masks when in close range of the athletes and entering/exiting stadium as well.
• All athletes must bring their own water bottle.
• Balls and equipment will be cleaned daily.
• Hand sanitizer will be available and used as frequently as makes sense.  All players will use hand sanitizer when they are finished with training.

Player Reminder-

• If you do not feel well, DO NOT COME TO TRAINING and text Cheryl at 612-202-4205.
• It is important that you enter and leave the facility in a timely manner. No hanging around.
• No sharing of water bottles.
• All athletes must exit the stadium through the gate at 50th Street on the SW end of the Stadium.

Monday  come to check in and get your numbered pinnie for the week
Group 2 – 2:40-4:45 check in and tryouts (this years new players and 9th graders from 2019 B-Squad and JV Blue)-
Group 1- 4:40-7:00 check in and tryouts (upperclassmen and 2019 JV Orange and Varsity)

Tuesday 
Group 1 Conditioning- 11:30am – 12:15pm
Group 2 Conditioning- 2:15 – 2:45pm

Group 2: 3:00-4:45 – Evaluations
Group 1: 5:00-7:00 – Evaluations

Wednesday
Group 2: 3:00-4:45
Group 1: 5:00-7:00

Thursday
No Conditioning (UPDATED)

Teams Posted by 11:00 am (notification via email & players group text)
Team Practices: Varsity & JVO 3:00-4:45, JVB & B Squad 5:00-7;00

Friday
Team Practices 3:00-4:45 or 5:00-7;00

Hello Washburn Soccer Families-

We want to get out the information we have but we will continue to communicate as things may change. We are going ahead with planning for our season to begin August 17th.

After the Governor announces guidelines on Thursday, the MSHSL will take some time and come out with their plans for H.S. sports by August 7th. So, in the meantime here is a ton of information, please reach out with questions.

1. Fall Sport Sign Ups

Fall Sign Up Night is Monday August 10th 6-8pm  will be the WHS registration night.  It will probably be a drive by full service process in the parking lot. There will be documents available there or you can print off your own and drop them off (links below).

Other options for turning in paperwork include:

• -dropping it off at the Washburn Athletic Office
• -mail them to the Washburn athletic office at the following address:
  • Washburn High School
  • ATTN: Deb Lilly/Athletics
  • 201 West 49th Street, Minneapolis MN 55419

Former players have an extension on their eligibility due to Covid. Physicals will need to be turned in by all NEW Washburn athletes (unless you have played another Washburn Sport and your physical is on file at Washburn) by August 12. Sports Physicals can be obtained from your doctor or TRIA Physical info

Registration materials needed by August 12th: (all docs in this handy single download) 2020_Documents

• 2020-2021 MSHSL Eligibility Statement (part of the2020-2021 MSHSL Eligibility Brochure) pages 1, 7-8
• For new players: 2020-2021 MSHSL Physical Exam Form
• For all players with a sports physical completed within the last three years: 2020-2021 Sports Health Questionnaire
• Washburn/Minneapolis Public Schools Athletics Player Information – Emergency Contact Form
• Minneapolis Public Schools Media Release Form (if you have not already submitted one before
• $75 participation fee (check to Washburn Athletics)

2.  Captain’s Practice (optional) August 10-14th- 8:00-9:45 at Washburn Stadium- run by the captains, open to all players. THIS HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO MSHSL RESTRICTIONS

3. Tryouts will begin August 17th at the Washburn Stadium – SCHEDULE UPDATED AS OF 8/11

Monday  come to check in and get your numbered pinnie for the week
Group 2 – 2:40-4:45 check in and tryouts (this years new players and 9th graders from 2019 B-Squad and JV Blue)-
Group 1- 4:40-7:00 check in and tryouts (upperclassmen and 2019 JV Orange and Varsity)

Tuesday 
Group 1 Conditioning- 11:30am – 12:15pm
Group 2 Conditioning- 2:15 – 2:45pm

Group 2: 3:00-4:45 – Evaluations
Group 1: 5:00-7:00 – Evaluations

Wednesday
Group 2: 3:00-4:45
Group 1: 5:00-7:00

Thursday
Group 1 Conditioning- 11:30am – 12:15pm
Group 2 Conditioning- 2:15 – 2:45pm

Teams Posted by 1:00 (notification via email & players group text)
Team Practices 3:00-4:45 or 5:00-7;00

Friday
Team Practices 3:00-4:45 or 5:00-7;00

Saturday morning scrimmages CANCELLED

Go Millers!
Cheryl and Reuben

We are hopeful that our fall season will be able to take place.  For all girls interested in playing this fall, please complete this form in order to receive communciations and schedule information.  CLICK HERE

ATTENTION PARENTS!

We are looking for a few parent volunteers for some key leadership positions in the Girls Soccer program. Please reach out if you are interested in taking on any of these positions, or better yet, find someone else to volunteer with you and take a position together. We love teamwork!

You can fill out the FORM here for any position below.

Ticket-Taker Coordinator  – Lead Coordinator needed!

• Compile list of game dates ticket takes are needed (only 7 home games this year), share this list with volunteer coordinator for kick-off picnic
• Distribute reminders to volunteers for their scheduled ticket taking
• Coordinate need for ticket takers with Washburn Athletics Office, ie length of time and game, games that piggy-back with boys games and home section games
• Inform volunteers of money box responsibilities and requirements for working the gate

Communicator  – Shadow needed to follow Lori Malvey and take over the position next year!

• Compile player list with contact information
• Send out email information, Teamsnap updates and reminders from Head Coaches and Boosters to parents and players throughout the year.
• In direct contact with coaches and organizes booster meetings
• Partner with Treasurer and Volunteer Coordinator to chair Booster Club meetings

Volunteer Coordinator – Co Lead needed! (I need help, especially during Varsity events)

• Prepare volunteer sign-up sheets for volunteers for kick-off potluck
• Provide information and responsibilities to event coordinators & team managers
• Work with boosters to solicit volunteers
• Get list of volunteers to event coordinators and team managers
• Partner with Treasurer and Communicator to chair Booster Club meetings

Fuller Soccer /Pearl Park/ Lynnhurst Jamboree Coordinator  – Co-Lead needed

• Connect with Varsity coach about Fuller Spring and Fall Jamboree dates. Varsity coach should be emailing with Fuller Soccer Representative and can have you on that email for info
• Coordinate volunteer to be at the Spring Jamborees to hand out WHS Camp flyers
• Meet/communicate with Fuller Soccer Club Representatives before Washburn Soccer Saturday about halftime mini games for the teams to play in the morning during Soccer Saturday
• Coordinate and recruit some players to be at Soccer Saturday (am)- help set up the mini games/ set up & take down Puggs and “announce/cheer” during games
• Arrange for refreshments for WHS soccer players at Jamborees (connect with coach about bagels for Fuller Jamboree or the other Jamborees depending on timing)

Senior Recognition Night – (Junior Parents) –  Co-Lead needed

• Send the Seniors & their Parents “The Senior Profile”. The answers are used in the introductions of the seniors at halftime and in the special program with their pictures
• Coordinate time with underclassmen to create senior posters. This can be done after a practice or at a pasta party.
• The seniors are introduced (between the boys and girls varsity games) with their parents and given a flower. It is also a great time to recognize Senior parents and the family’s participation in the Washburn Soccer Program.
• It is always nice to have a strong MC for the halftime recognition.  Ideas on really dynamic, strong speakers with announcer-like voices?
• LIGHT Refreshments are served afterward, ie pretzels, bars, beverage, cake or cupcakes etc.
• Decorations…ie a few balloons, cups, plates and napkins. Senior posters made by underclassmen, are also displayed

Sylvester Cup  – ( Home game vs. Southwest)-  Co-Lead needed

• Facilitate program between boys and girls games remembering  John Sylvester and  Hallie Brown (SW player who loved the game of soccer, died of Osteosarcoma Cancer in her sophomore year, was coached by John and played soccer with many of the original girls on both SW and Washburn when the Sylvester cup was first played (2013)
• Help get the word out about the event
• Organize Ice Bucket Challenge if there is one
• Communicate details of the event with John’s Family and Hallie’s family. There may be a boys soccer parent involved who can also be connected with to do some of this. Coach Cheryl knows John’s family and is always happy to connect with them. Jaine King can connect with the Brown family.

Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Thank you!

Jaine King

[email protected] (prefered)

612-803-7894

Volunteer Coordinator – Washburn Girls Soccer