Washburn Girls Soccer FAQs

How Many Washburn Soccer Teams are There?

There are four Washburn High School girls soccer teams: Varsity, JV, B Squad, and  C Squad.

How Many Players are Trying Out?

It’s hard to predict accurately, as tryouts are open to anyone eligible to play high school sports. We expect at least 75  players —if not more—to try out this year.

Is it Possible I Won’t Make a Team?

Yes. Due to the strength and quality of the Washburn soccer program, it is becoming more difficult to make a team.  We will do everything we can as a coaching staff to place as many players as we can.  Unfortunately, that may  mean not every player who tries out will make a team.  The Minneapolis Park board has added rec soccer for high school and a number of players have played there for fun and or improving their play for the upcoming year.

Is there a Cost to Participate?

Yes. The Minneapolis Public Schools charges a sports registration fee for fall sports, including soccer, which is $75.00. This fee should be paid prior to tryouts and it is typically paid at Sports Registration Night, which this year is Aug 1. In addition, the Washburn Girls Soccer Boosters asks all players to contribute $150 to the booster club so that it can fulfill its mission of providing funding to the soccer program. This is a suggested contribution—no one will be prevented from playing on a team if they cannot contribute to the booster club. But, because player contributions help fund the Washburn soccer program, particularly the coaches and the Sophomore and 9th grade teams, we ask that all players contribute to the soccer boosters. Players’ parents will be contacted after tryouts with more information about the booster club.

I’m an 8th grader or entering Freshman. Can I Be Considered for the Varsity Team?

In some situations an incoming eighth or ninth grader may be considered for the varsity team.  8/9th graders will typically participate in Pool B during the tryout week. If a player is clearly misplaced, our coaching staff will adjust during tryout week.

I’m a Goalkeeper and a Field Player. How Do I Try Out for Goalie? Can I Also Be Considered for a Field Position?

Coach Garret Olson is our  goalkeepers coach who will work with goalies during the tryouts and get an assessment of where each goalie fits team wise.  If we have extra goalies the younger teams will possibly carry 2 goalies and they would split time by half or game.  Players interested in playing both goalie and field should communicate that during tryouts and our coaching staff will try and look at both positions.

How Are Team Selections Made?

Please refer to the Team Structure/ Criteria information sheet posted on the website regarding player selection.

What Are the Differences Between A and B Tryout Pools?

Pool A tryouts are designed for upperclass players and potential varsity players. Pool B is primarily designed for incoming players and players who are not quite ready for the varsity level pool.  The coaching staff determines the pools, and players are assigned to the A or B Pool when they check in for tryouts on the first day (August 12th).  Having said that, we will have movement between Pool B and Pool A  during tryouts.

I’ll Be a Senior in the Fall. Is My Only Option to Make the Varsity Team?

Seniors may be given the option to play JV if they do not make the Varsity team, and that decision will be theirs to decide how they want to approach the season. We want the season to be successful for all, so committing to JV means a buy in to being there and commitment to everything.

How Many Players Are on the Rosters for Each Team?

As a general rule, there are a maximum of 18 players for each team. This number will generally be lower, and most teams will have 16-18 players on the roster.

I Had a Physical Last Year for Washburn Sports. Do I Need Another One This Year?

No. As long as you had a physical exam in the last three years and it is on file with the Washburn Athletic Department, you do not need to complete another physical exam. You will, however, still need to complete the Minnesota State High School League Annual Sports Health Questionnaire and submit it to Washburn. This form is available on the Washburn Soccer website as part of the MSHSL Eligibility Brochure.

How Long is the High School Soccer Season?

Beginning with tryouts, the season for most teams is from mid-August through the first week of October. The varsity team, however, will participate in post-season sectional playoffs and the state tournament, which could last until the end of October. For all other teams, the season will end in early October.

Who Are The Coaches This Year?

Aaron Percy- Varsity Head Coach

Eduardo Romo- Program Assistant Coach

Lydia Ruppert- Varsity Assistant Coach

Nick Katzman- Varsity Assistant Coach

Toma Kelly Pegg- Junior Varsity Coach

Reak Kueth- B Squad Coach

Lauren Smith- C Squad Coach

Garrett Olson- Goalkeeper Coach

When and Where Are Practices?

The varsity team typically practices on weekday afternoons or evenings at Washburn Stadium. The junior varsity, and Academy teams typically practice immediately after school at Pearl Park, usually starting about one-half hour after the end of school.  Coaches will set a practice schedule prior to the start of the season, but you should generally expect to have a practice or a game after school every day during the soccer season.

Where Are the Washburn Soccer Home Games?

Home games for the varsity team are at Washburn Stadium. Occasionally, the junior varsity team will also play at Washburn Stadium. For all other teams, home games are usually at Pearl Park or Neiman Soccer Complex.

For Super Soccer Saturday on September 13/14, all teams will play at Washburn Stadium.

Who Provides Transportation to Practices and Games?

Transportation to all away games will be determined as we get closer to the season.  Last year we set up team car pools based on lack of bussing options, which is most likely the case again this year.  This will be set up prior to the season starting.

Transportation to home games and to all practices is the responsibility of the player and/or the player’s family. Practices and home games, however, are typically within walking distance of Washburn High School, if not at Washburn Stadium.

Can I Transport My Player Back Home After Away Games?

Generally, yes. The JV and B teams will have established car pools to games and after the game players can ride with parents.  Varsity away games will have a bus and we would like players to ride the bus both to and from away games.

What’s the Best Way to Keep Track of Game and Practice Schedules?

The soccer program  uses TeamSnap to coordinate each of the team’s rosters and schedules. Prior to the start of the season, players and their parents will be invited to join each team’s TeamSnap application. Most club soccer players and parents are familiar with TeamSnap.

Coaches and team parent managers keep players advised of any changes in the practice and game schedules, which are also published and updated in a calendar on the WHS soccer site.  Each team also has a game schedule, game results, and roster published on the Washburn soccer website.