Goletz named to lead successful program at North

Updated: September 20, 2011 10:12PM

As Naperville North’s new athletic director, Jim Konrad knew one of his initial challenges would be finding the right person to take over the Huskies’ girls soccer program which added a 2011 state runner-up finish to its impressive tradition of success.

He didn’t have to look beyond his own boys soccer staff.

Assistant coach Steve Goletz has been named head coach for the North girls program whose trophy case includes a 1988 state title, two runner-up finishes (1998, 2011), one third-place hardware (2001) and a pair of fourth-place showings (1999, 2004).

“Quite frankly it was a no-brainer. Steve’s soccer acumen blew away the other applicants,” Konrad said “I’ve been fortunate to work with Steve the last five years and there’s no doubt he gets what it means to be a high school coach. In addition to having played successfully at a high level, he truly understands what it takes to put players in the best position to win.”

Currently a Wellness Education instructor at North, Goletz succeeds Brent Terada, who stepped down after his fifth season at North ended in the 2011 IHSA 3A state championship match with a narrow 1-0 loss to Granite City that snapped a nine-match win streak and left the Huskies with an 18-6-1 record. Terada cited the time commitment of a growing family as the reason for his decision.

“It’s certainly an honor to be given an opportunity to work with dedicated athletes in a program rich in soccer tradition and success,” Goletz said. “I’ll look to build on what coach Terada has done. Obviously the expectations for the program are always high, but I believe a successful program can’t be defined only by wins and losses. We’ll always want to win, contend for a conference title and post-season success, but we want respectful, hard-working players who understand the importance of representing the school, the program, and the community at the highest level.”

Goletz was a four-year goalkeeper in Northern Illinois University’s soccer program with his last two campaigns including Second-Team All-Mid-American Conference accolades. Among the highlights from his senior season, NIU was ranked as high as 22nd in NCAA polling and the Huskies posted a road upset of powerhouse Saint Louis University. Goletz helped NIU enjoy a school record shutout streak of 736:31 which encompassed a seven-match unbeaten string. His last year included both MAC Player of the Week and MAC Scholar-Athlete of the Week recognition under coach Steve Simmons.

“As a goalie, Steve was a very shrewd student of the game, a characteristic only the best keepers have,” said Simmons, now the head coach at Oregon State University. “I was fortunate to get to know Jim (Konrad), so I know Steve couldn’t have been under a better coach when it came to learning the player-management side of coaching. He already had the thirst for knowledge and tactics that make for a great high school coach. I’m excited over the opportunity for Steve and that Jim will be around as the top administrator to continue to mentor him.”

Having earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from NIU in 2007, Goletz initially taught elementary school at Villa Park for three years and one year at LaGrange’s Ogden Avenue School. He’s also been part of the Club Eclipse coaching staff since 2008.

“I believe in the defensive principle that you have to be well-organized in back and creative on offense,” Goletz said. “In addition, hard work and hustle are the price that has to be paid for the reward of success.”

While North did graduate eight talented seniors, the Huskies are expected to have 13 returnees from their state tourney roster including Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State pick Zoe Swift, who led the squad in scoring with 23 points as a sophomore forward.

Terada’s career mark as a head coach for seven campaigns was 95-44-13 (.668) including five years at North (72-30-12 / 2007-11) proceeded by two years at IMSA (23-14-1 / 2002-03).

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