News Release

NAPPANEE — Kyle Dijkstra has been named as the new head boys soccer coach at NorthWood High School, taking over after Brad Duerksen stepped down in May after 24 years.

Dijkstra has been the goalkeeper coach and an assistant coach for the NorthWood boys’ soccer program. He began coaching at NorthWood as a volunteer after graduating from NorthWood High School in 2013. The team has won two sectional championships and one regional championship since he joined the staff. He has also been involved with NorthWood Soccer Club as both a youth coach and board member for three years.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead the NorthWood High School boys soccer program,” Dijkstra said. “I grew up in this community and within the soccer program starting from a young age when I tagged along to games with my dad (assistant coach Egbert Dijkstra). Brad Duerksen and my dad have grown this program into a success over the past 24 years, culminating with our first regional championship last year, so I am aware that I have big shoes to fill. I am looking forward to continuing to build this program with our staff and players.”

Dijkstra was a goalkeeper for four years at NorthWood, winning a sectional championship, team defensive MVP three times, All-NLC, and still holds the school record for most shutouts in a season and most shutouts in a career.

“Kyle exemplified strong leadership, great structure, organization, a plan for youth development, and a process of success for our varsity program,” said NorthWood athletic director Roman Smith. “He is a hometown guy that understands our soccer community. Kyle is going to be able to provide continuity within the program, while adding to the standard of success and excellence that is in place. This is a great hire for NorthWood High School!”

Kyle and his wife, Stephenie, are currently in the process of moving to Nappanee.