A passion for soccer ignited at a young age, Carsen has nurtured a love for the game since his early years (around 4 years old). Throughout his high school career in Clear Lake, Carsen played competitively, even participating in two state tournament runs. These experiences, heavily influenced by exceptional coaches, instilled a desire to share that passion with future generations.

Coaching began during college years, leading high school soccer teams. After moving to Northwest Iowa post-COVID, Carsen discovered the NWISC program. The program’s dedication to youth development resonated deeply, offering opportunities Carsen didn’t have growing up. Inspired by this vision, he joined the NWISC coaching staff at the start of the 2022-2023 season.

Creating a fun and competitive atmosphere for young players to learn and grow their soccer skills is a true passion for Carsen. Witnessing the joy on their faces after scoring a goal or winning a game is a constant source of motivation. Recognizing the impact a positive environment can have, Carsen is committed to fostering a supportive culture within the program, working alongside a fantastic team of coaches and parents who share a vision for player development, competition, and, most importantly, fun.

Soccer has been Nick’s lifeblood for as long as he can remember. It all began at a young age, around 14 or 15, when he started coaching his younger brother’s recreational team. This early experience sparked a passion for guiding others on the field, leading him to coach for local clubs.

Nick’s coaching journey continued to flourish after college. He spent three years leading a high school team in Cherokee, followed by an assistant coaching position with the Spencer High School team. This dedication to the sport ultimately led him, in 2014, to relocate to Spencer and begin coaching with NWISC.

Today, Nick serves as the Goalkeeping coach at Iowa Lakes, his experience encompassing all ages and skill levels – from introducing the game to 4-year-olds to seeing players reach All-American status. Several of his former athletes are even playing professionally around the world, a testament to his coaching impact.

But for Nick, the true rewards lie beyond accolades. He cherishes the moment players recognize him after a season break, their eyes lighting up with renewed excitement. Even more fulfilling is witnessing the “Aha!” moment when hard work and preparation culminate in success for his team. It’s these moments, when everything clicks into place, that make coaching truly special for Nick.

With a USSF D License and a USA Hockey Level 4 Coaching Certificate under his belt, Nick’s dedication to continuous learning ensures he remains a valuable resource for players of all ages and aspirations.

Spencer native, Dillon, has had soccer running through his veins since he first laced up his cleats at the age of eight. Years of playing on both club and high school teams ignited a passion for the game that continues to this day. Now, with his own three boys entering the program, Dillon has come full circle, transitioning from player to coach.

Starting as a recreational coach for his sons, Dillon’s dedication to the sport led him to pursue official coaching qualifications. He’s not only completed his grassroots coaching certifications, but has also become a fully Iowa board-certified coach, allowing him to take the reins at the high school level.

What motivates Dillon most? The kids themselves. Witnessing their love for the game he cherishes and seeing them develop their skills brings him immense joy. Dillon’s story embodies the true spirit of community sports, giving back to the program that nurtured his own passion for soccer.

Sam Cain coaches with over a decade of experience, he’s renowned for his ability to transform young talent into competitive powerhouses. Sam’s journey began on the field, playing a pivotal role in securing his college team’s first conference championship at NCAA Division 2 Post University. Earning All-State honors as a Center Midfielder solidified his passion for the game, leading him naturally into coaching.

For seven years, Sam honed his craft across Connecticut’s club scene. His talent for identifying future stars blossomed alongside a knack for fostering positive team environments. This resulted in players reaching both MLS academy and NCAA levels.

In 2022, Sam’s passion for the game led him to Iowa Lakes, where he took the helm as Head Women’s Coach. Under his leadership, the program experienced a meteoric rise. Back-to-back winning seasons culminated in a historic national top 20 ranking. Sam’s dedication to player development saw numerous athletes land significant scholarships to prestigious four-year programs.

Sam’s philosophy is a blend of technical proficiency, tactical intelligence, and seamless teamwork. He champions a possession-based style of play that emphasizes creativity and collaboration, while instilling a strong work ethic and a winning mentality. Beyond tactics, Sam is admired for his dedication to his athletes. He fosters a holistic development approach, focusing on their growth both as players and individuals. This, combined with his continuous pursuit of cutting-edge coaching methods – evident in his USSF C license – ensures his players remain at the forefront of competitive soccer. Sam Cain is more than just a coach; he’s a mentor and an inspiration. He builds champions on and off the field, fostering a love for the game that empowers young athletes to reach their full potential.

A lifelong resident of Spencer, Chad brings a wealth of local knowledge and passion for the game to the soccer club. Married to Kristy, they have three enthusiastic young athletes: Kylee (12), Cowen (9), and Carson (4). This season promises to be especially exciting for Chad, as he’ll not only be guiding the team but also cheering on his own children on the field! Having watched them develop a love for the sport, there’s no doubt Chad will bring a unique blend of coaching expertise and parental pride to the sidelines.

Chad’s dedication to soccer runs deep. He played on the very first soccer team at Spencer High School, helping to pave the way for the sport’s growth in the community. This passion for the game translated into a coaching career now spanning seven years at the recreational
level. Holding his Grassroots Coaching License, Chad prioritizes not only developing young players’ skills but also fostering a love for the sport and a sense of teamwork. His commitment extends beyond the field, as he actively gives back by serving as President of the NWISC,
helping maintain the local soccer fields, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable playing environment for all.

John Hansel has been coaching in Spencer for 15 years. He started out coaching club soccer while assisting the high school boys team. In 2012 he took over as the head girl’s soccer coach for Spencer. Since then he has gone on to accumulate over 150 wins while earning both Coach of the Year for the state of Iowa and The Golden Plaque of  Distinction awards.

In 2014 he led the Spencer Girls to their first state tournament. Since that time, Spencer has gone to state four more times, making it to the state semifinals twice.

Coach Hansel believes that culture is paramount to having a successful program. Culture is driving the bus with effort, teamwork, ability, passion, attitude, and belief as passengers. He believes that all of these qualities develop a team along with individual players. If the driver (culture) is not on the bus, success cannot happen. Developing players along with developing
personalities is a large part of what has made Coach Hansel and his teams so successful. He looks forward to building this same culture with the NWISC teams.

A dedicated member of the Northwest Iowa Soccer Club for the past 20 years, Tracy has worn many hats for the organization. From coaching his own children to marking fields, running tournaments, and tackling any task that needed doing, Tracy’s passion for the club remains strong.

Currently coaching U12 girls team, Tracy has witnessed the club’s evolution firsthand. The influx of new members, brimming with energy, fuels Tracy’s commitment to the club’s continued growth. Recognizing the important role the club plays, Tracy sees it as a stepping stone for players to thrive in their high school programs in Northwest Iowa!