“Play Hard, Play Fair, Play to Win, but most of all have fun.”
Tony DiCicco
Athletes develop to their fullest potential when placed in a highly competitive environment playing with and against quality players. That is why at the varsity level we choose only 18 players each year. This number will allow us to give quality instruction and attention to each player and give the player more of an opportunity to play in a game and develop. Players can not develop if they are not playing. Playing time in a game is based on the players practice time. Practice hard and you are rewarded with playing time.
We also believe in teaching players three basic concepts. First, give the player the basic skill to be successful at the high school level. These are skills that are basic to the game and range from how to kick a ball to a high level Coerver move. It is up to the player to get as much from the basic skill as possible, but we will at least provide the basic concepts.
Two, we will also work on developing a mutual respect for the game, fellow players, opponents and officials. In the end it is just a game. We will win games with class and we will lose games with the same class. We will also understand that because it is a game that the officials are just doing their job.
It is our final hope to pass on a love for the game. We want our players to love the game as much as we do. The ultimate goal is to have our players come back and coach or referee. This is how we make the game better for those to come.
We also believe that the high school season alone is not enough to develop players. Players need to be exposed to the game as much as possible and we encourage the players to play whenever they can. If an athlete is playing another sport, then yes, that sport takes priority over soccer. However, if there are no conflicts then we expect the player to play soccer. The game is the best teacher. Each game and situation is different and players will develop when they are confronted with these situations.
Bob Rickards has been soccer for over 30 years. This includes high school, some college and amateur leagues. Bob has 19 years of coaching experience which includes: recreation, competitive and adult men and women. His overall highschool record is (235-142-37), and was selected Bay Conference Coach of the year (2002), Fox River Valley Coach of the Year (2005-09,2007) and Press Gazette All Area Coach of the Year (2005,07-09). He has been the Head Coach of Notre Dame Academy where he has compiled an overall (154-56-27) record and a (37-14) record in post season play.
He currently holds a NSCAA regional diploma and a USSF "D" license and is the coaching director for the Green Bay Lightning soccer club. Bob was a licensed official who was certified in USSF, WIAA and NISOA until 2006. When he is not playing, coaching or officiating soccer, Bob can be found spending time with his family.
An alumnus of NDA, Andrew has been actively involved with soccer for over 20 years as a player and coach. His playing experience consists of club, high school, ODP, overseas tournaments, college, PDL, and adult amateur levels. He has coached all ages for local clubs such as Green Bay Lightning, DePere Select, and United Soccer of Allouez. Outside of the area Andrew has staffed a number of camps including Coerver, Challenger, and UW-Oshkosh. He currently holds a USSF "D National" coaching license. This is Andrew's first year as a NDA coach.
Bill has been involved in soccer in the Green Bay area for the past 19 years as a coach, manager and club administrator. He has served as an assistant Junior Varsity and Varsity Coach with the Notre Dame Academy Men's Program since 2000. Bill holds a WYSA State "D" coaching license.
Nick Browne has been involved in soccer for 20 years both as a player and a coach. His playing experience includes club, high school, and overseas tournaments. Nick currently holds the USSF "E" license. Prior to joining the NDA coaching staff, Nick coached for Green Bay Lightning. Nick has been involved at Notre Dame Academy since the Spring of 2009. When Nick is not on the sidelines of NDA, you will find him spending time with his wife Arielle and family.
