As spring arrives in Iowa, the Atlantic Trojans girls soccer team starts a new chapter. Amy Sachs takes over as head coach for the 2026 season. With 10 seniors returning, the team feels ready to turn things around after last year’s struggles.
New Coach Amy Sachs Brings Passion and Experience
Amy Sachs steps into her first high school coaching role with real excitement. She has played soccer since she was five years old and continued through college. Her youth coaching background includes leading her son Steve’s teams and other local groups.
Atlantic activities director Andrew Mitchell offered her the job after his daughter played for Sachs last year. Sachs talked it over with her husband and decided to go for it. This opportunity matched something she had wanted for a long time.
She shared a personal reason for taking the position. Sachs used to talk with her grandmother about coaching at this level. After her grandmother passed away, when the chance came, she knew she had to seize it.
Sachs wants to help players gain more knowledge and confidence. She also hopes to grow as a coach herself. Her style mixes fun with competition because she believes both matter on the field.
Strong Senior Group Leads the Way
The Trojans return 10 seniors this spring. That experience gives the team solid leadership right away. Sachs pointed to this group as one of the biggest strengths.
Senior Aydrie Coffman stands out as a key player. She scored four goals and added seven assists last season. Her younger sister, sophomore Saige Coffman, contributed two goals and one assist.
Other seniors like Chloe Lillard and Aliyah Williams also return. They each recorded an assist in 2025. These veterans will help guide younger players through the season.
Assistant coach Irelyn Gundy joins Sachs on the sidelines. Their combined guidance should help the team build chemistry fast. Practices started March 23, and the players have shown good energy so far.
Moving Past a Tough 2025 Campaign
Atlantic finished the 2025 season with a 3-10 record. Only three players found the back of the net all year. Maddie Richter led the way with 10 of the team’s 16 goals before graduating.
The offense needs new contributors this year. The returning scorers and midfielders will carry extra responsibility. Sachs knows the team must spread out the scoring load to become more dangerous.
Defensively, the Trojans will look to tighten up. Last season showed areas where better organization can make a difference. With more seniors on the field, communication should improve quickly.
Atlantic competes in Class 2A. The level features competitive matchups across southwest Iowa. Reaching the regional quarterfinals last year gave the team valuable playoff experience to build on.
Season Outlook and Team Goals
The Trojans open their schedule soon after two weeks of required practices. Players already express excitement about the new direction. Returning varsity player Payton Seufert said she feels good and really likes the new coach.
Sophomore Clara Kennedy looks forward to growth both on and off the field. Senior Presleigh Reese wants the team to come together, trust each other in their positions, and have fun playing.
Sachs emphasizes teamwork above all. She often says soccer teaches players to work together to reach the finish line. That message should resonate as the group spends more time training.
The coaching change comes after Dan Vargeson led the program for four years. He stepped down due to a busy schedule but remains involved in athletics at the school. His foundation provides a good base for Sachs to build upon.
Small town high school sports like this mean a lot in Atlantic. Families, friends, and community members pack the fields to cheer on the Trojans. The players feel that support as they chase a better record and deeper playoff run.
Practices have focused on fundamentals and building connections. Open gyms before the official start helped players get touches on the ball. Now the real work begins as they prepare for their first match.
Sachs understands the challenge of moving to a new role in a new place. Family adjustments top her list of personal hurdles. Yet her love for the game keeps her motivated every day.
The goal remains simple but powerful. Sachs wants every player to grow, leave everything on the field, and look back at the end of the season with pride. That approach should help the Trojans enjoy the journey while competing hard.
With spring weather finally arriving and the first games on the horizon, anticipation grows around Atlantic. A new coach, experienced seniors, and renewed energy point toward an interesting season ahead for the girls soccer program.
Fans can expect to see a team that plays with heart and works together. The mix of veteran leadership and younger talent creates a promising blend. How far that combination takes them will make for a compelling story this spring.
