Earning an assist

Matt Vollink translated a successful high school soccer career at Notre Dame Regional High School into conference player of the year and All-American honors at Quincy University.

Vollink's passion for soccer led him to the coaching arena and back to his alma mater. With five years as an assistant for the girls program and in his second year helping out the boys, Vollink is leaving his mark on Notre Dame soccer.

"It was unbelievable getting those awards," Vollink said. "Still, being involved with the game and coaching is so much of a passion of mine. It's unbelievable to be able to come home to this high school and coach."

The Bulldogs are off to a hot start this season, racking up a 15-1 record. Notre Dame is ranked sixth in the latest Class 2 Missouri Soccer Coaches Association top 10 poll, and appear headed for a top seed in the district tournament.

Spectators at a Notre Dame soccer game can often hear Vollink shouting out instructions from the sideline, just a few feet away from head coach Brad Wittenborn and fellow assistant Jeff Worley.

"I've got the easy job. I just scream and yell on the sideline," Vollink said. "Those guys [Wittenborn and Worley] do so much more work. Those guys are the true coaches of the team. I just help the kids and have fun."

One of the biggest strengths Vollink brings to the team is his knowledge of the game. A soccer player since his youth, Vollink's playing resume includes scoring 20 goals as a senior at Quincy University.

Wittenborn said Vollink's experience and knowledge are assets.

"I didn't play soccer growing up, so I didn't have a lot to go on," Wittenborn said. "A lot of coaches will coach the way they were coached. ... Matt played not only high school and college but rec league and club soccer, so he's played under a wide variety of coaches and picked things up here and there. That's a big plus."

Those past experiences also can be vital during in-game situations.

"He sees things during the course of the game," Wittenborn said. "He's a real student of the game. Between he and coach Worley, we have a lot of angles covered."

Vollink gives a lot of credit to Wittenborn and Worley for his development as a soccer player and his ability to play in college. He hopes to help some of Notre Dame's current players make that jump one day.

"I had coach Witt and Worley when I was in high school. They're one of the reasons I got to play in college," Vollink said. "Hopefully, I'll help some of these guys get to play in college. Some of these kids have the potential."

Right now, a playoff run is the main focus for both the players and coaches. The Bulldogs have not won a district title since claiming their lone state title in 2002. With a Notre Dame Soccerfest tournament title and a head full of steam, this year's squad looks primed to make a long playoff run.

"That is very much to the players' credit," Vollink said. "They have been playing their whole lives."

For now, Vollink can enjoy the Bulldogs' success and try to continue to help Notre Dame's soccer players. And who knows, maybe one day he'll be able to take over the reigns of the program.

"One day, maybe," Vollink said. "The big thing right now is I don't know how coach Witt and Worley do it. How they're able to juggle the paperwork and dealing with the parents. Those guys do so much more than I do. Maybe one day I'll be ready for that."