by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
Cassie Raehsler describes herself as a “very technical coach” who wants her players to be fit, fast and aggressive.
Recently, Raehsler was named to replace Sartell High School Soccer Coach Joe Perske, who announced he will retire as head coach after 10 years in that position. (For more about Perske, see related story in today’s paper.)
Perske was Raehsler’s coach through her three years in high school. A 2005 graduate of Sartell High School, Raehsler is the daughter of Barry and Liz Raehsler, both of Sartell. She graduated with a degree in business and psychology from the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University and just recently received her master’s degree in management and leadership from Concordia College, St. Paul. She also has a coaching certificate from the College of St. Benedict.
Currently, Raehsler is a team leader for the Target store in Minneapolis, but after being named head soccer coach, she plans to move back to the Sartell area soon.
Coaching is certainly not a new talent for Raehsler. She has been an assistant coach for Sartell and Sauk Rapids high schools. She also coached for several years for the St. Cloud Youth Soccer program. She was also an avid soccer player in college.
“I’ve played soccer since I was 4 years old,” she said. “What I love about it is the competitiveness. It’s allowed me to make so many good friends. It will be fun to be the coach and see young girls grow.”
In 2006, Raehsler had to have ligament reconstruction on her ankles. That’s when Perske called her up and asked her if she would coach the junior-high girls, which she graciously did in the 2007 season.
“Joe is good at winning,” Raehsler said. “I plan to continue that. And I will use Joe’s ‘Sisyphus’ technique, too.”
The “Sisyphus” exercise, so dubbed by Perske, is when girls in practice coax soccer balls up a hill where they fall to the bottom, and the girls retrieve them and do the same thing over and over. It’s a grueling work-out, but it keeps the players fit and disciplined.
“I’m really looking forward to coaching,” Raehsler said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun, and it will be great getting to know all the girls.”
The first day of practice is slated for Aug. 12.
