Conley named Girls Midwest Coach of the Year

The Louisburg girls soccer team had prepared for 2020 to be its year. 

Instead, COVID-19 had something to say about that as spring sports were cancelled in Kansas and across the country. The Wildcats were one of the favorites in Class 4-1A to possibly win a state crown.

Despite the lost season, the United Soccer Coaches wanted to recognize coaches for their past accomplishments and for what this past spring was supposed to hold.

Atop that list was Louisburg girls head coach, Kyle Conley.

Last week, Conley was named as the Small School Midwest Coach of the Year. This came just three weeks after Conley was named the Class 4-1A Boys Coach of the Year by the Kansas Soccer Coaches Association.

“I am absolutely honored to receive this award,” Conley said. “There are so many great coaches in the Midwest, but to me this is a program award. None of this is possible without everyone involved; girls coming to work their tails off everyday, parents traveling and supporting us anywhere and everywhere, community helping with supporting the program, the school supporting the girls, etc. “Without the support and buy in from the girls, parents and community none of this is possible.”

The Wildcat girls program has had a successful start in its four years. Conley has a 54-22-2 record during that span, that included two state runner-ups and another state final four appearance. 

Still, Conley would throw all the awards away to put his 2020 girls back on the field again.

“It has been and incredible first four years and I would give anything to give that 2020 team a chance to play and try to reach their goals,” Conley said. “It was a special group.

“The first four years of our program were absolutely incredible and 54-22-2 in our first four years is unbelievable. We have had countless all league, all state and player of the years. The amount of buy in and dedication to all involved is fantastic.”