Gassman ready to take next step with JCCC soccer program

By Andy Brown
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Updated: March 7, 2023

Andy Brown / Louisburg Sports Zone

Louisburg senior Cade Gassman recently signed his letter of intent to play for the Johnson County Community College men’s soccer program.

Ever since Cade Gassman walked onto the pitch for the Louisburg soccer team as a freshman, he has made a huge impact for the Wildcats.

Whether it was helping Louisburg to its best finish in program history, or earning countless postseason honors, Gassman certainly left his mark on the Wildcat program.

Starting next fall, the Louisburg senior hopes to do the same at the collegiate level.

Earlier this year, Gassman signed his letter of intent to join the Johnson County Community College men’s soccer program and will go from being a Wildcat to a Cavalier.

“I’ve always wanted to play soccer as long as I can and I realized It was possible to get to the next level my freshman year of high school,” Gassman said. “It meant a lot to me and my family when we signed and saw that dream come true.”

Gassman has played the sport since he was 5-years-old and has slowly seen him develop into an all-state player for Louisburg. He hopes to take that next step at JCCC.

Before he committed, however, Gassman already had an inside knowledge of the Cavalier soccer program. His older sister, Carlee, played there so Cade had a chance to get to know the school first-hand.

So when JCCC coach Jeff Cole made Cade an offer, it was hard for him to pass it up.

Louisburg senior Cade Gassman signed to play with the JCCC men’s soccer program. Sitting next to Cade are his parents Tara and Brent Gassman. Standing (from left) is his sister Carlee, head coach Bobby Bovaird and sister Bree.

“Going to her games, the facilities were brand new and nice and after (Cole) reached out and gave me an offer, it was the best fit for me,” Cade said. “I had many of my club teammates playing at JCCC and friends I’ve made over time. I heard lots of great things.”

During his time with the Louisburg program, Gassman finished his Wildcat career with 47 goals and 26 assists. He was also a four-time first team All-Frontier League and all-state player.

A season ago, he also helped the Wildcats to a third place finish in the Class 4-1A state tournament — the best finish in school history.

“I’m so excited to see what Cade is able to accomplish at the next level,” Louisburg coach Bobby Bovaird said. “He’s been such an incredible leader on the field — at many times, he’s been like a third coach with how he works with his teammates. His positivity is infectious and he’s got such an uncanny work ethic. Combine those two traits with his natural talent, and you get a kid like Cade.

“JCCC is picking up a pretty special player with him, that’s for sure. Not only is he a very talented player, but he’s extremely coachable and was always willing to listen to suggestions I might have had. With a growth mindset like Cade has, he will definitely find even more success at the college level.”

Gassman has high hopes for what he can accomplish with the Cavalier program and is excited to work under head coach Jeff Cole.

“The JCCC program, as far as culture, is good and went very far in the playoffs last season,” Cade said “As far as playing style, I will have to see when I get there but I know coach Cole with his previous experience at UMKC will have a high level approach to how we play. My goal is to work my way to the starting 11 and win the NJCAA national championship.”

As for his time in Louisburg, Gassman is grateful for everything the program did for him and for all the experiences he leaves with.

“The soccer program means a lot to me,” he said. “It has given me a great work ethic and allowed me to be a better leader and teammate. It has definitely bettered me as a player and a teammate.”