His professionalism and philosophical ideals of “family, school, and soccer” resonates to his student-athletes and his entire coaching staff. This retired physical education teacher continues to educate the game on the areas of sportsmanship, technical ball skills, and being known as one of the best tacticians by his fellow peers. Jim lets the game come to him; he will ponder, execute new game plans, and makes adjustments so that his teams can simply compete in the ever tough Central Suburban League. As one coach said, “Jim simply gets the best out of his teams always, he may not always have the talent, but certainly they earn their respect and enjoy playing for a coach like him.”
Glenbrook South’s Principal Brian Wegley said “Jim Wolter’s passionate coaching for Glenbrook South High School over the past 28 years has focused on students’ growth as young men and as athletes. The positive foundation laid by Jim will serve our students for years into the future. I personally thank him for commitment and congratulate him on his retirement.”
Just this year, Jim has organized an IHSSCA clinic at Glenbrook South, attended the NSCAA Baltimore convention, organized a youth night, senior night, and a scholarship fundraiser, hosted regional playoffs, guided his boys team to the finals at the Rockton-Hononegah Indian State Cup Tournament, ran his 24th Annual Titan “Warm-Up” Invitational, and worked the Winning Mood Dutch camp in Oshkosh, Wisconsin this past summer.
Jim exudes the spirit and principles of our coaching association. From his humility, passion for competition, and insight from watching professional or collegiate matches, it brings a whole new perspective for at least 500 student-athletes he has taught in his coaching tenure. Hence, this only exemplifies the positive image that Jim Wolter brings for his nomination for Soccer Person of the Year and the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association (IHSSCA).
(Written by Seong Ha for IHSSCA – Soccer Person of the Year)
