Soccer coach Arlan Vomhof leads boys and girls teams to sustained success

Since he began teaching at Topeka-Seaman High School 23 years ago, soccer coach Arlan Vomhof has always been a pioneer in soccer. After teaching there for four years, and starting both boys and girls soccer programs there, Vomhof moved to De Soto High School and had to take a four year absence from soccer.

“When I came here there was already a soccer coach at De Soto,” Vomhof said. “So I basically took four years off from coaching.”

When Mill Valley opened, Vomhof got the opportunity to become a member of the first staff of the new high school. There, he once again could become a part of a school soccer program.

“When they were looking at opening Mill Valley … I [said] that I would be interested in getting back into coaching again, and so I started the program here,” Vomhof said.

A member of the school’s original staff, Vomhof has seen many changes over the years of teaching and coaching.

“When we first started here it was a smaller staff, smaller amount of kids [and] you knew everybody,” Vomhof said. “Every day I see someone I’ve never seen before.”

As the school increases in size, Vomhof notices more potential soccer athletes who could join his team.

“I think the level of talent is increasing from year to year,” Vomhof said. “There are a lot more players living in this area that are playing year round, so that’s helped improve our programs.”

Since starting the programs 15 years ago, Vomhof and his team have enjoyed a lot of success. The boys team has won nine league and seven regional championships and the girls teams has won five league and three regional championships.

“We’ve had multiple people make first- and second-league All Kaw Valley League; we’ve got guys and girls that have made the state team,” Vomhof said. “I have received some awards for coaching, but it all is about the players — what they have accomplished, what the program has accomplished.”

After 15 years, Vomhof has fond memories about friendships with players.

“There are always those players that you have a good connection with that you keep in contact with after the seasons are over or they come back and visit,” Vomhof said.

A former girls soccer player, Kayla Hamner is one of these players. Hamner played on the team for four years, was captain for two of those years and managed the boys soccer team for two years. Now a soccer player for the University of Central Missouri Jennies, she credits Vomhof with helping her prepare for college soccer.

“He was always there for encouragement and to challenge me,” Hamner said via email. “He pushed me and counted on me to be a leader.”

When Hamner suffered an ACL injury last summer, Vomhof was still there to give support to her.

“He always checked to see how I was doing and encouraged me to stay positive and motivated to get back on the field again,” Hamner said.

Being a player for her entire high school career, Hamner also has some memorable moments with Vomhof and the soccer team.

“The funniest memory I have was during the Piper game my junior year. It was really windy outside and I passed a ball poorly because my hair whipped in my face,” Hamner said. “So he pulled me off the field … and he started to braid my hair so that wouldn’t happen again.”

Hamner, who experienced many successes while on the soccer team, has warm memories of celebrating with Vomhof and the team.

“The memorable moments, however, were ones that happened after big games, regional championships, and state games,” Hamner said. “The moments after the whistle blew and after I celebrated with my teammates, I always ran over to him and he had a huge smile on his face and would give me a hug.”

Despite the many kind words and achievements Vomhof has received, he still manages to stay humble about his accomplishments.

“It’s not me, honestly, it’s what the players do. They are the ones winning the games, putting the ball in the back of the net,” Vomhof said. “My main purpose is to put people where I think we need them to get them those opportunities.”