OLYMPIA, WA – The OIy Town Artesians Thursday announced a new 2023-24 Arena Soccer staff. The Artesians men’s program had a record setting season in 2022-23 that included an undefeated homestand with multiple individual club records achieved as well as 107 team goals scored (record).
The women’s arena side returns this winter after a year long hiatus and a 3rd place finish in 2022. In 2023 Kailey Utley was inducted into the Oly Hall of Legends having scored 25 goals in a single season for the Oly Town Women’s Arena program.
“Really excited about this years indoor staff” said Soccer Director and Part Owner Jason Smith. “We were able to bring back Nick Boatright after a very successful first season at the helm. Then on the women’s side we brought in two experienced coaches with many ties to the club.
“Brad Hanson will be a great addition as goalkeeper coach with years of coaching under his belt and having played several seasons with Oly Town.”
Nick Boatright returns to the fold as a second year head coach for the Artesians. Boatright is in his 4th year coaching inside the club having assisted Jason Gjertsen in EPLWA in 2021 and assisting the Arena team in 2021-22. Nick has been busy taking on larger roles within Black Hills Football Club, The Evergreen State College Soccer Program and continues his Varsity Head Coaching position at Timberline High School. Nick also had a successful year placing first in Cascadia divisional play with the Lights before a close finals loss ended their postseason.
Matt Herrera who was inducted into the Oly Hall of Legends in 2021 comes with a plethora of arena experience. Herrera not only played 5 years of arena soccer in the PASL and WISL but also was skipper of the men’s arena team for 2 years. Matt helped launch the EPLWA outdoor program for the Artesians in 2017 and also spearheaded the Austin Kelley Classic each year. Most notably Matt Herrera was the first coach in club history to bring a league title to Oly Town with an NWPL Championship win in 2022.
Vanessa Crisp is an arena goalkeeping alum and current USL W League GM joining Matt Herrera in the women’s arena coaching staff. Crisp has years of playing experience and has also coached local soccer. Vanessa helped manage the 2023 USL W Leagues undefeated season and #1 seed launch into the USL National Playoffs.
Brad Hanson joins the coaching staff for the first time as the keeper coach for both the NWPL and WISL sides of the club. Brad played multiple Arena Seasons in the WISL and also competed in EPLWA. Hanson wrapped up his playing career with the Lights in the Cascadia League. Brad has roots in youth soccer out of Mason County and frequents West Coast Goalkeeping clinics and competitions.
Schedules are set for a September release. Make sure and follow Oly Town on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for live updates. There are some select season tickets available by visiting www.olytownfc.com.
Catch some Oly Town Artesians this weekend as the WISL All-Stars take on the MASL Tacoma Stars at the Tacoma Soccer Center, 4PM, Saturday August 19. Alex Vogt, Kasey Sidor and Matt Stalnik were nominated to roster in the match. For tickets click here.
Be the first to get news, updates and more! Subscribe below!