St. Mary’s Ryken High School has officially named Brandon Kaelin as the new head coach for its Knights boys soccer team. Kaelin, who previously served as the junior varsity head coach and as interim head coach, brings continuity and leadership to the program.
Kaelin holds multiple U.S. Soccer coaching certifications, including a recently earned “D” License, underscoring his commitment to growth and excellence. Having been part of the St. Mary’s Ryken soccer program for two years, he is well acquainted with the talent and competitiveness of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC).
Kaelin said, “My immediate goals are to create stability through leadership and respect, and accountability through core values and team goals.” He emphasized his intention to build a program grounded in integrity and mutual respect, one that local players are proud to represent.
Looking ahead to the coming season, Kaelin aims to advance the Knights to at least the second round of the WCAC playoffs. He acknowledged the strong level of competition in the conference, adding, “The WCAC is full of top-tier programs. We will avoid complacency and push ourselves to meet high standards. This begins at practice—with daily preparation and a shared commitment to excellence.”
St. Mary’s Ryken Athletic Director Jon Lombardo expressed strong confidence in Kaelin’s leadership. Lombardo said, “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Kaelin as our Head Boys Soccer Coach. Brandon has done an excellent job leading the program this off-season as the interim head coach. Through the interview process, Coach Kaelin displayed the ability to create a transformational experience through establishing a championship culture. He has served as our head JV Boys Coach and has built great relationships with the SMR community through his mission-first, team-first approach. I have full confidence that Brandon will lead our program to positive growth on the field and lifelong impact off the field.”
Kaelin reflected on his new role, stating, “It is an honor and a privilege to lead this program. I see great potential in this team, and I cannot wait to get started.”
For information on the upcoming season schedule, visit St. Mary’s Ryken Boys Soccer Schedule.
MSB Take
Promoting Brandon Kaelin to head coach reinforces St. Mary’s Ryken’s dedication to leadership continuity and foundational values in its boys soccer program. Kaelin’s coaching certifications and prior experience as JV and interim head coach prepare him to foster a disciplined, respectful team capable of competitiveness within the demanding WCAC. His emphasis on accountability, leadership, and respect is poised to cultivate both athletic development and personal growth, promising positive impacts on and off the field for the Knights’ community.
Source: Original report
