Soccer (Boys)

Overview

Character, cognition, and competence, in that order, are prioritized in the Minnehaha Boys Soccer Program, and we encourage our players to seek solutions by utilizing their intelligence, vision, and decisiveness. 

There's a safe space for your young player, and they'll be supported and encouraged by coaches and teammates who care more about each individual as a person than a player. We are proud of the role Minnehaha Boys' Soccer has had on the overwhelming improvement and development of the players within their program, both on and off the pitch.

Minnehaha Boys' Soccer Team Culture

One of the program's strengths is high-character coaches who encourage and inspire, striving to foster a joyful but competitive environment so all student-athletes feel welcomed, valued, and challenged.

We try to emphasize and cultivate our core values (faith, community, joy, and grace) as well as character in everything we do. Players are expected to show respect to one another, coaches, referees, parents, opponents, yet when there are issues, we try to handle them with grace and love.

Growing as a Soccer Player

Training and student-athlete development is inspired by TOVO, a soccer training program based in Barcelona, Spain founded by Todd Beane, who was professionally and personally connected to the legendary Johan Cruyff. Coach Jensen has studied in Spain under Beane and Oscar Jorquera, a coach for nearly a decade at La Masia, the famed training academy of FC Barcelona.

The Varsity and JV head coaches track the players in middle school, and parents are invited to seek input and insight from those coaches about their player's endeavors in club soccer. Players in grades 7 and up are also invited to summer training sessions, which occur 2-3 times per week, and led by Varsity and JV coaches.

Coaching Emphasis

With Boys Soccer, our values are focused on faith, community, joy and grace, and we constantly talk about the 3 Cs: Character, Cognition and Competence, in that order. We believe in developing each player, no matter his starting point, with positive and patient coaches.

Competition Level

We welcome all players, whether soccer is his main sport or one they are trying for the first time. We do not cut any players, and playing time is guaranteed for every player who consistently attends training and showcases good character with his teammates and coaches. The exception is Varsity, where playing time is not guaranteed to all players on the roster.

Soccer & Faith Integraion

We pray before each practice, and after games, win or lose. Before Varsity film sessions, we have coach-led messages that are often Biblically-centered.

Boys' Soccer Team Traditions

Virtually all the teams have a season-ending gathering, of some sort, though the high school programs have a banquet with a full dinner and awards. After the Varsity roster is announced, the team usually has a retreat at a cabin or someone's home (sometimes overnight). The Varsity team also consistently has team meals the evening before matches.

Guido Kauls: A Legacy That Shaped Minnehaha Soccer

In 1961, Minnehaha Academy's German teacher Guido Kauls founded one of Minnesota’s first high school soccer teams—establishing a program built on discipline, skill development, and strong faith. Over nearly four decades, Coach Kauls led the Redhawks to more than 500 career victories and three state championships, helping shape high school soccer across the state.

For Kauls, the character development of his players was paramount. He believed in developing student-athletes with deep integrity and care for others—values that continue to guide our program today. The field that bears his name stands as a reminder that excellence and servant leadership have always gone hand in hand at Minnehaha.

For today’s students, that legacy isn’t history—it’s the foundation they step onto every time they take the field.

Boys' Soccer Recognitions

Minnehaha graduate Donovan Sinicropi was named Mr. Soccer for the 2024 season, and he is playing collegiate soccer at Bowdoin, which is in the NESCAC, one of the most competitive conferences in all of men's college soccer. Minnehaha Senior Elijah Jensen was a Mr. Soccer finalist for the 2025 season, and he was named a First Team All-State player for the third consecutive season, the IMAC Conference Player of the Year and a Great Lakes All-Region Selection during a season in which he set the single-season school record with 32 goals. Elijah, who earned six Varsity letters in soccer, is committed to playing Division I soccer at Loyola Marymount University.  

More Details

• Season: Fall
• Grade Levels: 5-12 (grades 5-8 will participate on the Middle School teams; grades 9-12 will participate on Junior Varsity and Varsity teams)
• Competition Levels:
• Practice Location:
  Middle School: Hiawatha Park (4305 E 42nd St)
  Upper School: Guido Kauls Field at Minnehaha Academy Upper School.
• Team Communication: Once you register for this sport, the coach will communicate with student-athletes and parents via email. 
• Equipment Requirements & Transportation: Detailed information can be found in the Athletic Team Info document.
• Summer Training: Most Tuesdays and Thursdays and every other Friday from 9:30am-11:00am for grades 6-12.
• Summer Camps: Coach Jensen and players from both the girls' and boys' programs lead co-ed soccer camps during four different weeks throughout the summer for students in grades K-6. For more information and to register, visit our Summer Camp webpage.

How to Join

• Join Athletics

Coach

• Sean Jensen
• Head Coach, 2022 Section Coach of the Year
• Began Coaching: 2019

Photos courtesy of Victor Keller