New Coaches on the Block

Five dynamic coaches share their love of the game and plans for the season

By Deb Dent | Sept. 2, 2023

Fresh faces. Former players. Tried-and-true mentors. Northern Express talked with five coaches who are stepping up to the plate to help guide high school athletes toward victory (and helping them learn a few life lessons along the way.)

These folks have come full circle with the sports they loved and, in some cases, are even returning to the coaching game after time away. Let’s get to know Emily Wilbert, Sam Mullet, Ethan Goss, Mike Wilson, and Nick Winkler, who are all in their first or second season of leading their teams.

Coach: Emily Wilbert
Sport: Volleyball
School: Traverse City Central High School

First season: I started coaching JV Volleyball at TC Central in 2010-2013, then I coached TC West JV from 2014-2017. Then I took a small break as I had twins in the fall of 2017. I took over the Traverse City Central program as the head varsity volleyball coach in 2022.

Connection to the game: I love the game of volleyball. I have played since I was a little kid, in college, and still to this day. I am a competitive person and love team sports—in my opinion, volleyball is the best team sport that exists! Volleyball has always been something I have been able to enjoy with friends and family. Now, being able to coach the team that I played for in high school is surreal. I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach a game that I am passionate about, inspire young women to believe in themselves, and help them reach their full potential. 

Hopes for the 2023/24 season: Last year we won the Big North Conference Championship for the first time since 2004. We had a record-breaking year in 2022 making it to the Regional Finals. Now, we have set the bar higher for our program and the standards have been raised. Last year, we spent a lot of time establishing trust and creating a positive culture and inclusive environment that student athletes want to be a part of. This year, we have a great foundation based on our experience, which will allow us to focus more on building player confidence and specific skill progression. It will take a lot of hard work and determination, but we have the talent to do big things this year, and I’m excited about the young talent coming up.

Coach: Samantha (Sam) Mullet
Sport: Football
School: Bear Lake High School

First Season: 2017, but back again for 2023

Connection to the Game: I attended my first NFL game when I was five months old, and my love of the game has been growing ever since. My house is divided, and though we have had Michigan State season tickets my entire life, I will always cheer for Michigan when Paul Bunyan is on the line. In 2017, I began coaching at my high school alma mater, Bear Lake. Since, I have spent time coaching the Tift County High School Blue Devils in Georgia, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Buffalo Bills. I am now back in Bear Lake as the head coach for the Lakers.

Hopes for the 2023/24 Season: We want to be competitive. Not only do we want to compete strongly with our opponents on a weekly basis, but we also want to compete with ourselves and each other on a daily basis. We’re striving to give the best effort we can on every rep of every practice, every down of every game, so that win or lose, our season is something we can be proud of. We have specific goals written out, but in the end, it comes down to leaving it all on the field and sending our seniors off with a season to remember. 

Coach: Ethan Goss
Sport: Nordic Skiing
Organization: Vasa Ski Club

First season: I began coaching Nordic Skiing in Vermont after graduating college in 2016. For the past four years, I have been coaching in Traverse City and recently assumed the role of head coach.

Connection to the sport: Nordic skiing has a deep-rooted tradition in my family. I have pictures of myself skiing and tromping through the backwoods of Vermont with my mom, even when I could barely walk. Skiing, for me, has always been a passion driven by my love for nature and the joy it brings. The camaraderie and competitive spirit that racing adds to the sport further enriches the experience. Nordic skiing is challenging, and having a supportive group to train and compete with makes it even more enjoyable and fulfilling. It’s definitely “Type 2” fun. I coach because I derive immense satisfaction from witnessing and nurturing a love for Nordic skiing in others.

Hopes for the 2023/24 Season: We are coming off of a historic season on a state level. The Vasa Raptors had multiple state champions. I would like to build on this success and bring our success to the regional and national level. On a wider scope, I would like to help grow Michigan skiing as a whole. We are a large state, but participation in Nordic Skiing is low in comparison to states like Wisconsin and Minnesota. I am collaborating with other clubs to develop a Michigan Junior Nordic Skiing Association to drive growth in the sport.

Coach: Mike Wilson
Sport: Girls’ Varsity Basketball
School: Boyne City High School

First Season: 2023-24

Connection to the sport: Over the past 35 years, I have enjoyed playing, directing, coaching, and developing basketball programs at various levels. Being a student of the game has ultimately shown me the importance of connection-building and taking the game past the court. I thoroughly enjoy working with our kids; basketball, a game that is very dear to me, allows me to make positive life impacts on our students while competing in this great sport.

Hopes for the 2023/24 season: We will have a few goals as a team heading into this season, but my one main hope is that each athlete, coach, and parent supports this program to the highest extent possible. This program has the ability to do great things with all stakeholders supporting the mission. This, of course, does not mean everyone is going to agree with every decision that is made on the court. What it does mean is that at the end of the day, each person, win or lose, sees the value and importance in our program development. Actions and words will speak volumes!

Coach: Nick Winkler
Sport: Football
School: Cadillac High School

First Season: 2023

Connection to the sport: I played at Saginaw Valley State University from 2006-2010, [and was] a student assistant there from 2010-2011. Afterward, I coached in Alaska until 2017, [at which point] I became the head coach at Gallup High School until May of 2020. Following that experience, I was the head coach at Clintonville High School until May of 2023. Now, I am looking forward to my first season as the Vikings head coach.

Hopes for the 2023/24 season: I'm looking forward to seeing our team compete against some great competition!