Get to Know Two Waukee CSD Coaches
In honor of National Coaches Day on Oct. 6, we sat down with two Waukee CSD coaches to get a glimpse into their world!
Gabe Bakker: WHS Head Football Coach
At Waukee High School, a father-son duo takes the field. Head coach Gabe Bakker shares his passion for coaching and the unique experience of mentoring his son, Beckett, who leads the Warriors as their starting quarterback.
How do you approach mentoring and shaping young athletes both on and off the field?
I believe that the first thing you have to do is build a relationship with each player. We, as coaches, need to let our personalities come out and let the athletes know we truly care about them. We try to have open communication with all of our players regarding things both on and off the field, because our program covers more than just the game of football.
How do you balance being both Beckett’s coach and dad?
I’ve been a coach for 20 years now, so Beckett has literally grown up on the field with myself and our teams. He understands that on the field I’m his coach and off of it I’m his dad. However, there have been many moments where I take great pride in what he does on the field as his dad.
Do you have a favorite moment coaching Beckett? Can you describe it?
What I truly love about coaching Beckett are the things that people don’t see on Friday nights. The lifting sessions, individual workouts, practices, film sessions, and all of the time we get to spend together because of the game of football. Not a lot of people get to spend that amount of time with their child while they are in high school, and I am lucky enough to get to do it on a daily basis.
What motivates you to continue coaching year after year, and what do you find most rewarding about being a coach?
Football has been a part of my life for over thirty years and has been responsible for some of the most impactful moments of my life. Although I love the preparation and competition that football allows its participants to experience, I honestly want to give our high school athletes a positive experience that teaches them many life lessons. Each team is different and every player has different highs/lows throughout their career, but I love to see them all battle through it and persevere in the end. I love the game, our athletes, and our program!
Jodi Vogt: NWHS Head Volleyball Coach
In only its third year as a program, the Waukee Northwest volleyball team won a state title in 2023. Head coach Jodi Vogt talks about leading the team to that historic win and shares the best parts of being a coach.
Photo credit: Jim Slosiarek / The Gazette
What inspired you to become a coach?
I am coaching because of the impact of my high school and college coaches on my life. I started playing volleyball in sixth grade and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play at Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. I have developed lifelong friendships from the sport and I am forever grateful. I want to have that same impact on others and instill something bigger than the game of volleyball. I think a lot of life lessons can be learned through athletics.
What is the best part of coaching the Northwest volleyball team?
The best part is the relationships I have with the girls and my staff. I also love watching these young ladies grow as people on and off the court.
What was the feeling like when your team won the state title last year?
It was surreal. To have everyone fight for the same goal and come together as a TEAM was one of my proudest moments in athletics! The support from our entire community was something I will never forget.
What are your goals for this season?
Our goal for this season is to continue to improve each week, keep the team our focus, and to have fun along the way. When we focus on the little things every day, winning will take care of itself. And if we don’t come out on top, we can at least say we are proud of how we worked and supported each other this season.
