This season of girls’ varsity soccer is especially emotional – assistant coach Katy Vivaldi is retiring after 10 years of coaching for the Granite Bay High  program. 

Choosing to leave this job was not an easy decision for Vivaldi. She helped to build the program into something very special, and she couldn’t be prouder.

“I have enjoyed being at GBHS for 10 years and I will miss it a lot,” Vivaldi said. “But the time has come (since) both of my grown kids (are) living away that I have more opportunities to visit and spend time with them.”

Despite the fact that her own children are out of high school, Vivaldi still likes to reflect back on the time with her children at GBHS.

“When Colleen was the senior goalkeeper, (we were) playing our last  game for the (Sierra Foothill League) title and she made a huge save (then) punted the ball downfield to our forward, Maggie Bell, who scored which helped us win and (claim) the title,” Vivaldi said. “It was thrilling!”

Her coaching colleague, GBHS social studies teacher Mark Broers, will not only miss her as a coach, but as a friend.

“She is like family to me and my players,” Broers said. “She is a leader and she really cares.”

Vivaldi said the feelings are mutual.

“I have learned so much through the years by coaching with Mark Broers,” Vivaldi said. “His passion and love for (the game) has really taught me a lot.”

Broers and the players already know  they’ll miss her constant positivity and encouragement. 

“She is one of those people that cares for every single player and wants to make an impact in all of their careers,” senior goalkeeper Summer Holt said.

With some girls being with Vivaldi for as many as four years, certain players have begun to understand her as more than just a coach.

“Spending extra time with her off the field was so special,” four-year varsity player Emma Broers said. “She always made (everything) so incredibly fun and always kept us (players) laughing.”

However, after 17 years of coaching, Vivaldi has decided to move on to other hobbies.

“I  have been freelance writing part-time for the last three years, and I am excited to have the opportunity to have time to write and publish more in the future,” Vivaldi said. 

Despite her departure to spend time on her other interests, Vivaldi said she will always support the program and look forward to attending many games in the future.

Players and coaches know that at the end of the 2020 season, they will have to say goodbye to coach Vivaldi – and it won’t be easy. 

“Thank you for your friendship, your dedication and your sacrifice,” Broers said to Vivaldi. “We will miss you!”