Top Coaches Join Girls Sports Programs

Coach Chris Johnson: Head Coach of Girls Softball Team 

Holy Family Activities Department is excited to welcome Coach Chris Johnson to lead the Fire Girls Softball team! With an impressive 20 years of coaching experience, including ten years as a high school head coach, Coach Johnson brings invaluable knowledge and expertise to elevate our team's performance.

Coupled with her experience coaching traveling and high school teams, Coach Johnson meets all State of Minnesota requirements for being a head coach and possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women’s Studies from St. Cloud State University. 

Activities Director Rory Oster has confidence Johnson is well-equipped to lead the Fire Girls Softball team to success. "Bringing Coach Chris Johnson on board as the new head coach for Fire Girls Softball marks an exciting turning point for our program. With her extensive experience and undeniable passion for the sport, we are confident that Coach Johnson will lead our athletes to achieve their best on the field while instilling valuable life skills and values. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact she will make on our softball program,” said Oster.

Beyond her coaching prowess, Chris Johnson is a prominent figure within the Minnesota softball community, having forged strong connections and an impeccable reputation among fellow coaches, athletic directors, and the Director of MN USA Softball. This extensive network of support ensures that our team remains well-connected to the development of players in the elementary and middle school years.

Former head coach Dan Schneider will remain an assistant coach on the Holy Family Girls Softball coaching staff.

Coach Matt Thuli: Head Coach of Girls Basketball Team 

Earlier this week, Activities Director Rory Oster announced the appointment of Coach Matt Thuli as the head girls basketball coach for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Coach Thuli's extensive experience, dedication, and love of the game make him an ideal fit for this role. Thuli accepts this role alongside his established role as Assistant Principal for Student Life and Alumni Relations.

Coach Thuli has served as the interim coach as the search for a permanent coach to lead the program ensued. After witnessing the players’ reception of Coach Thuli and their agility in adapting to his coaching style, Oster is confident that this is the strongest direction for the program heading into the 2023-2024 season.

"We are thrilled to have Coach Matt Thuli leading our girls' basketball program for the upcoming season," said Oster. "His passion for the sport and dedication to the players' development, both on and off the court, make him an exceptional head coach. We are confident he will create a positive and growth-oriented environment for our players."

Coach Thuli brings a wealth of experience and accolades to the position, with over 200 career wins, a state basketball title, and former section coach of the year honors under his belt. His proven track record of success and commitment to fostering individual skill development aligns perfectly with the school's vision of building a competitive team.

While Coach Thuli will be at the helm for the 2023-24 season, Holy Family Catholic High School acknowledges the significance of finding the best permanent coaching solution for the program. As such, the search for a permanent head coach will resume in March 2024.