Gayla Soyez
Head Women's Basketball Coach
Phone: 5613
Email:
soyez@friends.edu
Gayla Soyez is in her seventh year as head coach of the Friends University women’s basketball program. The Falcons enter this season coming off an interesting year in 2007-08, starting out strong at 10–1, then facing a key few injuries that resulted in a couple of close losses before the team got back on track to finish the season strong, winning the last five out of six games.
Soyez is very excited about the potential of this experienced but young team, especially if they continue to focus on the big picture and remember that the team is more important than themselves. The Falcons have a number of experienced players returning as well as junior college transfer Alyson Snell who also brings minutes to the floor. The team is then topped off with some exciting freshman that should make for a solid 2008-09 season.
Soyez is in her fourteenth season within the KCAC as she was the head coach at Tabor College before finding her home at Friends University. “It is an honor being a part of the game and coaching quality student athletes that are committed to a higher standard of excellence,” Soyez said. “This team’s work ethic, attitude, and energy level brings a smile to my face and creates a deep gratitude for my young players. I believe this team is willing to put commitment and pride back into our program if they will stand on this year’s team motto: one team, one heart, one goal.”
Soyez never takes for granted her playing career at Kansas State University and the memorable journey of being fortunate enough to play such a great game. She was selected as first-team all-region as a freshman and received many all tournament team honors across the country. As a player, Soyez also had the opportunity to play internationally on the Junior Pan-American team and had the honor of being K-State’s first-team pick of the 1980s.
Soyez is most thankful for the support and commitment from her family that has allowed her the opportunity to stay in the game she loves. Her husband Will farms and ranches 65 miles northeast of Wichita in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Her son Elliot is a senior and daughter Samantha is a sophomore at Goddard High School. Soyez said it has been such a great blessing and so much fun watching them grow into young adults while competing in various sports throughout.
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