SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Coach John Hakari, the current leader of Dakota Wesleyan University Women's Soccer, led the Sioux Falls Thunder to its first-ever playoff appearance since the club's inception in 2016.
Sioux Falls Thunder FC clinched a spot in the playoffs after a 4-1 win against Joy Athletic Club to close the regular season thanks to the leadership and development of Hakari and his staff, which includes DWU assistant and goalkeepers coach Cole Schreiner, who serves the same role for the club.
The Thunder play in the National Premier Soccer League and are led by Hakari during DWU Soccer's offseason, who is in his second year with the club. Several DWU Men's Soccer players are members of the team — Colin Burke, Francis Dolce, Luis Waeschle, AJ Bowman, Joseph Valler, and Colton Douglas have been contributors on the field for the entirety of the NPSL season.
Coach Hakari spoke on the success of the team from the summer season:
"I am very excited to have this success with Sioux Falls Thunder. I am very fortunate to have access to a lot of talented players, so a big thank you to their college coaches for sending them my way. I returned a lot of core players from last year to this year, which helps tremendously with consistency and commitment to my playstyle. I am excited for the playoffs and I am very proud of the guys."
The Thunder will take on Siouxland United FC in the NPSL North Conference Semifinals on Wednesday, July 9th, at 6:00 PM down in Sioux City, Iowa. You can see the full NPSL playoff schedule and other information here.
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