MONROE — Matt Bodeau takes over as the new Monroe boys soccer coach, replacing Kyle Kasten, who is no longer in the district.

“I’m definitely honored. That was my first emotion,” Bodeau said.

Bodeau has been an assistant coach with both the boys since 2016 and also has assisted with the girls team. “I played defense and midfield,” Bodeau said. “I’ve also coached at Keva (Sports Center) in Middleton.”

He previously played for Monroe as a freshman, sophomore and junior from 2007-09 before moving to Smyrna, Delaware for his senior season. He graduated high school in 2011 and played in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons at Madison Area Technical College. 

“He’s got the experience as a player and a coach that we felt suited the program best,” Monroe Athletic Director Jeff Newcomer said.

The Cheesemakers program has had a tough run overall since its inception just under two decades ago. Bodeau hopes that he and assistant coach Curt Zastrow will be able to turn things around.

“We’ve got limited numbers, but I’m used to that,” Bodeau said, dating back to his playing days at MATC. “We don’t have the depth of the other schools in our conference. We won’t be able to run with them. But we’ll be able to spend more individual time with them in practice and everyone will get a lot of game reps.”

Bodeau said that he and Zastrow share many of the same coaching traits.

“Vision, keeping your head on a swivel; communication is key,” Bodeau said. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic in effect, many schools are determining how to restart in the fall. Boys soccer practice is scheduled to begin Aug. 17.

“We’re going to follow what Jeff (Newcomer) and the WIAA says. We’re following their guidance at the moment,” Bodeau said. “It’s an ever-changing thing. I’m sure there will be social distancing procedures at practice, but we’ll see what happens for games.”

Bodeau said that any interested players — or even former players — that want to get a hold of him can email him at mattbodeau@monroe.k12.wi.us.