GISH Announces New Girls Wrestling, Boys Soccer, & Cheer Coaches for 2025-26

The Islanders are ready for the upcoming school year with a few new coaches leading notable programs. 

Grand Island Senior High (GISH) is pleased to share the following coaching updates for Girls Wrestling, Boys Soccer, and Cheerleading for the 2025-26 school year. 
 

Damon Rodriguez will serve as the Girls Wrestling Coach.

He will be stepping-in to lead the Girls Wrestling program after Matthew Hernandez resigned after pursuing another professional opportunity. 

Rodriguez has been with the Barr Middle School Girls/Boys Wrestling coaching staff for the last year.  As an experienced Coach, he brings his passion for Girls Wrestling to the notable GISH program.  Rodriguez also serves as a PE/Health Teacher at Barr Middle School.
 

Robert Almquist will serve as the Boys Soccer Coach.

He will stepping-in to lead the Boys Soccer program after James Panowicz resigned to have more time to spend with family. 

Almquist has been an Assistant Coach for the Boys Soccer staff since 2016.  As a familiar face to the program, he will ensure a smooth transition for the Islanders.  Almquist also serves as Senior Retirement Specialist for Principal Financial. 
 

Bailee Moritz will serve as the Cheerleading Coach.

She will be stepping-in to continue momentum for the Cheerleading program after Tristen Gardner resigned to spend time with her growing family.

Mortiz brings experience and enthusiasm for Cheerleading to the Islander squad.  Before coming to GIPS in 2023, she served as the Cheer Coach at Bellevue West.  She also serves as a Special Education Teacher at Howard Elementary. 

Chris Ladwig, GISH Activities Director, reflected on the future of the Islander programs with understanding and optimism.

“I’d like to thank Coach Panowicz, Coach Gardner, and Coach Hernandez for all the time they have invested in our programs. They have left our programs in great shape so that our new coaches can hit the ground running.” Ladwig said. “I am excited to have Coach Rodriguez, Coach Almquist, and Coach Moritz on board. They are great individuals who will continue to lead the Islander Way. The experiences they have gained in their previous positions will help our student-athletes continue to grow.”

The GISH Activities office is committed to facilitating smooth transitions for each of these programs and looks forward to a strong showing in the 2025-26 school year.

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