Kylie’s time to Shine: Glacier’s lone senior leads Pack from back line

Ryan Thompson oversees a Glacier women’s soccer squad that has enjoyed considerable triumphs in recent years, including a championship in 2020. Thompson is delighted with his first season, thanks to the team's attacking players—Gracie Winkler, Addison Brisendine, Lucy Holloway, and Neve Travis—along with senior Kylie Shine, who has been the team's reliable leader and defender.

Thompson explained that Shine’s steadiness and respect from her teammates have been invaluable assets. Glacier is currently in the middle of the Western AA pack with a 2-1-1 record. Although impressive with 16 goals scored and only 4 conceded, other Missoula schools and Helena High have outperformed them. Shine acknowledges her team’s defensive struggles, but remains optimistic and confident in their abilities, emphasizing the importance of solid defense to secure victories.

The coach explained that the team recently had a new coach, Thompson, who replaced Doug Mello, who left for a position with the Philippines national team. Shine praised Mello's expertise and expressed her belief that Thompson's positive team spirit and emphasis on character and teamwork have fostered camaraderie among the players.

Thompson, now a father of two, sees coaching girls soccer as a positive experience. Kylie Shine, who moved from Las Vegas to Kalispell with her family post-Covid, will graduate early and pursue nursing school, while also sharing her passion for interior design with her family. Her future looks bright, just like the future of the Glacier Pack.

Facing important matches with Helena, Hellgate, and Capital, Thompson and Shine remain focused and determined, expressing their full faith in achieving top state rankings.