Players flow across the field like river rapids, their feet a blur as they weave down the field, each pass and play a testament to the years of hard work instilled in them. Standing on the sideline, the eagle-like eyes of Noblesville boys soccer head coach Ken Dollaske never stray, his presence acting as the quiet force that fuels their every move. His athletes say he’s not just a coach; he’s the designer, builder, and foundation behind every play and the unwavering mentor who believed in his players even when they didn’t believe in themselves.
Dollaske has coached at Noblesville for 13 years. In his first five years, he led the freshman team before becoming the next varsity head coach, where he wound up leading the program to three straight state championships from 2021 to 2023. During the soccer season Dollaske announced to his players that he will be leaving after the fall semester. Now as Dollaske prepares to step down, his legacy forever remains woven in every victory, every goal, and every pass. He will be remembered not just by his tapestry but in the way he reshaped the lives of those he coached, such as varsity senior defender Blake Horn.
“Dollaske lifted us up when we doubted ourselves the most in critical periods. He also kept us in check, keeping us humble so we never lost sight of our goals,” Horn said.
Not only has Dollaske impacted the players lives, they have also had a profound impact on him. He was able to help them achieve their goals of becoming state champions, and in return, they gave him memories that will last.
“Having three state title runs is amazing, but the first state championship felt different, when the clock ticked down and everyone was just so excited. It was surreal,” Dollaske said.
While winning is important for every player and every coach, Dollaske says he’s more concerned with the team’s chemistry and the effort they put into becoming the best they can be.
“It doesn’t have to be game related, just having so much fun with our guys because they were so happy to be a part of the program and just wanted to get better day by day. It just makes this journey incredible,” Dollaske said.
With Dollaske’s departure looming, his players have started looking back at their time together. Senior Jake Hall gives credit to his coach for his development as a player.
“I was happy for him, but I immediately felt a sense of loss and I think everyone did too. Dollaske is the coach that gave me the opportunity to play at a higher level. He not only helped me become a better player, but helped me gain confidence,” Hall said.
Dollaske’s team culture emphasized relationships and morale. Noblesville’s Athletic Director Leah Wooldridge is looking to bring in someone similar. She says she wants a coach who is smart, who understands the game of soccer, and who can build on the chemistry Dollaske established.
“We are looking for our new head coach to be competent, someone who is a person of high character. And for that, someone to make connections with our student-athletes, parents, staff, and community,” Wooldridge said.
Dollaske calls his time at Noblesville a unique experience, one that not only allowed him to grow his own character, but also to foster his relationships with others around him.
“Being here was awesome and I’m going to miss this place, it’s where I truly developed as not just a coach, but a teacher too, and developed many good relationships as well.” Dollaske said. “It’s going to be tough leaving, but that’s how life goes. Sometimes you gotta make the difficult decisions in which it will help in the long term but in the short term it’s really really going to sting.”
