Jill Whalen comes to Garretson and immediately gets involved
by Marieke Salomon, staff writer, GHS Blue Ink
The Garretson School District not only has two new principals, but also a few new teachers, one of whom is the Blue Dragons’ new soccer assistant coach too.
Ms. Whalen taught at an elementary school in Minnesota for a few years before coming back to South Dakota.
She was so kind to answer some questions about her professional life but also about her private life.
1. What made you decide to become an elementary teacher?
I have always enjoyed working with young students to teach them new things in fun and interesting ways.
2. Have you worked somewhere else before you came to Garretson?
Yes. I worked for the past seven years in Crystal, Minnesota as a Kindergarten teacher and before Minnesota, I taught 1st Grade in Presho, South Dakota, and coached volleyball for five years.
3. How do you like it so far?
I have enjoyed living in Garretson, getting to know my neighbors and colleagues, teaching my 1st Grade class, and coaching the soccer team. Everyone has been so kind, helpful, and welcoming!
4. What was the best thing you experienced so far?
I have had the most fun coaching soccer. It has been exciting to see our team's improvements throughout the season.
5. Do you prefer dogs or cats?
I prefer dogs. I have a five-month-old black lab named Ace and he's pretty great!
6. Where are you from?
I was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and lived in Canistota until I was about 10 years old. Then we moved to Gregory, South Dakota, and lived there until I graduated high school.
7. Where did you go to college?
I attended Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska.
8. What are your hobbies?
I like to golf, fish, walk my dog, read, and spend as much time outdoors as possible when the weather is nice.
9. Have you played soccer in high school or college?
I did not play soccer in high school; my school did not offer soccer as a sport. I participated in volleyball, basketball, and track in high school and continued to play volleyball in college.
10. How is it for you to coach a soccer team even though you never played it yourself?
I have always enjoyed coaching any sport even if I have a limited amount of knowledge. My understanding of soccer was very limited, but I have learned a lot about the game and am thankful for the opportunity to coach some great student-athletes in the process!
11. What made you want to coach?
My dad was a football coach for many years, and he seemed to have more fun coaching than he ever did playing a sport. He encouraged me to try coaching and I have had the greatest experiences since the beginning of my career. Watching my teams find success and work together to accomplish a goal is extremely fun.
12. What is your favorite food?
I have many favorite foods but pasta is my favorite.
Aside from Whalen being found in her first-grade classroom or out on the soccer field, she has quickly become involved in other Garretson activities as well, including line judging at last night’s Big East Conference Volleyball tournament.
Welcome to the Garretson School District Ms. Whalen!
