End of an era: Anderson retires as Tea Area High School girls’ soccer coach

After a remarkable 12-year journey, Coach Mark Anderson has stepped down as head coach of the Tea Area High School girls’ soccer team. 

Since the program’s inception, Anderson’s vision and dedication transformed the Lady Titans from humble beginnings into a competitive powerhouse, establishing a legacy that will shape the program for years to come. Anderson’s decision to retire this season comes after guiding Tea Area through their inaugural year competing in Class AA, ending with an impressive season record of 11-4-2 and a semi-final run, one win shy of the State title game. 

Reflecting on his journey, Anderson expressed a mix of emotions. “We are really sad to go but extremely happy with what we all built,” he said. “So many families have come and gone. I loved every one of them like they were my family.”

When the Tea Area girls’ soccer program began, it was a small team facing established, experienced opponents. Anderson and the first wave of Lady Titans set out to build something special from the ground up. 

“The early years were challenging at times, we competed against established teams with more experience,” Anderson recalled. “As the ‘underdog’ we knew we had to practice and work very hard. We learned so many lessons in grit and determination and that helped build the foundation that has led to on and off field successes in later years.”

As the seasons passed, Anderson’s leadership helped the team evolve, growing in skill, strength, and reputation. 

“Our program grew in numbers and we grew as coaches and players and earned the reputation as a team to watch out for,” said Anderson. “We saw improvement that led to winning games and eventually to Championships. The immense support from parents, the school and the community played a huge role in our growth.”

Under Anderson’s guidance, the Lady Titans achieved seven championship appearances, winning three state titles in 2019, 2022, and 2023, and securing the program’s place in the top ranks of South Dakota high school soccer. This year’s move into Class AA was another milestone, marking Tea Area’s advancement to a highly competitive level.

 But even more than the victories it’s the culture he helped build in Tea that is Anderson is most proud of. 

“We were known not just for athletic abilities but also for sportsmanship and integrity. Besides creating strong players it was also about creating strong, confident young women who showed respect for everyone. We evolved into a team, a place players could learn life skills that would serve them beyond the soccer field. When coaching over 40 young athletes team unity is very important. High school is full of change and transition and my goal was to create ‘family’ within the team,” said Anderson. “Build trust and support. For high school girls, sports are just a part of their lives.  Some of the best memories I have are the team bonding activities and events which included the annual season kickoff Midnight Madness “practice”. 

Under Anderson the team did volunteer activities, Little Lady Titans, soccer camps, team meals, homecoming parades, morning practices which usually lead to breakfast pizza or donuts. He also has fond memories of the bus rides, road trips, Augustana and USD camps. 

“These are just some of the many things I will miss,” Anderson added. 

Anderson’s tenure with the Lady Titans has been marked by milestones that highlight the program’s incredible journey:

During his 12 seasons the team has compiled a 106-41-22 record, has had 14 playoff appearances, seven championship appearances, earned three state titles, and recorded 78 shutout game. 

These numbers tell only part of the story. Anderson’s commitment to developing his players’ skills and fostering a close-knit team culture has created a lasting impact that extends beyond the field.

“Coaching these amazing young ladies taught me patience, adaptability, and empathy. Each season was a chance to learn something new about what it means to lead, to listen, and to inspire,” said Anderson. 

Anderson’s commitment and influence to the game of soccer earned him recognition within the coaching community. In 2022, he was named South Dakota Girls’ Soccer Coach of the Year by the South Dakota High School Coaches Association, and in 2019, he was named the US Soccer Coaches Association’s Northwest Region Coach of the Year. 

The Tea Area girls’ soccer program has come a long way under Anderson’s leadership, but he remains humble, crediting much of the success to his players, their families, his assistant coaches, and the Tea Area community. 

“There are so many people to thank! I have met so many people who are now friends and each share in the success of this program. I want to thank the Tea Area School District and all the former and current staff that supported our program over the years, some went way above and beyond the call of duty Tony Waterman, Cory and Bonnie Haupt, Tasha Weber, Craig Clayberg, Jaydon Stover, Sean Duffy, Kristi Heidinger,” said Anderson. “I want to thank all the players parents and the people of Tea, SD for always showing up and supporting us. You are the best fans in South Dakota! Thank you to our #1 fan Noah Watson! Go Big Blue!  I have had the most amazing coaching staff over the years, thank you Mark Hansen you taught the girls and I so much. Jasmin Sumic my book of knowledge and friend. James Swanson my adviser and counselor, Kaylee Anderson an unsung hero of this program she helped me and taught me ways to work with the players in the early years, Brooke Piper and Joni Hofer amazing people former players  and now part of the future, Tim Theis and Marty Cahoy they were an important part of the program beginnings. A very special thank you to former AD Brent Deboer and Supt. Jennifer Lowery for giving me the chance to take this program and run with it. There guidance and patience helped us make Tea Area Lady Titans soccer what it is today.”

Anderson’s heartfelt tribute to his wife Cheri highlighted the invaluable role she played. Serving as team mom and supporting Anderson’s commitment to the program, Cheri’s presence was pivotal to the program’s foundation. 

“Behind every successful coach there is someone providing support, patience and love. My wife Cheri has been that person for me and I could not have done it without her. She has been team mom, team counselor, my sounding board. She sacrificed so much for the program to help make sure the team and I were successful on and off the field. Her kindness and understanding and even her toughness have impacted every player who has come through this team whether they realized it or not. Her dedication often went unnoticed but I want her to know this team and this journey has been as much hers as it has been mine. I’m endlessly grateful,” Anderson added. 

As he steps away, Anderson leaves the program in a stronger position than ever, confident it will continue to thrive with the same energy and positivity. 

“It is my hope the program keeps moving forward, continuing to meet every challenge with the same energy and positivity and continues to teach the players what soccer great Pelé called the ‘Beautiful Game,’” said Anderson. 

For Anderson, saying goodbye to the Lady Titans means saying goodbye to an extended family, one that he nurtured, grew, and inspired. 

 “And last but not least the reason I do this, the players. Thank you to every player who put on a Lady Titan soccer jersey and became part of the legacy over the last 12 years. Thank you for every set of bleachers you ran. Thank you for the shuttle pass drills, the box drill, the diamond drill, every push up you did and the ones you tried to do,” said Anderson. “I will miss each and every one of you. College football coach Dabo Swinney and other coaches have stated when building a ‘family’ based program you should love your players. I believe in that and truly love every player I have coached like family.”

The program Anderson built from scratch will carry forward his legacy of skill, unity, and integrity—qualities that have made Tea Area High School a true soccer powerhouse in South Dakota.