In a press release today, Grand Island Senior High announced new coaches for the Girls Wrestling and Boys Soccer programs for the upcoming 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.
The Islanders had a 6th place finish at the NSAA State Girls Wrestling tournament in February, qualifying six wrestlers individually. They also took 3rd at the HAC Tournament.
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.
The Islanders finished the 2025 season with a 8-10 season, falling to Omaha Westside in the A-4 Championship.
Grand Island will have nine new head coaches for the upcoming season. The Islanders announced a new cheerleading coach today in Bailee Moritz to replace Tristen Gardner, and previous head coaching changes have taken place for football, volleyball, softball, girls and boys basketball, and girls golf.
“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.” GISH Athletic Director Chris 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.”
