What Makes Siouxland Special?
A Comet Women's Soccer Team Journey
A Comets Women’s Soccer Team Journey
By Wendy S. Ohl, Western Iowa Tech Athletics
What makes Siouxland special? That was the question Head Coach Eddie Vongsiprasom posed to his assistant coaches as he challenged them to connect the Comets women’s soccer team to the Siouxland area—not just as visiting students and athletes, but as active members of the community. His goal was clear: help the players discover what makes Siouxland unique and foster a deeper bond with the region they now call home.
Assistant Coach Steph Neeser embraced the challenge with creativity and heart.
“When Coach Eddie asked the assistants to come up with community service events, I wanted something that not only gave back, but also gave the team insight into my full-time work as the MTSS Coordinator in the Omaha Nation school district,” said Coach Neeser. “It’s a unique and special place. Even though it’s only 30 miles south of the city, the land feels completely different—remote, calm, scenic, and deeply spiritual, filled with history and culture.”
To bring that vision to life, Coach Neeser arranged for the team to visit the district’s Three Sisters Farm in Macy, Nebraska. There, the players rolled up their sleeves to help with the fall harvest and learn firsthand what it takes to bring food from the ground to the table. The seven-acre farm, operated by Umonhon Nation Public Schools, produces everything from cabbage to blue corn, along with a wide variety of herbs and spices.
The work was demanding - muddy boots, sore backs, and tired arms - but also rewarding. More than just crops, the farm provides fresh produce to the local community through the school and a nearby café, while instilling in students a sense of pride and accomplishment. For the Comets, it was an eye-opening experience that combined teamwork, service, and cultural connection.
But this wasn’t the team’s first step into community service. Earlier in the season, the Comets served meals with the Red Cross, volunteered at Hy-Vee to serve breakfast to veterans on Veterans Day, and marched in the Unity in Action Parade in South Sioux City. Each project gave the players a new perspective and a chance to build bonds off the field.
For many of the athletes, these moments were as valuable as their time in practice or competition. “The players enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves,” said Coach Neeser. “Doing events like this as a team not only helps the community but also strengthens their relationships as teammates and friends.”
Though most of the Comets come from outside the area, Siouxland is their home during their time at Western Iowa Tech. Through service, they are learning that home is not just where you live - it’s where you contribute, connect, and grow together.
If you have any questions about the Siouxland Connection initiative or the Comets Women’s Soccer Team, please contact us.
Mike Brown, Athletic Director
mike.brown@witcc.edu | 712.317.3395
Eddie Vongsiprasom, Head Coach Women’s Soccer
eddie.vongsiprasom@witcc.edu | 712.206.4527