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In this episode, we sit down with Mike Bare, the legendary head coach of the Peoria Notre Dame High School boys soccer team. Now entering his 19th season at the helm, Coach Bare has built a powerhouse program, guiding the Irish to four state championships and countless deep playoff runs.

But Mike’s impact goes far beyond wins and titles. He’s a passionate advocate for the game, using his platform to push for improvements in high school soccer across Illinois—from player development to competitive balance and everything in between.

We dive into his coaching philosophy, how he’s stayed fired up after nearly two decades, and why he's more committed than ever to the sport and the student-athletes who play it. Whether you're a coach, player, or fan of the game, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a deep love for high school soccer.