Polson High School recently announced the appointment of new head coaches for basketball and soccer. Each district has a storied history in athletics.
Former head coach Randy Kelly returns to the sidelines after a two-year hiatus, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for the game. Polson Lady Pirates alumnus Heather Howell brings his deep understanding of soccer and passion for coaching young athletes to his new role. Both appointments are subject to board approval.
Kelly's journey with Polson began in 1995 when he took the helm as head football coach, dedicating seven years to developing young athletes on and off the field. After a short hiatus, he returned as his assistant football coach and transitioned to head of the women's basketball program in 2008. During his tenure, Kelly led the team to the state tournament and left an indelible mark on the program.
In 2015, Kelly was hired as head boys basketball coach and embarked on a remarkable journey of success as the Pirates earned two third-place finishes in the state tournament.
“We are excited to welcome Randy Kelly back to Polson High School,” said Activities Director Sean Delwo. “His dedication to our student-athletes and proven track record of success make him the ideal leader for our men's basketball program. We are confident he will definitely bring a positive addition to our team.” I look forward to seeing it make an impact.”
Off the court, Kelly's family has deep roots in the Polson community. His wife, Tammy, is a respected educator at Polson High School, while his children each pursue successful careers, with two sons excelling as petroleum engineers and a daughter as a teacher and I am following in my parents' footsteps as a coach.
Howell's soccer journey began on the fields of Polson High School, where she wore a Lady Pirates jersey from 2005 to 2009 and developed a career of varsity skill and dedication. In 2010, driven by her love for the sport, she turned to coaching and since then, she has become a respected figure in her soccer community.
After briefly serving as an assistant coach for the Lady Pirates in 2014, Howell became the head coach of Polson FC's U16/U18 girls team from 2014 to 2016. In 2021, she became the head coach of Polson FC's U12 girls team, continuing to develop her young talent and instill her love for the game.
During her tenure, her teams displayed exceptional talent and determination, winning six tournaments and securing five runner-up finishes.
“We are excited to welcome Heather Howell to the coaching staff at Polson High School and to be a part of our team,” Delwo said. “Her passion for soccer, combined with her experience and proven success, makes her a perfect fit to lead our women’s soccer program.”
Off the field, Heather is known for her dedication to player development, focusing not only on skill acquisition but also on character development and teamwork.
“Her commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment aligns perfectly with the values of Polson High School,” Delwo said.
Heather Howell, Polson High School's new head soccer coach, and several members of the Polson FC U-12 girls soccer team, which took second place at the Tamarack Tournament in Kalispell last fall.