New Berlin Eisenhower soccer coach steps down from coaching boys team

NEW BERLIN – New Berlin Eisenhower boys soccer head coach Nick Datka will be stepping down from the role after four seasons according to a district announcement Tuesday morning.

Datka will remain in his role as girls soccer coach in the spring, but will no longer serve as boys coach “as a result of a new professional opportunity and to spend more time with his family,” per the release. Datka said it was an honor to serve the boys program, which saw unprecedented success during his tenure that culminated last fall with the program’s first WIAA state title in Division 3.

“The players, families, community, coaching staff, and Booster Club are all first class. I want to give special thanks to Athletic Director Kevin Fitzgerald for giving me this opportunity four years ago and for his constant support over that time,” Datka said in the release. “Additionally, I’d like to thank my wife Michelle and my kids for allowing me to chase a dream and standing by me throughout the process. Most importantly, I want to thank the players and coaches. The efforts both on and off the field have elevated boys soccer to new heights both in New Berlin and at Eisenhower.”

Fitzgerald said Datka set the bar for coaches caring about their athletes on and off the field. The boys program attained a 52-17-8 record in his four seasons, which also included two Woodland West Conference titles, three regional titles, a sectional title and the state title. Datka was named state coach of the year for both the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association and the United Soccer Coaches association.

“He’s passionate about the sport of soccer and wants team success more than anyone,” Fitzgerald said. “But more importantly, he cares even more that his student-athletes have a rewarding and positive experience that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.”

Datka will remain in his role as head coach of the girls soccer program, which has also seen tremendous success since he first took that role in 2016. The program has achieved a 108-25-18 record over that span, which includes three-straight WIAA state tournament appearances and a 2022 D3 state title.

Hernandez chosen to lead boys program

Shondell “Shon” Hernandez was also announced as the successor to Datka for the boys program. Hernandez brings 23 years of coaching experience to the Lions’ program, most recently at Franklin High School. He has also taught social studies at West Allis Central High School for 26 years, where he served as a varsity coach of the boys and girls soccer programs for 17 years as well. Hernandez is a US National “D” licensed coach, and has coached for the Franklin-based Croatian Eagles Soccer Club for the past five years. A Milwaukee native and Riverside High School graduate, Hernandez currently lives in Franklin with his wife and four children.

“I’m looking forward to working with the strong legacy left behind by Coach Datka and with a program where the ambitions and passion for the sport by the players, staff, and parents are second to none,” Hernandez said. “I can’t wait to get started on the beginning of a long and successful journey with Ike soccer.”

The Lions boys return 14 players this fall from last year’s championship-winning team, including seven starters. Fitzgerald expressed optimism that Hernandez is the right fit to lead the program to future success.

“Coach Hernandez comes highly regarded in the high school and club ranks. What stands out is his passion for development and growth within his programs,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m excited for him to get started working with our student-athletes and the supporters of our program. I know he will work tirelessly to build upon the success and culture that has been created over the past several years.”

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New Berlin Eisenhower soccer coach steps down from coaching boys team