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Gillette College Athletics Welcomes New Soccer and Volleyball Coaches

Blue graphic welcoming Gillette College's new coaches. Left: College logo and text 'Gillette College Welcomes New Coaches.' Right: Photos of two coaches, Spencer Durfee near a soccer goal labeled 'Head Men’s Soccer Coach,' and Chase Soennichsen in a gym labeled 'Head Women's Volleyball Coach.' Background features subtle antelope pattern.
July 16, 2025

Gillette College is excited to announce the addition of two new coaches who bring extensive experience and a strong commitment to student-athlete success: Spencer Durfee, Head Men's Soccer Coach, and Chase Soennichsen, Head Volleyball Coach.

 

Spencer Durfee, a Wyoming native, is joining the Pronghorns Soccer staff with an impressive background in both playing and coaching. A former standout at Buffalo High School, he went on to play at Laramie County Community College, Lamar Community College, Waldorf University, and Buena Vista University, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Durfee also broadened his horizons with a study abroad experience at the University of Bangor in Wales. His coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Iowa Lakes Community College, where he led the reserve team. He further expanded his coaching expertise internationally through the University of Chester's UDA program in England, where he completed a master's degree in Nutritional Sport and Exercise. Most recently, he served at Waldorf University, where he played a key role in helping the men's team achieve a remarkable 10-game unbeaten regular season, before becoming the head assistant and recruitment lead at New Mexico State's UDA program, competing in both the UPSL and USL-Academy divisions.

 

Joining Spencer in the Pronghorn Athletic Department is Chase Soennichsen, the new Head Volleyball Coach. A Montana native, Soennichsen has spent his career shaping athletes across various sports. His volleyball journey began at a young age when he represented the U.S. Junior Volleyball Team at the Goodwill Games in Europe. With coaching experience that includes high school programs in Denton, Roundup, Shepherd, and Melstone, as well as five impactful years at Miles Community College, he is renowned for developing top-tier talent. Soennichsen has coached multiple all-conference and all-state athletes, mentored eight college all-conference selections, and celebrated several Region 13 Players of the Week. He is also a certified official with both the Montana Officials Association and AAU, which adds to his comprehensive understanding of the game.

 

"We're thrilled to welcome Spencer and Chase to the Pronghorn family," said Gillette College Athletic Director Janie Rayback. "Spencer's international experience and player development background, combined with Chase's proven track record of developing athletes and building programs, will bring new energy and leadership to our soccer and volleyball teams. I'm excited to see both programs flourish under their guidance." 

 

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