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For ten years, Lead ‘Em Up has worked to develop leaders and build cohesive teams. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re looking back at some of the championship teams that exemplify the power of culture and leadership.
Next up in our series is the North Muskegon Girls Soccer team, a group that transformed disappointment into an unbreakable bond and a historic state title. Under Coach Parnin, the team was a heavy favorite to win a championship in 2020 before their season was canceled due to COVID. That devastating loss fueled a new level of commitment and a unique culture that would prove unstoppable.
We sat down with Coach Parnin and captains Audrey Wilson and Syann Fairfield to hear their perspective on what made this season so special.
More Than Just a Team
The journey to the championship started a full year before the season began. Following the disappointment of a lost season, the players were willing to do whatever it took to achieve their goal. This commitment went far beyond the field.
“I think what made our team so special was that the ladies fully embraced both a competitive and family culture,” Coach Parnin said. “It is fairly easy to establish one of those, but this team went the extra mile in both areas.”
A powerful example of their dedication was an agreement made by the team captains. “Our team captains decided they would NOT go to PROM that year because of the risk of catching COVID,” Coach Parnin explained. Instead, they threw a team prom, choosing their shared goal over a personal milestone. This powerful decision set the tone for the entire season and demonstrated a level of sacrifice that inspired everyone. Audrey Wilson, one of the team captains, emphasized this point, saying, “We were 100% committed to making that season count and finally accomplish our goal.”
This deep-rooted sense of commitment was felt throughout the entire team. “When I offered a workout or shooting session, the girls showed up… They gave each other rides, they encouraged each other, they got each other snacks,” Coach Parnin recalled. “Working with that group of girls was truly one of the best experiences of my life.”
The “All In” Mentality
The team adopted the motto “All In,” which became a daily practice for every player. This meant showing up and giving their best effort for their teammates in every single aspect of their lives, from early morning workouts to team dinners.
“Before every game, we would draw green dots on our hands as a reminder to ‘Go Green,’” Audrey Wilson said. “It became a symbol of accountability and effort… a small thing that set a standard to show up and work hard and to make sure our teammates are doing the same.”
This commitment to being a “Green Team”, a Lead ‘Em Up concept for teammates who are always positive and supportive, became a defining trait of the team. The culture was so deeply embraced that it became a part of who they were. “The girls put green dots on their hands, wore green pre-wrap for their hair, and just truly became what we were,” Coach Parnin said. “We even had a coach find a way to dye their dog’s hair green… I had my nails painted green, and it just seemed like we were unstoppable that season. We won the state championship 6-0.”
This effort to build a strong team dynamic from the ground up proved essential. Audrey remembered the team’s use of the red, grey, and green player check system during preseason. “This helped us check ourselves and each other emotionally and mentally,” she said. “Many teams struggle with drama and negativity, but I believe this process helped us trust each other early on and develop a focused mindset all season. This made all the difference.”
Winning with Love, Not Fear
While the North Muskegon team was talented, they knew that talent alone wouldn’t win them a championship. Past seasons had been lost to a fear of failure in high-pressure moments. This time, their focus on culture made all the difference.
“We definitely were a great soccer team, but no. We had always been a great soccer team, and we never won the championship,” Syann Fairfield said. “Using Lead ‘Em Up and focusing more on believing in each other and trusting each other and growing together and synergizing, that’s what kept us on top of our competition.”
The team built a support system that empowered every player to leave it all on the field without hesitation. “A problem we had faced each year leading up to the championship season was finishing strong and aggressively in the state semis. We would often become afraid of failure and judgment,” Syann recalled. “Our senior year, we got ‘All In’ from Lead ‘Em Up. This reminded us that everyone’s all in, everyone has our back, we’re just going to go all out all the time.”
That newfound courage translated into a high-level, yet deeply connected, team environment. “Our team was so high level, a championship caliber team, yet it wasn’t a cutthroat team environment,” Syann added. “Our team was all love, all support, and all for each other.” This selfless approach, a stark contrast to a “cutthroat” mentality, was the key to their success.
A Legacy That Lasts
The success of the North Muskegon team was a direct reflection of the work they put into building their foundation off the field. The lessons learned through their “All In” commitment have stayed with them far beyond the pitch.
“Without the focus we placed on culture and leadership, I don’t think we would have reached the same level of success,” Audrey said. “The leadership skills I developed… have stayed with me far beyond high school. They have helped me navigate college and even helped me get into the career I now hold in my post-grad life.”
Syann felt the same, noting that she was able to bring her “winning and team culture experience” to her college team, which helped them succeed with young leadership. “Nothing feels better than being all in and feeling that satisfaction of leaving everything out there,” she said.
The North Muskegon team proved that a championship is built not just on skill, but on a powerful sense of community and an unwavering commitment to one another. “I have never been on a team so positive, so hardworking, and genuinely happy to be around each other,” Audrey said. “We pushed each other, we celebrated, and grew together.” That season, they were more than a team; they were a family that accomplished something truly special for their small community.
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