Green Bay Reporter

The Green Bay Packers have named Mike Nolden of Belleville High School in Wisconsin as the High School Coach of the Week. In his fifth season, Nolden has led the Belleville Wildcats to an unexpected run to the WIAA State Semifinals. The team started the season with four losses but finished strong to qualify for the playoffs as the eighth seed. They defeated higher-seeded teams and are now one win away from a Division 6 state title.

Nolden emphasized belief as a key factor in their success: "Once we got to the playoffs, I just told them to believe in themselves; you don't have to believe in everything I'm saying but just believe in yourselves." He aims to provide his players with experiences he missed during his own high school sports career.

The Wildcats are active in community service, volunteering at local events and involving high school students with youth programs. "We are always ready, and we make sure the kids are ready [to help]," said Nolden.

Nolden is a Belleville native and graduated from Belleville High School in 2011. He played college football before starting his coaching career at his alma mater. He became head coach in 2020.

He expressed gratitude for the Coach of the Week award: "To be from a really small town, it boosts your whole town's confidence when someone is recognized in this way."

Nolden oversees a program of 49 players with support from assistants Tony Schmit, Anthony Nolden, Jake Biesterveld, Tanner Wallom, Dylan Posthuma, and Jeff Pier. Outside coaching, he works at his family's business, Nolden Construction.

The Packers' Coach of the Week program recognizes outstanding high school coaches during the football season. Winners receive various awards including a $1,000 donation to their school's football program.