And with the start of high school football season only weeks away, the new Sun Prairie West Wolves have hit the ground running.

They have a brand new high school, a new team and a new coaching staff.

But it’s not your typical fresh start. The team and its coaches are already breaking down barriers.

At only 30 years old, Josh O’Connor is taking on the position of head coach for his first time.

“To me, it just means an opportunity to have a pretty big impact not just on Sun Prairie West but, more importantly, on these young kids who are going through a pretty tough transition,” said O’Connor.

Also joining the team roster is Honorary ESPY winner, Chelsea Alt. She’ll be the new varsity wide receivers coach. Alt is most excited to be a part of something bigger than herself.

“I think it’s an amazing thing to be a female coach and to be at a school that is brand new. To develop everything from scratch has been a crazy experience,” said Alt.

In the male-dominated sport, Alt holds her own, as the only coach on the team with professional playing experience. 

“I have been playing for 12 years. I have five all-star nominations,” she said. 

After all those years, she’s received five all-star rings, one national championship ring and a gold medal from an international championship. 

Of Alt, O’Connor said, “When it came down to hiring her, she was just a good person to have on staff. It didn’t matter what her gender was.”

What really matters to Sun Prairie West’s new coaching staff is what football represents.

“For me, it’s the opportunity to pursue excellence. For us, it is all about being relentless and selfless. What I love about those two terms is they carry over to any area of life,” said O’Connor.

Mentorship is also top-of-mind for the new coaching staff.

“I always say I want to be the mentor and coach that I never had because I think a coach can make a big impact on your life,” said Alt.