Might be a special week for Notre Dame’s soccer-playing Bare family

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — It’s been a pretty neat spring for Notre Dame veteran soccer player Elly Bare.

“Having him around makes me remember when I was young. He was my travel coach for the longest time,” Elly Bare said.

Elly Bare has a close relationship with the newest assistant coach at Notre Dame. It’s her father Mike, the longtime boys soccer coach for the Irish.

This season, he added assistant girls soccer coach to his titles.

“I’ve coached Elly her whole life. I remember her as a tiny, feisty girls on the field with goggles and big bows,” Mike Bare said. “That’s how she was known in the club (soccer) community.”

Mike Bare has two daughters on the team, senior Elly and sophomore goalkeeper Riley who is in her first year playing high school soccer. He decided this could be a good year to not just watch them from the stands but to coach them at the varsity level.

“I get to spend every day with my kids, doing something they love and I love,” said Mike Bare. It’s been a special journey.”

Mike Bare coached his son Dillon on a state championship boys team two years ago. The Bare family now hopes for the same chance with the girls this week.

“I just remember the video we have of my dad and brother hugging after they won state,” said Elly Bare. “f we get to state this year and win, it will be special for me and him. But also for our family as well.”

Notre Dame plays Providence Catholic in the state super-sectionals on Tuesday. A win sends the Irish to the class 2A semifnals.

They would be two wins away from a state championship.

“There’s just not a lot of coaches that get to experience this with their kids,” said Mike bare. “It would be a special moment. One I’d cherish the rest of my life.”

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