Polson High School hires 3 new coaches

Polson High School has hired a trio of new coaches to take the helm next school year.

Morgan Zimmer was named the new swim coach. Zimmer previously coached the Missoula County Public School teams to a state championship as a head coach as well as an assistant before that. She also coached the Missoula Aquatics Club. 

“The swim team has found a lot of experience in coach Zimmer,” Polson Activities Director Ethan Bucarey said. “We are excited to have her on board, and look forward to growing our swim program.”  

Zimmer exclaimed that she is “excited for a new year of possibilities. Having the opportunity to coach such a new program in this area holds nothing but potential for these student-athletes. I’m looking forward to meeting all the swimmers and coaching them to be the best well-rounded student-athletes they can be. I have always enjoyed the enthusiastic community that swimming has provided, and hope to keep all the fun and support going. I look forward to bringing my experience and style of coaching to the Polson Pirates.”

Josie Lies (pronounced “Lease”) is the new Polson boys soccer head coach. Lies spent several years as a coach and board member for the Polson Youth Soccer Association. She also has experience as a scholastic and collegiate soccer player.

“Administration and the Polson Pirate community are excited for the opportunity to have Coach Lies lead our soccer program,” Bucarey said. “She offers a wealth of knowledge and has already established great relationships with many of our athletes and families.” 

Lies exclaimed that she is delighted to “build some excitement around the Polson boys soccer program. I believe sports are about community…I look forward to helping build not only a successful program, but young men that are motivated, strong and successful in life as well. Come out this fall and cheer on these talented young men.” 

Lies also has children who are Pirates in Polson School District. 

Brandie Buckless has joined the Polson staff as the new head girls basketball coach. Buckless is a former Ronan basketball player who finished her prep career at Whitefish, before going on to play at Montana State University.

“Coach Buckless will bring a great energy, focus, and experience to our program. I look forward to seeing the girls program continue to build,” Bucarey said.

Buckless exclaimed that she is “excited and humbled to be taking on this role and to continue supporting the growth of the Polson High School girls basketball program. We're looking at lots of different ways to encourage and foster the skill development of girls in Polson at all ages and really build a positive environment that produces successful female athletes both on and off the court” 

Before her hiring, Coach Buckless was a volunteer assistant coach, as well as coaching the youth Fierce Basketball program.