Grand Island Lutheran High Announces Inaugural Coaching Staff

(Grand Island, NE) - As Grand Island Lutheran High prepares to open its doors this fall, school leadership is proud to announce the coaching staff who will guide the Lightning into their first year of athletic competition. Principal and Athletic Director Jeremiah Slough will lead the program alongside a passionate and experienced group of coaches, many with deep ties to the existing Heartland Lutheran community.

In addition to Slough, who will serve as head boys basketball coach, the staff includes returning Heartland Lutheran coaches Daniel Gibson (track and cross country) and Pastor Dan Bremer (golf). Also joining the team are three newly appointed leaders: Jaydon Owen (girls basketball), Kevin Liess (football), and David Bremer (volleyball). All three bring unique strengths, experience, and a deep commitment to the mission of Christ-centered athletics.

“In early conversations with the staff at Heartland Lutheran, there is an overwhelming sense of pride and passion for Lutheran education,” said Slough. “From academics to athletics and activities, our shared ministry will serve the Grand Island community and surrounding areas with an incredible opportunity for a Christ-centered educational experience. We are truly blessed to have such a dedicated team of professionals leading our students.”

Coach Jaydon Owen – Girls Basketball

Jaydon Owen, a former assistant at Logan View Public Schools and head freshman boys basketball coach at Grand Island Senior High, brings a strong basketball background and a heart for mentorship.

“We’re excited to welcome Coach Owen as the new leader of our girls basketball program,” Slough said. “Having worked alongside him before, I’ve seen firsthand his passion for the game and his ability to connect with student-athletes in a meaningful way. Jaydon is not only a tremendous leader, but he brings a high-level basketball IQ and a strong command of X’s and O’s. Our program is in great hands with Coach Owen, who values both development and discipline. What sets Coach Owen apart is his commitment to character and culture. He’s a coach who leads by example, holds high standards, and pours into his players both on and off the court.”

“I am extremely honored and blessed to have this opportunity,” Owen said. “The opportunity to blend my passion for basketball with faith in order to create the best experience for these girls is something that really excites me. I can’t wait to get started, and encourage these girls to be the best version of themselves on and off the court.”

Coach Kevin Liess – Football

The Lightning’s football program will be led by longtime Lutheran school figure Kevin Liess. A Heartland Lutheran graduate and veteran educator, Liess brings decades of experience and deep community ties.

“Kevin Liess is a natural leader with a deep love for competition and an even deeper passion for impacting the lives of student-athletes,” said Slough. “His energy, drive, and ability to connect with young people made it evident in our first conversation that we needed Coach Liess as the leader of our football program.”

Liess said, “I’m really excited about coaching football at Grand Island Lutheran High. I've worn many hats over the last 25 years at the school as a student, alumni, school board member, teacher, and now parent and head football coach. I'm grateful to get to continue sharing my passion for football in this head coaching role. We have such incredibly supportive families at Heartland/GI Lutheran and unbelievably high character kids that I couldn't be prouder of. It really is like a family.”

Coach David Bremer – Volleyball

Also joining the Grand Island Lutheran High coaching staff is David Bremer, who will serve as head volleyball coach. A Heartland Lutheran alumnus and former Trinity coach, Bremer returns to the court with a strong commitment to accountability, culture, and character development.

“Coach Bremer connects well with athletes and brings a high standard of accountability to the court,” said CNLS Executive Director Andy Rathe. “He’s deeply committed to developing both character and skill. For him, success is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about the process, and creating an environment where student-athletes grow into their full potential.”

Bremer shared, “I am excited for this opportunity to lead the Lutheran High volleyball program into this new era! It is a blessing to coach many of the girls again from my time coaching at Trinity and continue to build on the foundation that is in place. As a Heartland Lutheran alum, I am looking forward to this new chapter of Lutheran education in our community and seeing what God has in store for us. This is a special place and I want the volleyball program to realize the potential I know it has. Go Lightning!”

Returning Coaches

Daniel Gibson and Pastor Dan Bremer, both familiar names to Heartland Lutheran families, will continue in their coaching roles. Gibson will lead the track and cross country programs, while Bremer will remain head golf coach.

The new staff brings together experience, passion, and a shared mission to use athletics as a platform for faith, growth, and leadership as Grand Island Lutheran High begins its journey.

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About Central Nebraska Lutheran Schools

Formed through the unification of Trinity Lutheran School (PreK–6) and the newly named Grand Island Lutheran High (7–12), Central Nebraska Lutheran Schools represents a new era in Christ-centered education for the region. With more than 140 years of legacy from Trinity Lutheran and 25 years of impact from Heartland Lutheran High School, CNLS offers a continuous, faith-driven academic experience from preschool through high school graduation.