Youk honored after standout career in goal

Jack Youk has spent the last four years standing in front of the net for Newport boys’ soccer, but his impact on this program goes far beyond saves and statistics.

Still, the numbers are impressive.

The senior goalkeeper finished his Senior season with 188 saves, ranking No. 25 in the nation and No. 1 in Washington state. Over the last three seasons alone, Youk recorded 513 saves, with stats not being kept during his freshman year. He also finished his career with 11 penalty-kick saves, two goals, and two assists, all coming during his senior season.

His senior season became even more impressive considering the adversity he faced late last year. Near the end of the 2024 season, Youk suffered a severe concussion and broken nose against Northwest Christian, forcing him to miss the final four games of the year. Despite that, he still finished the season leading the league in saves. Another example of the toughness and determination that defined his career.

A four-year varsity starter, Youk earned All-NE2B League honors each of the last three seasons, an impressive feat, and was named Player of the Match four times over the last two seasons. He was recognized Tuesday night between NE2B playoff games at Spokane Falls Community College for his outstanding career and contributions to Newport soccer.

But as his coach the last two years, I can honestly say the stats only tell part of the story.

Jack is one of the most natural leaders I have ever had the privilege to coach. He leads by example every single day, whether it is through work ethic, toughness, accountability, or how he treats the people around him. He is the kind of teammate every coach hopes for and every program needs.

Goalkeeper can be one of the toughest positions in sports. When things go wrong, everyone notices. Jack embraced that pressure. He never backed down from big moments and consistently gave our team confidence because of the way he competed.

What impressed me most, though, was his growth as a leader and teammate. This season, especially, he became someone younger players looked up to on and off the field. He cared deeply about this team, and it showed in everything he did. Now, Jack is preparing for his next chapter. He has enlisted in the Air Force and will head to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio this summer for basic training, where he plans to pursue Security Forces. After his military service, he hopes to continue in a career in law enforcement or Border Patrol.

There is no doubt in my mind that he will succeed.