06/02/2026
JP Sides is the new head coach for the Notre Dame boys soccer program.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Coach Sides to our soccer program,” said Athletic Director Jeff Graviett. “With his proven track record of success at the club level, he is the ideal leader to guide our program into the future. As a school parent, he is already deeply familiar with our community, and he definitely knows the game inside and out.”
Sides is the founder and president of SEMO Elite FC, which he started in 2011. What began as a single team of eight players has grown into one of the largest youth sports organizations in the region, serving approximately 500 families each season. Over the past 15 years, he has coached well over 1,000 matches while helping develop players and teams at every level of the game.
Since 2022, SEMO Elite FC 11v11 club teams under Sides' leadership have compiled a record of 105-10-13, a win rate of 82.0% and an unbeaten rate of 89.8%, while earning two state championships and two state runner-up finishes. During that same period, SEMO Elite FC teams have captured four state championships and four state runner-up finishes.
A lifelong resident of the Jackson area, Sides graduated from Jackson High School, where he met his wife, Megan. Together they have raised their family in Jackson and have two sons, Bryce and Braxtyn. Bryce is a 2024 graduate of Notre Dame High School, and Braxtyn will be entering his junior year at Notre Dame this fall.
Professionally, Sides has built his career in the automotive industry, but his greatest passion has always been coaching, leadership, and player development. He believes athletics provide a powerful platform for teaching life lessons and helping young people reach their full potential.
"My mission is to serve and support players as they pursue their goals, both on and off the field," said Sides. "I want to help challenge them to become the very best versions of themselves-as athletes, students, leaders and people."
Sides expressed his appreciation to the leadership of Notre Dame for the opportunity to lead the program and looks forward to building upon the school's tradition of excellence while developing the next generation of Bulldog soccer players.
