With COVID-19 putting live sporting events on hold, the Cascade Collegiate Conference wanted to take the time to highlight families within our #ThisIsTheCCC community. Many of our member institutions have administration, coaches and student-athletes family members competing together, making the CCC truly a family affair.
CORVALLIS, Ore. – John Purtteman graduated from The Evergreen State College in 1985 and became the head men’s soccer coach of his alma mater 21 years later. Now entering his 14
th season at the helm, John has another Purtteman on his team, with another capturing the moments.
John’s wife Sonja volunteers as a photographer for TESC athletics and their son Caden started his first year on the men’s soccer team this past year.
“I have a great appreciation for the college and very much enjoyed my time studying and competing at TESC,” said John. “It was great to see Caden develop interest in the college and even better he wanted to stay close to home. Sonja has volunteered in a number of capacities over the years but really took on the photography piece for the department this year.”
Sports have always been a big part of the Purttemans back-story. Sonja was very active competing in marathons and triathlons when John and her met, but was no longer playing team sports. John – who twice was named TESC’s MVP as a student-athlete – played professionally for the Portland Pride, Seattle Seadogs, Florida Thundercats and Denver Thunder, and was twice named to the Continental Indoor Soccer League All-Star team. He hung up the playing boots when Caden came around, but still had a passion for soccer.
It led John to eventually return to his alma mater as an assistant coach before he took over the reins in 2006. He has twice been named the Cascade Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year and led the Geoducks to the CCC Championship Tournament, presented by U.S. Bank, for the second year in a row.
While Caden utilized a redshirt season so he didn’t compete in the fall, he still made an impression on his father and coach.
“It is great to watch the growth in all of your players as a coach,” said John. “It has been especially rewarding to see Caden be open to redshirting his first year. It was inspiring to watch him continue to work hard every day while supporting his teammates in a real and meaningful way.”
Sports brought John and Sonja together and have kept the Purttemans together.
“Team sports are all about caring for each other and working for common goals,” said John. “It has been a dream to share the awesome experiences that come from working together in this environment.”