North Eugene faced a big decision last winter after the retirement of girls soccer coach Brandy Wormdahl, who had just taken the Highlanders to the state final for the third time in her 30-year tenure.
North Eugene was bringing back a team capable of contending for its first state title, and it needed to find a worthy successor for Wormdahl, No. 3 on the state's all-time wins list with a record of 291-130-43.
The Highlanders believe they have found that person in Jamie Tait, a member of Wormdahl's first team at North Eugene and an assistant in the program from 2003 to 2016. Her hiring comes with Wormdahl's blessing.
“I have a lot of gratitude that she passed the torch to me, in some sense, and believes in my ability to lead them,” said Tait, whose oldest daughter, Luci, is a junior on the team. “The greatest gift we could do is uphold the work that she's done and provided for all of us. That's the torch we're going to carry every day.”
Tait is the sister of former North Eugene baseball coach and athletic director Corey Nicholsen. A fifth-grade teacher in the district, Tait taught both of Wormdahl's daughters.
“She's a great teacher at heart,” Wormdahl said. “She's got a good support system, and she's got me on speed-dial, too. She's going to do an awesome job there. And the kids that are there, the culture that's been established, they know what they need to do.”
North Eugene went 17-1 last season, the only blemish a 1-0 loss to Bend in the 5A final. It was a painful defeat for the Highlanders, who were hungry to deliver Wormdahl her first state championship after finals losses in 2017 and 2023.
Entering that game, Wormdahl already had decided to retire, but did not inform the team until after the season. Her oldest daughter, Jordan – wife of New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough – had her first child in February (son Grayson) and Brandy was eager to provide support.
“Once my daughter told me she was pregnant, I was like, 'Yeah, I'm done,'” said Wormdahl, who has moved to New Orleans. “I didn't want to be a long-distance grandma. And her husband's job is not for the faint of heart. It's a two-person gig, and she needs a little bit of extra help.”
It wasn't easy to walk away from a team that has unfinished business.
“Obviously, you'd like to win a state title,” Wormdahl said. “But that was never my end-all, be-all.”
Wormdahl's retirement opened the door for Tait. After her stint as an assistant under Wormdahl, Tait coached her daughters in youth soccer. The Highlanders' roster has five juniors that she coached from kindergarten through fifth grade.
“When Brandy retired, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this program that has given me a lot and given my family a lot,” said Tait, who played at Boise State.
Tait recalled how Wormdahl, fresh off a college career at Oregon State, began to build the culture at North Eugene.
“I feel super lucky that I got to play for her in her first two years when she started rebuilding this program,” said Tait, formerly Nicholsen. “It's shaped me in a lot of ways. On the field, it allowed me to continue to play at a Division I program. And it shaped me as a person.
“Getting to come back and coach alongside of her gave me that first-hand experience of how to lead from the sideline. It's big shoes to fill in the sense that she's done it with so much respect.”
The Highlanders graduated seven players from last season but return a nucleus of elite talent. Senior midfielder Payton Buschelman (17 goals, nine assists in 2025), committed to Cal State Northridge, was the Midwestern League player of the year the last two seasons. Junior midfielder Camden Dewitt (15 goals) and senior center back Zari Thomas also were first-team all-league.
“I think everybody knows the goal is to go win a state championship,” Tait said. “It's on the chalkboard in the clubhouse, and it's in our mindset every day. We can hear those Bend Bears singing their song on the field. We won't forget it.”
Tait said she is savoring the chance to coach the five juniors again and “be a part of their ending.” She also has a special connection with Buschelman in that she played with her mother – Darci (Duval) Pescosolido – in high school.
“It's just a little storybook that's unfolding right in front of us,” Tait said.
Tait will be assisted by Katie Williams, a North Eugene graduate who has been on Wormdahl's staff for 22 years. Tait and Williams both carry Wormdahl's coaching DNA.
“Obviously, I'm a different person than Brandy, but we always say that we were raised by her,” Tait said. “There are some things that she has set that I fully believe in.”
If Tait needs any help, Wormdahl has made herself available.
“I'm coming out to some games,” Wormdahl said. “I told her to keep me on the roster. I'm a volunteer coach on their list. I told her, 'If you're on a playoff run, and you need a scout, or a hammer, I'll come out.'”
jerryu@osaa.org
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