The Comets earned two all-state honors following significant accomplishments achieved this year. 319 career victories over twenty-six seasons and eight shutouts in 13 matches are the impressive stats boiled down to celebrate an incredible season and two significant members who led the Comets this year. The distinction of Coach of the Year and an All-State goalkeeper in the same season is a feat that the Comets are celebrating even though they hung up their cleats last week.
Hillcrest Head Boys Soccer Coach Rod Jensen has been named the 2026 Minnesota Class A Boys Soccer Coach of the Year. Jensen's 319-120-24 career record, earned entirely at Hillcrest, represents a 71% winning percentage, counting ties as half a win. His longevity and success have established an impressive record of competitive consistency for the Comets, even as he battled health complications this season, maintaining connection with the team and returning to the bench for the playoff push.
That success continued during the 2026 postseason. Hillcrest defeated East Grand Forks 1-0 in a dramatic double-overtime quarterfinal, scoring the golden goal with just 18 seconds remaining. In the Section 8A semifinals, the Comets defeated Minnewaska Area 3-1, breaking a halftime tie with two second-half goals to advance to the section championship. Against East Grand Forks, the Comets generated 17 shots while limiting their opponent to just three shots on goal. Against Minnewaska, three different players scored, with goals coming from both open play and a corner kick.
Behind those performances stood Selvig, whose three seasons as Hillcrest's starting goalkeeper are impressive. As a freshman, Selvig allowed 1.28 goals per game. That average dropped to 0.88 his sophomore year and 0.85 through the first 13 games of 2026. During that stretch, Selvig recorded eight shutouts, holding opponents scoreless in more than 61% of Hillcrest's matches.
A three-time All-Conference selection, Selvig has also distinguished himself academically, maintaining a 3.83 GPA while serving as a team captain.
Congratulations to the Comets on a remarkable year, and to Coach Rod Jensen and Will Selvig on these outstanding statewide honors.