PJP's Maureen Homburg hopes to return after son's birth

Coach aims to be on the sideline for quarterfinal match just days after delivering baby

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Maureen Homburg, the head coach of the Pope John Paul II (PJP) girls soccer team, gave birth to her son Wyatt on Thursday. Despite the short turnaround, Homburg is hopeful to return to the sideline and coach her team in their quarterfinal playoff match on Tuesday. Homburg's team has had a dominant season, going 16-2-1 and outscoring their playoff opponents 16-0 so far. The coach comes from a long line of Homburgs who have been deeply involved with PJP athletics over the years, instilling a 'Homburg Mentality' of perseverance that Maureen hopes to embody in her return to the team.

Why it matters

Homburg's potential return to coaching just days after giving birth highlights her family's deep commitment to PJP athletics and the 'Homburg Mentality' of pushing through adversity. It also showcases the challenges female coaches can face in balancing family life with their coaching responsibilities, especially around major events like the playoffs.

The details

Maureen Homburg, in her 10th season as the PJP girls soccer coach, was induced at midnight on Thursday, February 10th, leading to the birth of her son Wyatt. With an original due date of February 19th, the day of the state semifinals, Homburg had already met with the athletic director to plan for her potential absence during the playoffs. PJP has been dominant this postseason, outscoring their opponents 16-0. Homburg's assistant Ben Riviere has been running practices in her absence, but she is hopeful to return to the sideline for the quarterfinal match on Tuesday, February 14th against Catholic-New Iberia.

  • Wyatt Bupp was born on Thursday, February 10, 2026.
  • PJP will host the quarterfinal match on Tuesday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Maureen Homburg

The head coach of the Pope John Paul II girls soccer team, who is hoping to return to the sideline just days after giving birth to her son Wyatt.

Benny Homburg

Maureen's father, who spent 23 years coaching at PJP and instilled the 'Homburg Mentality' of perseverance that Maureen hopes to embody.

Ben Riviere

The third-year assistant coach who has been running practices in Homburg's absence.

Shealan Biniam

The senior who has paced PJP's offense this season with 31 goals and 9 assists.

Isabella

The freshman who scored a hat trick in PJP's regional playoff win.

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What they’re saying

“If all goes well and everyone's healthy, I'll be back to coach the quarterfinal.”

— Maureen Homburg, Head Coach (geauxpreps.com)

“The girls are playing really well right now. The team chemistry is really great. It seems like the girls are really starting to click. They're showing heart.”

— Maureen Homburg, Head Coach (geauxpreps.com)

“It's mind over matter. You just push through.”

— Maureen Homburg (geauxpreps.com)

“I hope one day the girls understand what this means from their coach as much as the moms understand. I think they're (players) appreciative. Until you go through childbirth, I don't think anyone understands. They're great, super supportive.”

— Mother of PJP Player (Social Media)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Maureen Homburg's potential return to coaching just days after giving birth exemplifies the 'Homburg Mentality' of perseverance that has been instilled in her family for generations at Pope John Paul II. Her dedication to her team and the school's athletics program, even in the face of personal life events, highlights the challenges female coaches can face in balancing family and career.