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The Waynesville High School girls soccer team will mix experience with a few fresh faces this season as the Lady Tigers try to get on track following a disappointing 4-16 2009 season.
“We have lots of new talent this year,” said senior midfielder Kara Heath. “Everyone’s a lot of fun to work with. It’s always fun out here.”
This is a bit of a chance from 2009, when players said not everyone got along and communication was not optimal.
“Our team chemistry is a lot better now,” senior defender Desiree Loredo said. “There’s not too much drama.”
Most of that was just “typical high school stuff,” according to Heath and Loredo, but now they’re ready to play as a team.
“I think we’ll do a heck of a lot better than we did last year,” Loredo said.
Second-year head coach Mike Gow said he agreed, noting that he also sees a better team attitude.
“We have a bit better team chemistry, and the girls have been working hard every day since we started practice,” he said. “Last year I think we didn’t work as hard every practice. This year I think we have a lot of energy from everyone— freshmen, move-ins and the returners.”
Six seniors return from last years’ squad; in addition to Heath and Loredo, senior goalkeeper Alicia Cook hopes to continue her progression in goal while defender Alexis Palm, midfielder/ defender Ann Robbins and midfielder Leslie Holslather also return.
Sophomore forwards Sarah Dowling and Jesslyn Clark round out the returners with significant experience from last season.
Lady Tiger players and coaches agreed that last season defense was great but offense was a problem. They blame that on the lack of communication in the midfield— something they’ve fixed this season with better chemistry.
“We’ve got better midfield, which should help both our defense and offense,” Gow said. “Everything just feels more comfortable this year.”
Both Dowling and Clark are capable scorers when they can get the ball, so midfielders getting it to them will be key.
There are 34 players on both varsity and junior varsity, and five freshmen on the varsity squad.
Gow expects all five to make an impact. Others on junior varsity could move up as the season progresses.
With so much depth and the mix of youngsters and experienced veterans, Gow said he expects a much better season.
“I think we can finish close to .500 or better this year,” he said.
Heath and Loredo think so too.
“We just need better communication and more determination,” Loredo said.
“We’re going to be more self-disciplined this year,” Heath added. “We can do much better.”
The Lady Tigers open their season this afternoon against Helias in Jefferson City, kickoff is 4:30 p.m.
The Waynesville High School girls soccer team will mix experience with a few fresh faces this season as the Lady Tigers try to get on track following a disappointing 4-16 2009 season.
“We have lots of new talent this year,” said senior midfielder Kara Heath. “Everyone’s a lot of fun to work with. It’s always fun out here.”
This is a bit of a chance from 2009, when players said not everyone got along and communication was not optimal.
“Our team chemistry is a lot better now,” senior defender Desiree Loredo said. “There’s not too much drama.”
Most of that was just “typical high school stuff,” according to Heath and Loredo, but now they’re ready to play as a team.
“I think we’ll do a heck of a lot better than we did last year,” Loredo said.
Second-year head coach Mike Gow said he agreed, noting that he also sees a better team attitude.
“We have a bit better team chemistry, and the girls have been working hard every day since we started practice,” he said. “Last year I think we didn’t work as hard every practice. This year I think we have a lot of energy from everyone— freshmen, move-ins and the returners.”
Six seniors return from last years’ squad; in addition to Heath and Loredo, senior goalkeeper Alicia Cook hopes to continue her progression in goal while defender Alexis Palm, midfielder/ defender Ann Robbins and midfielder Leslie Holslather also return.
Sophomore forwards Sarah Dowling and Jesslyn Clark round out the returners with significant experience from last season.
Lady Tiger players and coaches agreed that last season defense was great but offense was a problem. They blame that on the lack of communication in the midfield— something they’ve fixed this season with better chemistry.
“We’ve got better midfield, which should help both our defense and offense,” Gow said. “Everything just feels more comfortable this year.”
Both Dowling and Clark are capable scorers when they can get the ball, so midfielders getting it to them will be key.
There are 34 players on both varsity and junior varsity, and five freshmen on the varsity squad.
Gow expects all five to make an impact. Others on junior varsity could move up as the season progresses.
With so much depth and the mix of youngsters and experienced veterans, Gow said he expects a much better season.
“I think we can finish close to .500 or better this year,” he said.
Heath and Loredo think so too.
“We just need better communication and more determination,” Loredo said.
“We’re going to be more self-disciplined this year,” Heath added. “We can do much better.”
The Lady Tigers open their season this afternoon against Helias in Jefferson City, kickoff is 4:30 p.m.
