Edison Lady Eagles
Several area teams are poised to have big years starting with the Edison girls. Head coach John Croisant returns the entire defense including keeper Reagan Richins. Richins recorded eight shutouts and was named All-District and Defensive MVP last year. “Our defense helped us advance to the quarterfinals last year and we return the entire group. We have several new attacking players that are young and some players returning from injury that didn’t play last year,” said Croisant. Senior Evan Couch returns as a four-year starter, while Shelby Straight is back playing center back. Other players to look for include Kaitlyn Roberts, Courtney Buchanan, Alex Hopkins, Maima Clarke, Teta Clarke, Hannah Farley, Julianna Vandenborn and Breanna Sheffey.
Booker T. Washington Lady Hornets
At first glance experience or lack of would appear to be the flaw in the Lady Hornets. But these girls can play and behind the leadership of coach Nicki West, they could go far. Lauren Ketchum had five shutouts at keeper as a freshman last season and is expected to build on that success this season. Senior Ashley Cagle is a leader on and off the pitch and someone coach West will look to for help in developing younger players on the team. Coach West said of Alex Walsh, “she’s a creative spark for our attack, but also a solid defensive player.” Also look for Lauren Cousins, Carrington Bridges, Jae Lewis, and Meredith James as the Lady Hornets look to make some noise this year.
Owasso Lady Rams
If you’re looking for talent then look no further than the Lady Rams of Owasso. With at least three DI players and several others going to smaller colleges, the Lady Rams on paper look like a team to beat. But head coach Sam Bowers has been around long enough to know it takes more than just some DI signees. “We graduated 16 kids last year, but I feel like we got enough kids returning with experience to be a major factor in things. It helps when you have one of the top goalkeepers in the nation,” said Bowers. Hannah Warner has given her verbal commitment to Oklahoma State University after recording 11 shutouts as a sophomore. ORU commit Brianna McGowan scored 18 goals last year with two assists. NSU commit Sarah Rector enters her senior year after a four goal, 11 assist junior campaign and Shannon Smith, another ORU commit, has 29 goals is two years.
Haley VanFossen – Union – Photo By Brett Rojo
Union Lady Redskins
Speaking of talented teams, the Union Lady Redskins have three players committed to the University of Arkansas. They include Parker Goins, Taylor Malham and Haley VanFossen. Senior goalkeeper Hailey Melton had 11 shutouts in 2015 to help the team to a, 17-0 record and a state title last year. “We graduated some very special players that we cannot replace. We have a ton of talent, just have to grow every practice and believe in being a TEAM,” said head coach Brian Elliott.
