Expectations are high this spring for the Kickapoo girls’ soccer team, but that’s nothing new.
Last year, the Lady Chiefs went 13-10-2 against an incredibly tough schedule that included nine district champions, five sectional champions, and two final four qualifiers. Kickapoo finished 7-2 in Ozark Conference play and saw its season end in the district semifinals to Ozark.
Fortunately, Kickapoo has a ton of talent returning.
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“We only graduated one senior from last year’s team,” said ninth-year coach Phil Hodge. “Our team is versatile in their ability to play multiple positions and adjust as necessary.”
Kickapoo returns four seniors, including midfielder Alyson Goodale, midfielder Hannah Sweaney, midfielder Rachel Williams, and forward Manon Klein. Goodale has signed to play at Columbia College next year while Sweaney has signed to play at John Brown University.
“Alyson has played more of a defensive role for us as an underclassmen, but as a senior this spring, we are looking to start moving her into our attack and help control some possession for us in the midfield,” Hodge said. “Hannah is a true outside midfielder as she has the speed to get around an outside defender when the situation presents itself. Rachel is a very crafty outside-mid and can make some special plays on the attack, while Manon has continued to improve and will be someone we ask to score some goals this spring.”
Midfield anchor Alyson Reinold also returns in her junior year after seeing a lot of playing time as a freshman and sophomore. She’ll be asked to take on a more aggressive role this year. “Alyson has the skillset and ability, with her speed and knowledge of the game, to be a true goal scoring threat this spring,” Hodge said.
Juniors Skylr Houzenga and Edyn King are also back, helping solidify the midfield for the Lady Chiefs.
“Skylr has a goal scoring sense and is able to score from anywhere on the field,” Hodge said. “As with most of our players, Edyn is versatile. She can run the outside-mid and create goal-scoring opportunities. She also has the ability to play some forward for us.”
Sophomore Lily Simphaly-Ragsdale will also see time up top. Hodge hopes she can join Reinold and become a goal-scoring threat.
Manning the back line for Kickapoo will be junior defenders Annalee Arbeitman and Madison Burton with junior keeper Ari Acuff in goal after pitching 12 shutouts in each of her first two seasons with the Lady Chiefs.
“Annalee brings a hard-nosed defensive presence to our back line and is a vocal leader for us in our defensive end,” Hodge said. “Maddie also brings a tough-minded presence … and is a very consistent player.”
Newcomers to the squad include sophomore Corinne Edelen and junior defender Sarah Holman, who missed most of last year with a broken leg.
“Corinne brings a physical presence and fearless mentality,” Hodge said. “Sarah is also a tough defender to beat. She is looking to have a good season back for us.”
