The 2015 season was a fantastic one for the Central Bulldogs girls' soccer program.
The team finished with a 16-9 record, won its district for the second time in the last three years, and lost in the Class 4 sectionals to a really talented Nixa team. Central coach Chris Welch has established a winning tradition—one that this year’s club will try to continue. However, they do have one big hole to fill—goalkeeper.
Gone from last year is senior keeper Lauren Marsh, who is playing collegiately at John Brown University in Arkansas this year.
“Losing Lauren is a blow to us,” Welch said. “After never playing keeper before in 2014, she stepped up in her role and became the goalkeeper of the year in 2015.”
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The Bulldogs will try to fill their void in goal with freshman Parker Heman, who is brand new to playing the position.
“Parker has stepped up to the challenge,” Welch said. “She is athletic, talented, and growing stronger every day in the goal while looking forward to stopping many that come her way.”
Heman should be helped by the return of defensive anchor Jaiden Ellerbee, the defending district defensive player of the year who was also named first team all-district last year as a freshman. “Jaiden commands attention from her defensive line,” Welch said. “She is a young captain and a strong leader. She won’t back down from a challenge.”
Ellerbee is one of 17 returners for Central, so experience should be a strength of the Bulldogs this spring. “All 17 were with us through a district win last season, and all are great in their positions,” Welch said. “They are pushing the new players this year to work hard and compete every day.”
Along with Ellerbee, Central brings back two more impact returners: junior midfielder Ireland Hawkins and sophomore forward Ahriana Eyerman.
Hawkins, named all-district offensive player of the year last year and first team all-district, provides Central with a steady presence in the middle of the field.
“Ireland has amazing poise and leadership on the field,” Welch said. “As a captain and experienced player, she is skillful in passing and directing those players around her for delivery of the ball, as well as scoring goals.”
Eyerman, a first team all-district pick last year, could be an impact goal scorer for Central this year.
“Ahri is a quiet threat who has worked hard on her fitness and attack in the box against defenders and goalies alike,” Welch said. “She is one to watch this season in scoring.”
Freshman midfielder Zoe Young should also help up top for Central. A veteran of club soccer, Young could become an impact offensive threat.
“Zoe knows the game very well,” Welch said. “Although we have moved her into a position she was unsure of, she has taken the role of leading the midfield line to push her forwards into scoring position. She’s got great footwork and speed off the ball.”
The goal for Central this fall is simple: win another district title. But the Bulldogs know that championships aren’t won overnight.
“It’s important for any team to have that end goal, but we also see the importance of taking things game by game, making adjustments, working as a team, and bonding as a family,” Welch said.
