By Nolan Epstein
Now in its third year of existence, the New Covenant Academy girls soccer program is ready to take the next big step in 2017.
Back in the spring of 2015, things went about as expected for a team in its infancy as the Lady Warriors didn’t put a single game in the win column. Last season, the total number of wins went from 0 to 8 in a campaign that was highlighted by a dramatic double-overtime win against Laquey in the first round of the district tournament.
“I was very pleased with the end results,” head coach Eric Crain said in regard to the 2016 season. “Starting the season off with three straight wins and building confidence was a key factor. Three of our losses came in overtime, and those games showed our heart and gave us great experience out on the pitch.”
Further improvements seem to be all but inevitable this spring as the Lady Warriors, competing in Class 1, District 6, graduate just one starter – defender Mikaela Smith.
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Although Smith carried great athletic ability and acted as a vocal leader, New Covenant is left in excellent hands.
The offense will revolve around junior Sydney Jones, who was an all-region honoree for Class 1 last season. Jones scored 13 goals a season ago and has racked up 21 goals for her career at NCA. Sporting a strong work ethic, the junior has been striving all offseason to get even better by the time late March rolls around.
Fellow juniors Anna Reinhard and Jacey Lamb, two of the most critical pieces to the squad, will complement Jones on the pitch and will be a vital part of the team’s success.
“They both are the heart of the team,” said Crain of Lamb and Reinhard. “They have the toughest jobs, never quitting and they work well together. Our play goes through them.”
The junior class is also represented by Jocelyn Gamble, who will be called upon to run the sweeper positions while still learning the nuances of her role.
Senior goalkeeper and multi-sport athlete Carlyn Henson will be in goal for the Lady Warriors. Entering just her second season of playing organized soccer, Henson is eager to fine-tune her skills guarding the net and help increase the Lady Warriors’ win total.
“Last year was a learning experience for her and she did a tremendous job,” Crain said of Henson. “She was able to take her volleyball background and apply it to the keeper position.”
Crain also welcomes in a pair of freshman newcomers in Alicia Batten and Grace Kemp. Both will likely make immediate impacts to the program.
New Covenant shares its district with Fair Grove, Greenwood, Laquey and MV-BT/Liberty, and will play four of its first five matches of the regular season on the road. The Lady Warriors open the 2017 slate at home against McDonald County on March 23.
“We’re excited to be able to take another step in building this program,” Crain added. “I have a great group of girls that work hard and they’re always looking for the next challenge.”
