By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
One of the area’s top programs has a new head coach.
He’s a familiar face.
Chris Shull, the longtime head coach at Greenwood, is the new head coach of the Ozark High School girls’ soccer team.
He’s taught in the Ozark school district since 2004. He was an assistant coach there from 2004-06 under former girls’ soccer coach Tod Sundlie.
“I’ve always enjoyed the experience of working with student-athletes at Ozark,” said Shull, who coached the Greenwood boys in the fall. “I’ve had the pleasure of having a handful of the girls in class at one time or another.”
Ozark finished 19-5 overall last season and netted 105 total goals. The Tigers fell 2-1 to Kickapoo in the Class 4 District 10 title game.
A strong junior class leads the way for Ozark in 2018.
Junior forward Jadyn Easley is a two-time all-state selection. She had 30 goals and 20 assists last season.
Easley, who was one of only five sophomores on the 2017 Class 4 all-state team, has committed to play at Mizzou.
Three other all-conference juniors return as well: midfielders Keeley Combs and Shannon Murphy (20 goals, 15 assists) and defender Ava Scott.
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Combs, Scott & Ashley McCullough have committed to play at Drury. Murphy is an Evangel commit.
“Right now, we are evaluating the returning players along with the new additions,” Shull said. “We will adjust our style of play during the season to see what works for us. We have a lot of work to do but the team is excited to begin the process.”
Senior Addy Lasley takes over as starting goalkeeper. McCulloch brings great awareness to her center-mid position.
“Addy filled in well last year when Ally (Barb) was injured,” Shull said. “Ashley controls the midfield.”
Senior Kelton Hewett is a new face who could see varsity playing time. Junior Peyton Lane and sophomore Ashley Mallonee are looking to move up to the varsity after playing on the JV last season.
Freshmen to watch include Madison Maleare and Emily McCulloch.
Shull said he’s had some interactions with potential players during preseason workouts, which started in mid-January.
“Fitness and staying healthy will be the key this season,” Shull said. “Our team will compete in every game. We are excited to discover new strengths as the season begins and continues.”
Shull takes over an Ozark team that graduated a stellar senior class. Varsity stalwarts like Ally Barb, Maya Davidson, Hayley Cobb, Lily Axtell and Mikayla Putt graduated.
Davidson (Evangel) had 17 goals, 12 assists and was a two-time all-state selection. Barb, a goalkeeper who signed with Missouri Western, had a 0.91 goals against average and eight shutouts.
Axtel (Evangel) played midfield and defender and brought toughness. Putt (10 goals, eight assists) was a multi-sport standout who signed with Southwest Baptist University.
Cobb was a center back and the “rock” of the defense. All five girls were four-year starters.
In addition, Kiley Nivens, Bri Pinkston, Baily Summers and Cassie Hinkley are also gone.
Ozark’s former head coach, Tom Davidson, retired after the end of last season. He was inducted into the Missouri Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame last winter after a career that spanned 27 seasons and included 804 wins.
“The expectations were set high by Coach Davidson,” Shull said. “The new coaching staff will have big shoes to fill this spring. We have big challenges this year in having a smooth transition and continuing the hard work and success Coach Davidson has establish here at Ozark.”
Former Ozark standout Hayley Hunter will serve as an assistant coach. She graduated in 2013.
Ozark boys’ soccer assistant coach Zack Owens will also be on the staff as a goalkeepers’ coach.
Ozark hosts Joplin on March 16 for its regular season opener.
