By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Monett has seen an increase in wins in each of Neal Bluel’s first three seasons, culminating in a 13-win campaign in 2018.
That represents the highest total in program history and with 10 full and part-time starters returning, Bluel is hopeful the program can reach new heights in 2019, building off a 1-0 district loss to Rogersville to end last season.
“We know we can play with anyone,” said Bluel. “Our program has enjoyed getting better each season and are now an over .500 team in the win-loss aspect. Like I said we play around with the lineup during the season to try out new things, especially with teams that we will see in districts. Our goal is to get to a district championship; that is our target.”
Monett is excited about what they return this season, especially with the team’s overall athleticism and returning experience.
“We have many athletic players that were new to soccer last year and started returning,” said Bluel. “Kristen and Cassidy Abramovitz are twin sisters that played almost every minute. They are quick and very skillful on the outside for us. Natalie Turner is a calm force in defense and is looking to have a breakout year this year. Our captains are picking up the leadership for the team and they are Madissen Brannon, Alice Camp, Tyleigh Allcock, and Wendy Izaguirre. They are all impactful in the game whether scoring goals or setting them up. We also have some players that will see more time like Abby Jastal and Kate Huntress. These players are constantly on the ball and making it difficult for the other team.”
Bluel is also counting on contributions from players that will return to the program after taking last season off.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS
Also an assistant coach with the boys’ soccer program at Monett, Bluel is hopeful the community’s passion in soccer will help the girls program continue to grow in popularity and success.
“Our boys’ success had an impact a few years ago,” said Bluel. “Then the girls began to realize that they can see success on their own. Players that like a team sport and are looking for something to do for their school in the spring have begun to come out and we have gotten some really athletic players from that. It is nice to have a successful boys program but Monett is really a soccer town.
“We have youth programs, boys and girls, Futsal league that just formed at our YMCA. Soccer is growing and that, more than anything, has been our thirst for success with both the boys and girls programs here. We have a community that supports us and honors the player’s hard work.”
For Bluel, the path towards success for Monett involves trusting the process that has helped the program transform into one of the best teams in the Big 8.
This will be aided by a program that continues to have fun and grow in experience.
“We just need to keep doing what we have been the last few years,” said Bluel. “When coaches you respect like Timson and Wubbena come up and say that we have really improved you are headed in the right direction. Our team has a lot of fun and when you have fun and work hard, wins come along.
“We have moved passed the basic skills at the start the season. Our players are coming in with playing experience now and have those already done. That allows us to move on to really playing the game sooner. Our goal this year will be to select the right combination of players with the right system to see us get really good right around that district time at our style of play.”
Monett will open the 2019 season at the Fair Grove Tournament on March 15-16.
