By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Kevin Hauck will return to the pitch for his fifth season at the helm of Republic Soccer and there’s much to be excited about with the Lady Tigers returning six starters and 13 letterwinners from last year’s 16-9 edition.
This group is eager to get back to the postseason after being beat by Central in the Class 4 – District 10 championship game, 2-1.
“It was a tough loss last year for us as a team,” said Hauck. “I felt like we had enough to win districts and compete in the next round as well. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way. We have very competitive players on the team. They will use last year as a motivation for this year, but do not want to dwell on last year. Our focus is on this year and putting in the work we need to make ourselves the best we can be this year.”
Republic has seen a win increase in each of its last two seasons, with the 2019 team having the most explosive offense in Hauck’s tenure. But, that offense will look a little different following the graduation of seniors Anna Jones (16 goals in 2019) and Abbie Hicks (10 goals in 2019).
Looking to fill that void will be seniors Emma Pearce and Hannah Lease. Each scored five goals last season.
“Emma and Hannah come back from last year,” said Hauck. “They help bring speed to our attack and aggressive style of play. I look for both of them to be more of a playmaker this year for us.”
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Hauck also believes that juniors Tyra Campbell and Sarah Hicks could take on larger roles this spring. Both played meaningful minutes as sophomores, with Hicks tallying four goals and Campbell finishing with an assist.
Classmate Regan Holmes returns for her third season as a starter but in a different role.
All three will be counted on to help move the program forward, as well as sophomore returner Jaiden Gibbs.
“Tyra and Sarah bring intelligence of the game to our team and just the knack of playing soccer,” said Hauck. “They understand how it is supposed to be played and are physical on the ball. They will both have big roles for the team.
“Regan is a two-year starter and will see a new role this year for the team, but her aggressive style of play and love for the game will help this team moving forward. Jaiden started as a freshman for us in the midfield and will be our only returning starter in the midfield for us, she is still young, but possesses leadership qualities that will be vital for us. She can read the game well and was a good possession player for us last year, but I will lean on her to be a playmaker for us this year.
The defense will be solidified by seniors Megan Garbee and Emma Duvall, as well as junior Mckaylin Klossing. All are returners from last year and will bring versatility to the team.
“We have experience returning for us on the back line with Megan, Emma and Mckaylin,” said Hauck. “These girls have all started at one point for us on the backline. Their experience will be key for us in defending. One of them may end up in a new role depending on what we are needing as a team.”
Junior Maddie Wells and sophomore Graci Coleman will be competing for the goalie job this year.
One major adjustment the Lady Tigers must deal with is the loss of junior Clara Fronabarger for the entire season.
As a sophomore she recorded 20 goals and four assists in just 12 games before an injury ended her season. The All-COC pick suffered a torn ACL that will cause her to be out this spring.
“Her leadership and great attitude from the sideline will be important to this team,” said Hauck. “She brings great energy for this team just by being around the girls. Even though she will not be able to play having her near the girls will bring the play up. Just like last year, we will look for girls to step up and get out of their comfort zone. To put more work in and become the player this team needs them to become.”
Republic shares a conference with many of the top programs in the area, some of which are routinely placed in the Lady Tigers district as well. Regardless, RepMo has won at least 13 games in seven of its last nine seasons. Three of those ended with district championships.
Hauck knows the road to claiming a conference or district title is never easy, but the challenges the COC presents can help make the run to a district championship easier.
“It is going to take a team effort this year to have the type of success we want to have,” said Hauck. “We are going to have to know our roles as players and do what is necessary for the team. Put our pride to the side and play as a team and compete as a team. We will need to learn quickly for some of our young girls and be ready to compete every night. Leadership will be important from some of our seniors, but also from our juniors as well. Keeping the girls spirits high and just being excited to put out our best effort every night.”
Republic will open the March 26 season at Rogersville. The Lady Tigers home opener is on March 31 against Parkview.
