By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Camdenton Soccer is five-for-five so far under Chris Byington, with each season the program seeing double-digit wins.
But, the Lady Lakers are eager to reach the postseason, something that hasn’t happened since back in 2011. With nine starters and 12 total letterwinners returning, this could be the team that gets Camdenton over the hump, with the expectation that their experience and a brutally tough non-conference schedule will help prepare them for a playoff run.
“These girls have put in a lot of minutes throughout the past seasons and have earned a plethora of experience on the field in difficult games,” said Byington. “Their leadership and drive can help new players become accustomed to the environment of varsity soccer.
“This schedule will show us where we are at,” said Byington. “The girls know that the beginning of the year is tough and that it is a test for who we are as a team. I emphasize that the record is not indicative of the team and we establish a growth mindset through difficulties. I enjoy seeing where we are at and how the girls can turn around the season.”
Camdenton will be led by some familiar faces.
All-Everything senior midfielder Aeryn Kennedy returns after scoring 29 goals last year. Kennedy is one of top players in Missouri, tallying 102 goals and 30 assists over the last three seasons, leading her to sign with Division One program Marquette. She’s also on pace to break the career goals and scoring mark held by former standout Whitney Snow.
“Her drive, competitiveness, and her willingness to take risks have caused her to succeed on offense,” said Byington. “She knows that she has a good foot and she can score from many places on the field. Also, we have talked a lot about pressure and the mental game which helps. I know that she is close to the record of Whitney, but she does know that we are about team so she does not allow that to get in the way of what is important.”
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Senior Abby Bellew and sophomore Ali Johns were also All-Ozark Conference selections last year. They’ll be counted on to fill the void left by players like Sasha Prather and Jessica Watson.
“Johns stepped up big last year for us as we expected her to do well in the midfield,” said Byington. “I expect her to continue in her role in the midfield as we move forward. She works extremely hard and will battle in the midfield against any team we face.
“Abby has done great for us defensively. We expect her to continue to do this, but we are looking at possibly moving her forward if it benefits the entire team. She is a good leader and has great skill. Lastly, she is aggressive and sets the tone defensively for the team.”
Maggie Wayman, Stormy Sweezer, Emme Thompson, Cambrie Kowal, Cordellia Dallam, Sydney Smith, Charollette Kurtz and Natalie Gahn will also return to the rotation. Byington is also excited about the addition of newcomer Ella Smith, who brings a wealth of club experience. Along with a talented freshman class, both could have an instant impact for the Lady Lakers moving forward.
Maybe the biggest key to Camdenton’s season will be its ability to win close games. Last year the Lady Lakers dropped six games decided by a single goal, three of which came in overtime.
To compete for conference and district championships, winning those extremely competitive contests will be the difference.
“To lose the tight games are tough but it will help in the long run,” said Byington. “This group of seniors have been through various scenarios and have come out on the winning side and losing side. I expect them to use their experience to lead the team to success.
“We are continuing with our excellence by implementing FAMILY. GROWTH. INTEGRITY. As the core pillars for who we are as a program. As long as the team embraces this I think that it will set us up for success throughout every game. I have full confidence that the girls are ready to work hard together and write their chapter in the history books of the Lady Laker Soccer Program. We are fired up for this year and to compete with other teams in the area.”
Camdenton will open the 2020 at Bolivar on March 20. The Lady Lakers will play their home-opener on March 30 against Sedalia Smith-Cotton.
