By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Nixa Lady Eagles rarely suffer a drop-off in talent year in and year out, and 2021 is no different.
Heading into the 2020 season, Nixa coach Evan Palmer felt his team was in position for another successful run. But, as with every other spring sports program, the COVID-19 pandemic put an end to those goals.
“It was tough for us last spring,” Palmer said. “We had a very good team and I thought we had a shot to win the COC (Central Ozark Conference) and win districts and possibly make a postseason run. The girls are very resilient and took it in stride, but losing last year’s season was a blow to everyone.”
The 2020 class was poised to have four of its five members back for that season, including: Ellie Osborne, a two-year starter at defender; Lizzy Shaw, a midfielder/defender and All-COC second-team pick, who was the second-leading scorer in 2019; Riley Woodward, a midfielder/forward, who was a tough player and defender; and Karlie Hoskins, a midfielder/forward who missed her sophomore season with an ACL injury, tore her other one in the fall of 2019, but had made it back and would have played the whole season in 2020.
Riley McClintock, who was the Class 4 District 9 Goalkeeper of the Year and All-COC honorable mention as a junior in 2019, was already going to miss her senior season because of concussions.
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But, the cupboard is far from bare for Palmer, who is 286-212-14 with the girls’ program at Nixa and 633-482-36 combined with the boys’ and girls’ team. He has 10 players with varsity experience, but who also missed a year of competition with the cancellation of the 2020 season.
The Lady Eagles have players who could break into the top 20 in scoring at Nixa, as the team looks to reach the 300-win mark for the program.
• Katie Kamies, senior, forward, 7 goals, 4 assists in 2019. Signed to play at William Jewell College – “Is strong on the ball; we’ll need her to score some goals for us this year,” Palmer said. “She missed the last six games in 2019, which hurt us down the stretch.”
• Bailey Reynolds, senior, midfielder, 6 goals, 8 assists. Signed to play at Rockhurst University – “Great touch and vision. Has been a stalwart in the central midfield her whole career.”
• Abby Harrison, senior, midfielder, 6 goals, 3 assists. Signed with Southwest Baptist University – “Along with Bailey, controls play in the central midfield. She is a strong presence on the field.”
• Kaya Cocanougher, senior, defender, 3 goals, 5 assists. Receiving college interest – “Great speed and tenacity in the back. We will need her to step up and lead our back line.”
• Ashlynn Stoneberger, senior, midfielder/forward, 1 goal, 2 assists. Signed with Evangel University – “Has a great motor, very intense competitor. She can play anywhere on the field, but we will need her to make scoring opportunities happen.”
• Kelsi Moore, senior, forward, 4 goals, 1 assist – “Looking for a breakout year from her. She can get forward and finish.”
• Lexi Rapert, senior, defender – “We will need her to step up into a big role on our back line. Smart, very good defender.”
• Madelyn Wilcox, senior, goalkeeper, had 1 goal scored against, 12 saves, 3.25 shutouts, .24 goals-against average in 4.25 games. – “She will get her chance this spring in goal. Very good, technical keeper who can make the big save.”
• Emma Hartley, junior, midfielder – “Very good on the ball. She is smart and can get forward and can finish.”
• Emily Sutherland, junior, forward – “Very good at finding the net. We will need her to have a big year scoring, which she is very capable of.”
And, the Lady Eagles, who finished 14-6 overall and 9-0 in the COC in 2019, have plenty of support coming in to make them dangerous again this season.
• Emma Light, senior, defender/midfielder – “Can play in the back or midfield and can get up and down the field.”
• Gracie Kindell, senior, midfielder/defender – “Excellent defender, but can play in the midfield as well.”
• Elena Mende, senior, defender – “Didn’t play her sophomore year, but we are glad she is back. She strengthens our back line.”
• Madison Snelson, junior, goalkeeper – “Tough goalkeeper. We have two great keepers, which is such a luxury to have.”
• Josie Karlson, junior, defender – “Very good defender. Tough to beat.”
• Kailey Tate, junior, defender – “Another great defender. We are deep with defenders this year.”
• Reagan Neal, junior, midfielder – “Strong on the ball. Defends really well in the midfield.”
• Kasey Alvarez, junior, forward/midfielder – “She likes the wing and runs it well. Looking for her to break out.”
• Kadance Bossaller, junior, defender – “Tore her ACL before last season. She is back and looks ready to go this year.”
• Alexa Gaunt, sophomore, midfielder/forward – “Excellent player, great touch and feel for the game.”
• Lydia DeWild, sophomore, defender – “Great defender. Very cool under pressure.”
• Isabella Johnson, freshman, midfielder/forward – “She really impressed in the summer. Excellent athlete with great touch.”
Nixa will participate in a jamboree at Kickapoo against the Lady Chiefs and Glendale Lady Falcons on March 11 before hosting Glendale in its season opener on March 23.
“The girls are so excited to start the season,” Palmer said. “They have been very focused and want to make the most of the spring season. With 11 seniors, we have maybe the best senior class in the area. This team will compete for the COC and district title this spring.”
