By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Whether they’re club players or natural athletes, the Central Lady Bulldogs have found ways to develop players and build a winning culture.
It’s a big reason why Central hasn’t had a losing season in girls’ soccer since 2011.
“We believe our strengths lie in our players who either come in from club soccer or are just all-around athletes,” said Central’s coach, Dr. Christine Welch. “They each bring in attributes needed for the overall team.
“We try to develop all of our players to be able to play many different positions on the field, which we feel translates into higher possession, more ball control and better shooting.”
Over the years, team chemistry has mattered a lot, too.
“As always, we are a team,” Welch said. “We’re a family of girls who support and encourage each other on and off the field, which is evident in our team play.
Central will field a young team overall in 2021. The Lady Bulldogs do return several players who have already proven themselves at the varsity level.
Expect a big season from junior Holland Hawkins. She’ll take over the role of former star midfielder Kourtney Tucker, who graduated in 2020.
Hawkins was primed for a big sophomore season. As a freshman and co-captain in 2019, she led Central in goals (27) and assists (21).
“Holland is a tireless engine who has helped to drive this team forward since she came to us her freshman year,” Welch said. “As a club player and a kid who has literally had a ball at her feet since she could walk, Holland was prepared to succeed in our program from day one.
“She is consistently willing as an attacking midfielder to put her body on the line for her teammates, develop plays and get the ball in the back of a net.”
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Junior Olivia Brinkman will look to give Central a dynamic duo in the midfield. As a freshman, Brinkman had 12 goals and nine assists.
“At the beginning of last season, we moved Olivia around a bit to see her increase her skill-set throughout the mid and forward lines,” Welch said. “This year, we expect to have Olivia with Holland as a tag team in the midfield; developing plays for the attacking line as well as finding pockets of space to be dangerous and effective.”
Senior forward/midfielder Avery Baker uses her cross-country background to cause problems for opposing defenses.
“Her endurance is valuable in her positions on the field,” Welch said. “Since starting with us, Avery has developed incredible confidence in running with the ball at her feet, thus creating new scoring advantages for her teammates.”
Central’s eager to see more from sophomore Amelia Billionis, who will take over a key role as starting center back.
“She’s been working on her endurance and skills for her position,” Welch said. “We’re looking forward to seeing her jump into the center back position to take over Addie Pearman’s spot.
“Amelia understands how big the shoes are to fill for this position but she is ready to work to increase her strength for that position and the midfielders in front of her.”
As a freshman, Emma Huffman started on the junior varsity. She eventually worked her way up to varsity minutes midway through the season. Huffman, now a junior, is likely to play at outside-mid this season.
“Emma’s a tough midfielder who will not back down from challenging a ball,” Welch said.
Central entered the 2020 season coming off a district championship. The Lady Bulldogs have posted eight straight winning seasons, including district championships in 2012, 2015 and 2019.
“We are always looking ahead to win another district title,” Welch said. “We believe that we were in a very good position for this last season with our now graduated seniors but are looking forward to developing all of our new players who will help to achieve this goal again.”
Central graduated five seniors who would’ve made big contributions to the 2020 team.
Midfielder Kourtney Tucker was one of the top players in the area. Tucker, who is now playing for Drury University, tallied 24 goals and 16 assists as a junior.
“Kourtney was a very smart and strong player on the field as well as an incredible team leader,” Welch said. “She continued to elevate her play with her club team in the offseason and brought those skills and team play ideas to her teammates throughout her time with us.”
Goalkeeper Maggie Courtney was one of the team’s most versatile players. She played a key role in helping Central win districts in 2019.
“Maggie’s strength, tenacity and consistent effort to keep learning her position and be a constant cheerleader for her teammates will be missed this season,” Welch said.
Central graduated a pair of defenders in Addie Pearman and Grace Chalfant. Pearman was a leader among the team.
“Addie quickly became one of our strongest defenders as the center back for our team,” Welch said. “Her leadership and strength in pushing her midfielders and goalie during practices and games motivated her teammates to elevate their communication and skill each season.”
Chalfant overcame injuries to make an impact by her junior season.
“Grace was small but mighty as an outside defender on our back line,” Welch said. “She struggled early with injuries but developed into one of the most effective defenders to play for our program.”
Central also graduated forward Emie Harris, who improved throughout her career.
“Over her four years, she really became an important part of the forward line,” Welch said. “She often could be found tracking back-and-forth between her midfielders and the goal, ready to find ways to put the ball in the back of the net.”
Central welcomes in a big freshmen class (14 players) and a few more upperclassmen to its roster.
Two of the freshmen – Addie Harris and Laramie Hill – could crack the starting lineup right away.
Both have club experience and are athletic defenders who can help Central retool its backline.
“Addie has shown she has the endurance and speed to outlast or catch opponents in a foot race,” Welch said. “Her footwork, drive to succeed and willingness to work for and with a new set of teammates are exceptional as a new player.”
Hill plays basketball for Central but, like Harris, has a strong soccer background.
“As a club player, Laramie is a defender but can play anywhere on the field,” Welch said. “We expect her to quickly jump in and develop skills needed for the defensive line on our team in early March.”
Central hosts Parkview on March 23 for its regular season opener.
