By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
SPRINGFIELD — Last year was the first time in a decade Central’s girls soccer team finished below .500, but you could make an argument there should be a huge asterisk by that statement.
With COVID-19 concerns keeping several potential players away from the pitch, the Bulldogs began the season with a roster of just 17. Seven of them were freshmen — and many of them had virtually no competitive experience before joining Dr. Christine Welch’s program last spring.
“The girls who did come out and play for us did an amazing job of learning the game and working together,” the coach said. “We were actually very pleased with the result and the relentless effort each of our players gave to the team despite the number of unfavorable circumstances.”
Thirteen of those players are back this season. Joined by six promising newcomers, they are eager to improve on their 7-12 finish and compete for Central’s fourth district title since 2012.
“This team of returning kiddos — and especially the juniors and seniors — have been through really big ups and downs throughout the pandemic, with last year as the one that everyone said we should’ve failed,” Welch said. “A .500 record isn’t a failure in the eyes of these returning players, but they know that they can and will be better this season. They have worked hard and believe in each other to continue to come in the first week of March as a team and move forward quickly in order to play more incredible games.”
Central will rely on those juniors and seniors to provide some veteran leadership this year.
Senior midfielder Holland Hawkins, a University of Missouri – Kansas City commit, scored 30 of Central’s 45 total goals last season and earned all-conference and all-district honors.
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Holland showed just how dominant she can be during an April 17 game against West Plains, when she opened the scoring 35 seconds into the match — the 19th-fastest goal in state history — and tallied six more times. Only 10 players have scored more than seven goals in one outing.
“She is incredibly field smart and understands what needs to be done by her and/or her teammates,” Welch said. “Usually she is already five plays ahead of where the ball actually is being played. Holland does not give up on any ball or virtually in any one thing and is actively involved in motivating all of her teammates to be the best that they can be every single day.”
Olivia Brinkman also returns after earning all-conference and all-district honors. The senior midfielder scored 11 goals and added 16 assists and will look to improve those totals this year.
“Smart and talented with her play on the field, she is one of those go-to players who has a playing style that gets her teammates to pay attention,” Welch said. “Olivia is extremely coachable and has been an important part of her individual success as a student-athlete as well as for her team’s success. She is always willing to actively listen and learn.”
Sophomore midfielder/defender Laramie Hill was one of the few freshmen who brought club soccer experience to Central. She played her way onto the all-district and all-conference teams.
“Laramie was an immediately positive and actively involved player last season,” Welch said. “She was an immense help and emerging leader to the team as a seasoned club player. She is a confident athlete who consistently believes in herself, her abilities and those of her teammates. She shines on and off the field and is definitely quickly becoming a stronger team leader.”
Amelia Billionis, a junior center back, will help anchor the Central defense.
“We wanted Amelia to play in the minefield but quickly saw that she could play and run the back line incredibly well,” Welch said. “She does get some offensive time, but we will focus more on Amelia’s direction of the defensive line this season as well. Albeit a quiet player, she is focused and consistently able to summon speed, strength and skill in critical moments for us.”
Senior Emma Huffman can play anywhere on the field, but has thrived as an outside mid.
Defender Natalie Easton, defender/midfielder Nautika Hannah and forward Adriana DonJuan all played huge roles as freshmen despite having limited or no previous experience. Welch is excited to see what the trio of sophomores can do now that each has spent a full year on the varsity.
“Each of these players worked so hard last season to learn the game, their positions and become an integral part of the team experience,” Welch said. “We look forward to each of these players to come in this season and contribute again to this year’s team.”
Sophomore forward Olivia Catlin, junior defender Madelin Diaz and senior forward Sandra Sanchez also return for another season, while incoming freshmen Bree Turner and Cali Mills-Homser have both played club soccer and could make an immediate contribution.
Central is searching for a new goalie after sophomore Caylee Davis transferred to Hillcrest. She was an all-conference and all-district selection despite never playing the position before last season. Welch said the team would not be able to name a starter until the first week of tryouts.
The Bulldogs kick off the season on March 22 at Parkview.
Their first home game is March 24 against Monett.
“Our players are some of the most passionate people on and off the field,” Welch said. ‘They have learned the value of hard work, dedicated time and discipline to their sport and to their teammates and developed life-long friendships. Teams that build close relationships are usually the teams having the most fun and having the most success. That is my continued hope for all of my athletes.”
