Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
SPRINGFIELD — Most of the starters who led the Kickapoo girls soccer team to its fifth straight district title are expected to return this spring – but the Chiefs will still be looking to replace a significant amount of their offense.
Record-setting scorer Sabrina Jones graduated at the end of Kickapoo’s fall semester, coach Phil Hodge said. The all-state selection and reigning district MVP has since enrolled at the University of Arkansas and is listed on the Razorbacks’ roster for their spring 2023 season.
Jones scored 81 goals in her sophomore and junior years with the Chiefs — about one third of all Kickapoo goals scored during that time frame — and joins the class of 2022 seniors as players who have departed the Kickapoo program since the conclusion of last year’s 21-7 campaign.
But with so many of last year’s key contributors coming back, the Chiefs expect to continue contend for conference and district championships — and return to the state tournament yet again.
“I think we still have several returning players that have a substantial amount of varsity experience and that can help lead our team this spring with a very competitive schedule,” Hodge said.
Seven of those players are back after earning some form of postseason honors, including all-state midfielder Abby Bilbao. The senior has signed with Truman State University.
“Abby started the season for us last year recovering from ACL reconstruction but by the end of the season was a huge factor in our fifth straight district championship,” Hodge said. “We look for her to be a leader on the field for us this spring. Abby has a huge presence for us in the (midfield) and can score from anywhere on the field.”
Other options on offense include senior Taylor Akers, junior Baylea Davis and sophomore Ellie Davison, who all earned all-conference and all-district honors.
Davis, a midfielder, was named one of Kickapoo’s captains as a sophomore.
“Baylea has an endurance level that is hard to match,” Hodge said. “She will not be outworked and leads by example every single day whether it is at practice or at a game.”
Akers, a midfielder, did not play as a sophomore but was named district offensive MVP as a junior.
“Taylor scored some very nice goals for us down the stretch and in some key moments in some key games,” Hodge said. “We look forward to her having a great senior season and being a threat offensively with her speed.”
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Davison, a forward, made an immediate contribution as a freshman.
“She scored her fair share of goals, but even more impressive she had twice as many assists and is a very unselfish player,” Hodge said. “We look for her to continue her unselfish play again this spring as well as score for us as well.”
Vanessa Maturey anchors the Kickapoo backline. The senior is coming off a season in which she was named co-defender of the year in both Kickapoo’s conference and district.
“Vanessa is a very aggressive defender that is not afraid to tackle on a 50/50 ball,” Hodge said. “She is also not afraid to get forward and help in our offensive attack.”
Classmate Julia Klein was also named to the all-conference and all-district teams.
“Julia was a captain for us last season as a junior and we are excited for her to be a leader for us this spring as well,” Hodge said. “Julia has a high soccer IQ and is a savvy defender that reads the game very well.”
Senior Karli Facklam returns to the net after earning all-district honors. The Chiefs held opponents to an average of one goal per game and recorded 15 clean-sheet victories.
“Last season was her first season out and she did an exceptional job for us,” Hodge said. “With a year of experience now, we are excited about her potential this spring as a senior.”
Hodge said one of the keys to Kickapoo’s success over the past several seasons has been a “solid mix” of returning starters and newcomers, and many underclassmen stepping up to help move the program forward.
This year is no different, and junior Sophie Young is one of those underclassmen.
“Sophie has shown very well in our preseason workouts, has a strong leg and reads the game very well,” Hodge said. “We look for Sophie to have a big spring for us this season.”
Sophomores Faith Joe and Erin Lee are also ready for increased roles this season.
“Faith came in off the bench for us last season as a freshman and contributed right away,” Hodge said. “She had some big goals for us and has a strong left leg that can test a (goalkeeper) from anywhere on the field. She is a versatile player that may have to play out of her natural position this spring to help our team out.”
Hodge also touted Lee’s versatility.
“We will need her to have some increased minutes this spring,” Hodge said. She is a (center mid) type that may need to be a utility player for this year at times! Has a great soccer IQ and can help us at several different positions.”
Lily Howser could be the next Kickapoo player to make an immediate contribution as a freshman.
“She has incredible speed and a very competitive spirit, but even more than that I have been impressed (by) her first touch,” Hodge said. “She has a great first touch and is a very unselfish player.
The Chiefs will host a March 9 jamboree featuring Nixa and Glendale.
Kickapoo’s home opener is scheduled for March 17 against Bentonville (Arkansas), while the Chiefs will begin Ozark Conference play with a visit to Hillcrest on March 21.
“As with any season, it is always exciting to see the identity that each team does create for themselves,” Hodge said. “It will be no different this season.”
