By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The New Covenant Academy Lady Warriors were bumped from Class 1 up to Class 2 in 2022 and didn’t miss a beat as they finished 14-4 overall after going 17-4 in 2021 for a program going into its ninth season.
“The focus on consistency was crucial, especially when competing against bigger schools in the postseason,” said coach Eric Crain, who is 76-68 in guiding the girls’ program. “From the experience last year, we are more accustomed to the challenges that come with facing bigger schools and the preparation it takes to compete effectively.
“The girls’ soccer team should be proud of their performance and launch into this season, building on the success and lessons learned from playing in a bigger district last year.”
The Lady Warriors proved their mettle in the Class 2 District 4 Tournament where they defeated Cassville 2-0 in the quarterfinals but lost to Bolivar in penalty kicks (4-2) in the semifinals. They return two seniors, a junior and several sophomores from the 2022 team.
• Katelyn Barstead, senior center-midfielder – Earned Class 2 District 4 second-team honors. “As a center midfielder, Katelyn is expected to be the engine of the team, driving the attack forward and linking up play between defense and attack,” Crain said. “With her excellent understanding of the game, she can read the play well and anticipate the movements of her teammates and opponents. She is a natural leader and is expected to take charge on the field and guide her teammates. Her positive attitude and friendly demeanor make her a great teammate, and her ability to communicate effectively helps to keep the team organized and focused.
“Katelyn has a wealth of experience on the pitch and is comfortable playing in various positions. She has developed a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence, which has helped her to become a top player in her age group. Her positive attitude and friendly demeanor make her a joy to coach and a valuable asset to any team.”
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• Claudia Cannefax, senior – “Athleticism and a competitive spirit are a major asset to her team, and her presence on the field helps raise the level of play for everyone. Claudia, unfortunately, suffered a knee injury while working out for soccer over the summer and missed three-quarters of her basketball season. She made it back and made a difference for her basketball team. This setback means it may take her a few games to regain her confidence and comfort on the field.
“Her leadership and determination will also motivate her teammates and push them to perform at their best. With her experience and competitive spirit, she has the potential to be a game-changer on the field, and her presence will be felt both on and off the pitch.”
• Jocelyn Feola, junior forward – “Jocelyn is a versatile soccer player who excels as a forward. She is known for her speed and aggression on the field, which allows her to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Additionally, Jocelyn has excellent vision, enabling her to see the game unfold and make intelligent decisions with the ball. One of Jocelyn’s key strengths is her ability to play different positions. Throughout the season, she may be called upon to play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even as a central striker. Regardless of where she is on the field, Jocelyn brings the same level of intensity and skill to every match.
“Off the field, Jocelyn is a pleasure to work with. She has a great attitude and is always looking for ways to improve her game. Her coachability and willingness to learn make her a valuable asset to any team. Jocelyn is known for her positive attitude and sense of humor, which help keep the team’s morale high during training and matches.”
• Sophomores – “The soccer team had a great group of freshmen who played important roles in the team’s success last year. Ashlyn Coryell, Audrey Cannefax, Izzy Nieman, Grace Whalen, Kelby Krug, Sarah Garner and Katie Seevers are all exceptional players who bring unique skills and strengths to the team.
“This group of sophomores is a talented and diverse group of players who will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s success this upcoming season. With their individual strengths and abilities, they bring a lot to the table and will be exciting players to watch.”
New Covenant will work this season to try and overcome the loss of key players to graduation.
• Anna Crain – Scored 41 goals with 10 assists (103 career goals); earned second-team all-state, all-region and first-team all-district honors; now playing at Evangel University. “Anna is a talented and adaptable soccer player who has demonstrated her ability to read the game, make strategic decisions, and perform at a high level,” Eric Crain said. “Her impressive career total of 103 goals is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.”
• Whitley Farquhar – Named first-team all-district. “Whitley’s talent and skill as a player are undeniable. Starting in the backfield since her ninth-grade year, she showed remarkable consistency and intelligence in her game. One of her most notable strengths is her ability to read the opposing team’s offensive runs, making her an invaluable asset to her team. Her presence will continue to be seen throughout the years because of her willingness to work with the younger players.”
• Other losses: Lady Warriors Soccer lost some key players who are focusing on their main sport, including Hatty Hesemann (second-team all-district goalkeeper) and Mallori McBurnie (midfield), who both are playing volleyball. “I knew at some point that would happen, knowing that the soccer team comprises athletes from all the sports NCA provides. It was great having them for the last two years, and I appreciate their willingness to spend time with us.”
The Lady Warriors will open the regular season at home against Lighthouse Senior High (March 20) and McDonald County (March 21).
