By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Joplin Eagles will have a new leader on the sidelines as Desmond Williams takes over this season for Josh Thompson.
Williams comes to Joplin from nearby Crowder College in Neosho, where he first served as an assistant coach for the men’s soccer team and then as head coach. Williams led the RoughRiders to the NJCAA regional final, both as an assistant and head coach.
Prior to that, Williams was the Director of Player Development for the Joplin Demize club before joining the coaching staff with Sporting Springfield.
Williams looks to continue the success the Eagles experienced in 2022 when they finished 16-7 overall and 5-4 in the Central Ozark Conference.
“I think last season showed the boys that they are able to compete with a lot of the teams in our area,” Williams said. “The goal is to, for sure, win as many games as possible. We are adapting to a different style of play this season and I look for it to give us success.”
A few of the returning players Williams will be counting on this fall include Adam Badr, Ben Hedrick and Ely Montanez.
Adam Badr, junior, defender/midfielder – “Adam brings a level of experience that will be extremely valuable to our team,” Williams said. “He plays for Sporting Springfield, which won a national championship this past summer. The level of work ethic and discipline that is demanded at the level is why Adam will play a huge role for us this season. He has a great soccer mind and a high IQ that helps him see the field extremely well. He will be a great leader for us this year.”
Ben Hedrick, senior, defender – “Ben is a tough kid who shows so much grit and will give you 110 percent until the final whistle blows. He isn’t afraid of contact, which makes having him on the back line that much more valuable. A huge, physical tackle can swing some momentum in a game and Ben is capable of doing just that.”
Ely Montanez, junior, forward – “Ely is a kid who is very well known in the area and can be a threat when left open with space. His dribbling ability, along with being able to shoot from long distances, is one of the main reasons he will play a big part in our success this season. He loves when games are close and you can rely on him to step up in tight games/situations.”
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Williams said the Eagles have several newcomers who could make an impact this season.
“We have a lot of young guys stepping into some big roles this season,” Williams said. “With losing so many seniors, it’s their time to step up which they have done in training and in our preseason games this summer.
“Our strength is that the boys all rely on each other. They hold each other accountable, which pushes them in training and reflects what they do in the games.”
The Eagles will need to replace the talented Class of 2023, which included Luis Alvarado, defender/midfielder (All-Central Ozark Conference second team), Gray Cravens (defender/midfielder), William Cupp, midfielder, Andrew Jordan, goalkeeper, Adam Montanez, midfielder (All-Central Ozark Conference first team), Carlos Palma, forward (All-Central Ozark Conference second team) and Luciano Reyes, forward (Class 4 All-State honorable mention, Class 4 All-Region 3, All-Central Ozark Conference first team).
“They, for sure, have set the standard of what will hopefully be continued success for the program in the future,” Williams said of the graduated players.
Joplin will be hosting a jamboree with Neosho and Monett on Aug. 22, before opening the regular season at home against COC foe Nixa on Aug. 29.
“I love that we are young,” Williams said. “All of our young guys have been willing to listen and adapt to the things we need them to do. We have a good group of kids who are willing to play for each other, so I’m excited to see how this season goes.”
