By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Branson Lady Pirates enter the 2024 season with a new head coach – and a familiar face to southwest Missouri – leading the way.
Lauren Stepp steps in after a three-year stint as the Mascoutah (Ill.) High School girls’ head coach and one year as the boys’ assistant. Prior to Mascoutah, Stepp served two years as the girls’ head coach and boys’ assistant at Gibault Catholic High School in Waterloo, Ill.
Stepp also started the girls’ soccer program at Cassville High School during the 2017-2018 school year, her first year at the school, and the highly decorated Nixa High School Soccer star and Western Kentucky University Soccer alum looks to bring all that experience to the Branson girls this spring.
“We have nine sophomores, six juniors and five seniors returning from the 2023 season,” said Stepp, a three-time all-state and all-region honoree, while at Nixa. “Our upperclassmen have experience and strong leadership skills, which will be an asset to our young group – nine sophomores who will impact our play in a big way and will be asked to step into bigger roles this season. This group has worked hard in the offseason and is hungry to learn and grow as a team.”
The Lady Pirates finished 11-11 overall and 3-5 in the Central Ozark Conference.
Stepp on Branson’s returning players:
Sadie Lampe, junior defender – “Strong player, competitive, high soccer IQ and hard-nosed. She will be an impactful leader and strong presence for us.”
Tatum Worth, senior goalkeeper – Class 3 All-District 6 first team. “A natural athlete with tremendous talent. She will be a key component to our success this coming season.”
Abby Decker, senior defender – Class 3 All-District 6 first team; COC honorable mention. “Tore her ACL but will continue to lead and be present for us.”
Abbie Hymel, junior defender – “A ball-winner and passion for the game.”
Abi Jones, junior midfielder – “A tenacious, never-quit mentality that will help us all over the field. She is a player that sets the tone and influences others in a positive way on and off the field.”
Anna Marti, senior defender – Committed to State Fair College. “She has speed with and without the ball and is a quality 1-v-1 defender.”
Summer Pollard, senior forward – “Nose for the goal and speed set her apart. She will be a key component to our attack.”
Andrea Garduno, senior defender – “A ball-winner and strong presence in the back.”
Stepp says that a pair of sisters, move-ins from Alabama, could make an impact this season.
Laura Beth Farmer, a sophomore, is a “dynamic midfielder with the ability to control the middle of the field and keep play organized.” Her sister, Brylee, a freshman, is a “good 1-v-1 defender and quality decision-maker.”
“This group is going to be a team that continues to grow and get better throughout the season,” Stepp said. “They are committed to doing things the right way and putting in the work to get better. Our experienced players will give us a strong foundation for our younger group, who will be asked to step into bigger roles.”
Branson will need to fill the void left by four players who contributed significant minutes last season, including: Kloey Alms, midfielder, Class 3 All-District 6 first-team selection; Briley Efird, midfielder, Class 3 All-Region 3 first-team, Class 3 All-District 6 first-team and COC first-team pick; forward/midfielder Avery Webber; and Talysha Ramirez.
The Lady Pirates open the regular season in the Ozark Quad, where they will face Columbia Hickman and Waynesville on March 16.
“Coming into the offseason what most impressed me and what I’m most excited about is this team has a mentality to compete every day; no matter what the task, they want to win,” Stepp said. “They have worked hard during the offseason to set themselves up for success and transition smoothly into the season. The expectation for the season is to work toward a common postseason goal and improve our quality of play throughout the season to reach our goals.”
