By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The growing Central Lady Bulldogs program heads into the second year of the Nathan Cardoza era with a focus on consistency.
The Lady Bulldogs finished the 2023 season 9-13 overall and 4-6 in the Ozark Conference, good for sixth place, before falling to Carthage in the first round of the Class 4 District 5 Tournament.
“Last year was full of a lot of ups and downs for us,” Cardoza said. “Going into this year’s season, I want to work with the girls in finding ways to keep us more consistent.
“At the beginning of last year’s season, we proved that we were able to play and compete, and I want to build off that mentality. I think a lot of what happened to us was mental. We did not have the right mindset as a team going into some tough games and it showed.”
The Lady Bulldogs return five seniors and four juniors to the 2024 roster, but they will have to find a way to overcome the loss of their leading scorer from last season, Cate Casanova, to a knee injury.
Cate Casanova, senior attacking midfielder – Scored 20 goals with 9 assists; earned Class 4 All-Region 3, Class 4 All-District 5 and All-Ozark Conference first-team honors. “Cate made a huge impact her first year with us and was a key part of who we were as a team last year,” Cardoza said. “Throughout this year’s preseason, she has been a clear leader and has done well with getting more girls out to be a part of the program. Unfortunately, Cate will be having surgery for a knee injury and will not be able to play her senior year.”
Laramie Hill, senior defending center midfielder – An all-district first-team and all-conference honorable-mention selection; has signed to play at Drury University. “Laramie (has been) a major role player for Central every year she has played. This coming year will be no different. Laramie has the ability to control our defense and will be the player we look to in tough games to keep the team together.”
Addie Green, junior goalkeeper – All-district honorable mention. “Addie displays so many characteristics that coaches want to see. She works hard, is vocal with her back line and is never afraid to make contact when making a save. She has an intimidating persona and has been one of the main components for us being able to stay in games.”
Adriana Donjuan, senior forward – “Adriana is someone we are hoping will step up big for us this year. She is calm on the ball, has good vision and can make things happen in the attacking third.”
Cali Mills-Hosmer, junior forward/midfielder – Scored 12 goals with 18 assists; earned all-district first-team and all-conference second-team honors. “I believe Cali could do something special this year. Cali has this natural ability to see plays before they happen and puts herself in the position for goal-scoring opportunities. We are counting on her to fill the gap in our offense this coming season.”
Nautika Ramirez-Hannah, senior midfielder – “Nautika is our go-to scrappy player. She never shies away from putting her body on the line and committing to a tackle. She plays as our center defensive-mid, and we count on her to slow play down on opposing attackers.”
Jasmine Green, junior defender – “Jazzie is one of those girls that never stops being positive. She always has a smile on her face and never stops trying her best and encouraging her team. She will be our starting center back this year. She is strong, communicates well and always gives the best she has for her team.”
Natalie Eastin, senior defender – “Natalie is a never-quit type of athlete. No matter the situation, she will give the team her best and play her heart out. Nat plays as one of our outside backs and will be important for us in locking up wide plays.”
Hedda Werner-Click, junior forward – “Last year was Hedda’s first year playing soccer. One word that comes to mind for Hedda, is ‘coachable.’ She listens to what you have to say and makes the change to improve her game. Hedda will be our target up top, and I think between her and Cali, they both will work off each other well, and hopefully, be our offensive force this year.”
Cardoza will also be looking to newcomers Addie Harris and Journey Hill to make an impact this season.
Addie Harris, senior defender/midfielder – “Addie joins us this year after not being able to play last year due to her club soccer commitments,” Cardoza said. “Addie brings speed that would be beneficial to any coach’s roster. For her club, she is a defensive player but for us, I am looking at ways to move her into the midfield. I think she will bring a spark to our offense that will surprise some teams. In games where we need a stronger back line, Addie can make a huge difference for us.”
Journey Hill, freshman midfielder – “Just like her sister, Laramie, Journey will be a major role player for all her years at Central. Her understanding of the game and movement on the field is that of an upperclassman. Journey’s positioning, effort and overall soccer IQ make her a standout as a freshman. She will be able to fill several offensive positions for us, depending on the game, and will be important for us in defensive games as well.”
“The numbers for the program are growing and having that gives hope to the future that Central can have the ability to compete with some of the more premier programs in the area,” Cardoza said. “I think this group has the potential to do something special and set the tone of what we want of our program for the years to come.”
Losses to graduation include Amelia Billionis, Madelin Diaz and Emily Robb.
Amelia Billionis, defender – “Amelia played as our center back and sometimes center mid,” Cardoza said. “She was a hard worker and did her best in every game.”
Madelin Diaz, defender – “Madelin played outside back and sometimes midfield for us. She was a competitor and was willing to play wherever benefited her team.”
Emily Robb, forward – “Emily only played her senior year and is one of those players that, if she would have played all four years, could have been a playmaker. She worked hard and was a positive addition to our team last year.”
Central will host a jamboree on March 8 that will include Hillcrest, Monett and West Plains, before opening the regular season at Parkview on March 19.
“With this being the last year of the OC, I am hoping that we can do well in conference play,” Cardoza said. “Glendale and Kickapoo are always games I would like for us to play well in. Our game against Carthage will be a good indicator of how we as a team will respond to tough situations this year.
“We may not have a deep bench or a roster that is full of experience, but what we do have is heart and a will to compete. I am hopeful for this group and am looking forward to seeing what they will be able to accomplish this year.”
