By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The 2023 season was a season of growth, adjustment and adaption for the Republic Lady Tigers, according to second-year head coach Jesus Zuniga.
It also was a season of improvement for the Lady Tigers, who finished 8-13 overall and 5-4 in the Central Ozark Conference, good for a fourth-place tie with Carl Junction and Carthage. Republic did have its share of injuries but managed to improve its winning percentage from the season before.
“This was a great accomplishment for our new coaching staff and something we believe we can truly build on,” said Zuniga, who led the boys’ program to five more wins in 2023. “I feel as if every team goes through injuries, but our numbers were lower last year, and we ended up having two season-ending injuries, and two injuries that prevented girls from playing half of their season. Given all our circumstances, the girls had to adapt to the new coaching styles, personalities and expectations; all of which I feel they did a tremendous job of doing.
“Our numbers this offseason were doubled, if not tripled on some days, and I think the ladies realized the importance of getting our offseason/preseason touches.”
The Lady Tigers return seven seniors, three juniors and four sophomores, who will work to carry that momentum into this spring.
Ava Brown, senior defender – Scored 1 goal and had 5 assists; earned Class 4 All-District 5 and Central Ozark Conference first-team honors; voted Defensive Player of the Year and Varsity MVP by her teammates. “Ava is a true utility player who started and played in all 21 games last year,” Zuniga said. “She started the season in the midfield and then transitioned to the backline. She is one of several players that we have this year who truly love and understand the game. She always wants to become better and is willing to help our new players understand the game. Ava had offers to play at the next level, but ultimately decided that focusing on academics was in her best interests (currently).”
Brooklyn Claxton, senior defender – Named all-conference second team, team Co-Defensive Player of the Year, started all 21 games; will play volleyball at Southwest Baptist University. “Brooklyn is a tenacious defender who does not fear much, if anything. She led our team in blocks last year, but has been a significant part of our backline, as far as I can remember (even when I coached against her). Brooklyn quickly picked up on our expectations and has started to hold our underclassmen to the standards that are expected of our coaching staff.”
Kendra Phiri, senior midfielder – Led team in goals scored and shots on goal; earned all-district first-team and all-conference honorable mention honors. “Kendra initially started the year in the midfield. She was a player who adjusted last year and played in a role that she was not familiar with but adapted quite well. She is constantly seeking feedback on how to improve herself and better assist her teammates. Kendra will more than likely find herself back in the midfield, as she is strong on the ball, but do not be surprised if she finds herself up top, or even on our back line.”
Molly Blades, senior forward/midfielder – Led team in assists, third in goals scored, second in shots on goal; named all-district first team, all-conference second team and team Offensive Player of the Year. “Several opposing coaches and fans quickly commented on how quick ‘number 12’ is. She primarily plays on the right wing and gained confidence taking opponents on 1-v-1 as the season progressed. Molly is a multi-sport athlete who is always competing whether it is in basketball or soccer. Molly has some extra targets this year that can find the back of the net, so we would not be surprised if her stats increased in both assists and goals this year.”
Cameron Burton, senior midfielder – Scored 2 goals. “Cam had a season last year that was plagued by some injuries and she only got to play in 15 of those, but started in 10. Cam has speed and will be seen out wide, whether that is as a wing, up top or as an outside back. Cameron played both roles exceptionally well last year, and we cannot wait to see what she can do during a full healthy season.”
Callie Jacquess, senior midfielder/defender – “Callie is a player who during the 2023 preseason we had very high hopes for, but an injury happened that sidelined her for the majority of her junior year. This off/preseason, she looks to have gained momentum and confidence and appears to be the player she was last year, if not more determined. Callie is a player that we can see helping our midfield, our backline, and even out wide as a 7 or 11.”
Lillian Weymuth, senior goalkeeper – Recorded 24 saves and 13 goals against, but suffered a season-ending injury during the fifth game. “Lilly and her teammates had two shutouts in those first five games. Lilly came up big against Logan-Rogersville early in our season, and earned that shutout.”
Cadence Lugar, junior midfielder/forward – Second on team in goals scored; named all-district honorable mention. “Cadence started and played in all 21 games for us last year and was a huge part of our success. She is not afraid to challenge opponents for a ball, and is extremely intelligent in terms of finding her teammates and when to get rid of the ball versus taking people on 1-v-1. Cadence is creative on the ball and can draw defenders but also strong enough to hold off defenders. Adding another attacking weapon this year will open up more doors for Cadence to have another great year.”
Kaylee Cornelsen, junior midfielder/defender – Scored 1 goal with 2 assists; started all 21 games. “Every team has a player who does all the hard work and is not acknowledged by others, outside the team. Kaylee is that player for us. The off-the-ball work that she does helped contribute to our successes last year. Kaylee is a multi-sport athlete (volleyball and basketball) who is willing to play on the back line or in the midfield, but always wants to do what is best for the team. Kaylee truly has a “team-first” mindset and will persevere through anything. Kaylee will be another crucial piece to our midfield this year.”
Adison Gibbs, junior midfielder/defender – “Gibby is another multi-sport athlete (volleyball in the fall) who we are thrilled to welcome back. Last year was her first year playing in high school, after playing some club ball when she was younger. Gibbs had an assist last year, but helped our JV team in several aspects of the game. Gibby is a utility player that can play on the back line but also does great things in the attack.”
Bria Claxton, sophomore defender/midfielder – “Bria is a young multi-sport athlete (volleyball in the fall) who is very dynamic and explosive. This off/preseason, I have seen her play in various roles from a center back, to an outside back, to a holding mid, to even out wide on the wings. She has proven she can score goals but can also prevent people from scoring goals. I have no doubt that Bria is going to soak up all the information and knowledge from the upperclassmen, especially her sister, challenge them for a starting spot, but also be a presence for us in the years to come.”
Paige Elsenraat, sophomore forward/midfielder – Started 19 games, tied for third in goals, third in shots on goal. “A multi-sport athlete (softball in the fall) who we saw a few times over the summer, going into her freshman year and were very impressed. The anticipation lived up to the hype as she scored several of her goals early on in the season. This off/preseason, Paige has shown that she can help the team in other areas, not just scoring goals.”
Awbree Berning, sophomore goalkeeper – Had not played soccer prior to last year; recorded 153 saves, 43 goals against, 5 shutouts; voted Most Improved Player of the Year by her teammates. “Awbree had four games of JV experience and not even full games before having to step up as the varsity starter. She quickly learned the game and is continuing to learn but has dedicated several hours and road trips in the offseason to prepare her for this year. Awbree is a multi-sport athlete (basketball), so we have not seen her much this winter, but know she will make an impact at the varsity level. It’s nice having two goalkeepers who will keep us in games and allow friendly competition to hold each other accountable.”
Matilyn Carpenter, sophomore defender/midfielder – Recorded 1 assist. “Mati was an unexpected surprise last year and is a multi-sport (tennis in the fall) kiddo who goes about her business. I cannot recall a time where any of our coaches ever heard Mati complain or say a negative thing, and she gives off positive energy. Mati shows up to practice, works extremely hard, and makes it look so effortless. She is very disciplined and helped us significantly on the back line last year, but also showed she can play out wide.”
The Lady Tigers had a number of JV players, underclassmen, and a few foreign exchange students attend preseason and offseason training at open fields, which provided opportunities for everyone to play. A few players who Zuniga thinks could make an impact this season, and one he was hoping to have, include Claire Redman, Sophie Woolfenden and Macey Mitchell.
Claire Redman, junior midfielder/forward – “Claire is a player that knows several of these girls through club and youth soccer. She understands the game exceptionally well and I believe she will be another threat for us, whether that is facilitating the midfield, playing through passes, crossing the ball from out wide, or putting the ball in the back of the net. She is constantly observing the pitch and quickly learning how her teammates work and move off and toward the ball.”
Sophie Woolfenden, junior, defender/forward – Had a stellar JV season last year and has proven herself to be worthy of earning some varsity minutes this year. Sophie can play anywhere on the pitch and is an extremely coachable kiddo. She can score goals, she can defend, she can open up defenses and is a player who has a very bright future.”
Macey Mitchell, sophomore forward/midfielder – “Macey is a player who had a season-ending injury during the first week of practice last season, and unfortunately had another this season,” Zuniga said. “Several players in the area know Macey through club soccer and know the tenacious attacker she is and will be when she is able to compete with our squad. Unfortunately, it appears we will have to wait another year. She appeared to be finding her form during preseason, and the girls were excited to add another element to our attack and see how well she fit into our lineup. She has a very high soccer IQ and has still been seen at practices helping the coaching staff see things through a player’s lens.”
The Lady Tigers graduated four players from last year’s squad, including defenders Aylora Crowe (Tiger Award winner) and McKena Argo, both who played in every game, as well as midfielders/defenders Ella Lee and Samantha Jacquess (scored one goal).
“All four of these seniors, no matter the amount of minutes they played, had a significant role in welcoming the new coaching staff last year and displaying great traits of leadership,” Zuniga said.
Republic will be participating in a jamboree at Branson with Greenwood and Willard on March 8.
“From a coaching standpoint, getting our players to understand the importance of every game and to not compare scores (scoreboard watching), was a huge lesson learned,” Zuniga said. “Every team has to compete, on every night, during every game and every play.
“We play in a very stacked conference and district, and every game does matter. We cannot expect to beat a team because we beat an opponent that beat them. If we want teams to respect us, we have to earn it.”
