By Chris Parker
Hillcrest soccer won five games last season, which was the most for the program since winning eight games in 2016.
The Lady Hornets will look for even more this season with nine starters returning.
“My overall expectation for the players this season is to learn something from each training session and incorporate them into game situations,” Hillcrest head coach Roy Hardy said. “Year 2021, we were lighthearted and trying to just have a program and we had only one win. In 2022, the focus was doing the little things consistently that would make one feel more confident in what they are doing on the pitch every day (we managed to get two wins). Last year (2023), we moved away from just kicking the ball, to kicking with a purpose and saw five wins. This season, I expect us to be more competitive, better fundamentally, an increase in soccer IQ, and have a better grasp of the game in previous years.”
The attack will be strong for Hillcrest with sophomore Lauren Wilkinson and senior Yeniva Gonzales returning at forward. Wilkinson was named first-team all-conference as a freshman on the strength of scoring 14 goals. Gonzales was second-team all-conference with five goals last season.
The midfield will feature sophomores Rosely Figueroa, Caitline Summers and Camryn Summers along with senior Kendyl Tolliver. All four players contributed three goals apiece last season.
Juniors Lee Rapp and Sydney Peck and sophomore Jadyn McCall will be back at defender.
Senior Natalie Percival will be back at goalkeeper. Sophomores Mylie Bright and Alyssa Brison both saw keeper minutes on JV.
“This season, the strength of our team is having nine varsity starters return and some experiences from the handful of one-goal losses,” Hardy said. “We have a great nucleus coming back from last year (that could have won at least 10 games). Also continuing to have a JV team is tremendous for the program as the young and inexperienced will get valuable training minutes.”
Hillcrest opens the season on Mar. 19 at Kickapoo.
