By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
While Kickapoo’s run of six consecutive district titles came to an end last spring, coach Phil Hodge still looks back on the 2024 season fondly — and with good reason.
In their final season in the Ozark Conference, the Chiefs claimed the conference title with a perfect 9-0 record. They finished 20-7 overall, marking their fourth straight 20-win season.
With minimal roster turnover, there’s every reason to believe that Hodge’s team will continue to be conference and district title contenders as they transition to the Central Ozark Conference.
“We started nine underclassmen last season — two freshmen, three sophomores, four juniors and only two seniors,” Hodge said. “So, while our seniors from that team will be missed, we were still a relatively young team. Our goal is to win the championship in both district and conference and our group is ready to get back to work and compete for the championship again.”
Hodge, who is also the coach of Kickapoo’s boys soccer team that plays in the fall, got a feel for the new conference earlier this school year. Kickapoo is also familiar with many of the COC schools from previous non-conference or playoff games.
“While each sport has a different dynamic, for soccer specifically the new COC had a great deal more parity than the OC,” Hodge said. “On any given night, anyone can beat anyone. We always like to schedule the toughest competition we can find and that are willing to play. Every game on the schedule is a true test with our new conference and non-conference schedule.”
Kickapoo will be led by one of the state’s top scoring talents, two-time all-state selection Ellie Davison. With 99 career goals, the senior forward is already Kickapoo’s all-time leading scorer — and she’ll look to build on her legacy before continuing her soccer career at Drury.
“We hope that she has another successful season for us and can continue to find the back of the net,” Hodge said.
The Kickapoo defense will be anchored by another local college commit. Senior Faith Joe, who is heading to Evangel, is coming off an all-conference, all-district and all-region season.
“We will look for Faith to take on more of a leadership role this spring,” Hodge said. “She is a tough defender who is fearless and wants the best for the team.”
Fellow senior Erin Lee brings another veteran presence to Kickapoo’s backline. She earned all-conference and all-district honors last spring.
“She is a defender that is always in the right spot and has a true knack for the game,” Hodge said. “She can also go forward and help facilitate our possession. She is a true leader on and off the field and will be the voice of our team this spring.”
Junior midfielder Sage Meek was second on the team in scoring as a sophomore, netting 16 goals and six assists. She also earned spots on the all-conference and all-district teams.
“Sage is an attacking minded player on the outside,” Hodge said. “Another great offensive threat for us that will need to have another big season for us.”
Classmate Lily Howser added five goals and eight assists and also collected all-conference and all-district recognition.
“She is always involved in the run of play,” Hodge said of the midfielder. “Lily excels in helping our team keep the possession of the ball with her great first touch and ability to find her teammates with limited touches to keep the ball moving.”
Senior Ray Hall (defender) and sophomores Brooklynn Duree (midfielder/forward) and Chloe Coughenour (defender/midfielder) will all return following all-conference seasons, with Hodge saying that the team’s chemistry and varsity experience will be its biggest strengths.
Still, the coach anticipates that some newcomers could crack the deep lineup.
“Our open fields have been limited due to the weather,” Hodge said. “But there are most certainly some freshmen that have done a nice job that will compete for some playing time at the varsity level.”
Kickapoo will host Glendale and Nixa for a March 13 jamboree.
The Chiefs will open the regular season on March 21 in Bentonville, Arkansas, then return home to face Rock Bridge the next day.
