2025 Spring Preview: Republic Soccer

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By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

The future looks bright for the Republic girls soccer program.

After winning just 17 total games between 2022 and 2023, the Tigers went 17-7 last spring. It was their most successful season since 2015.

Republic looks to build off that momentum in its third season under coach Jesus Zuniga.

“Looking back at last season, I would say it was a first step in a positive direction,” Zuniga said. “But a good friend once told me it’s easy to do something once, but the real challenge is doing it consistently. Doing it once wasn’t easy by any means, but our student athletes being able to smile afterwards and see their hard work reap its benefits is motivation moving forward — and this year will be a challenge to see if we can start to do things consistently.”

But the challenge becomes slightly more manageable when you take a look at Republic’s roster. The Tigers will return most of their starters, including 60 percent of its scoring attack.

“We know that we have another strong group returning that has high goals and ambitions as well,” Zuniga said. “Our strengths this year will be different than our strengths last year. Each group is going to be special in their own way — and the sooner we understand and can find our new identity, the sooner we can get to work.”

The Tigers will feature four seniors who earned postseason honors.

Claire Redman, Cadence Lugar, Kaylee Cornelsen and Adison Gibbs were all named to the all-district team, while Lugar, Cornelsen and GIbbs were also all-conference picks.

The quartet is tasked with stepping into the leadership roles vacated by the nine graduated members of the Class of 2024.

“We have been blessed to have very balanced classes — and last year’s group has helped our returning players and incoming players believe in something that can be built on,” Zuniga said. “Fortunately, we have a great returning group who has played varsity minutes, so time will tell. Having players be great role models and pass the torch will be the key to not allowing a turnover be detrimental to a younger program.”

Redman, a midfielder/forward, is coming off an 11-goal season.

“Claire was new to our high school program last year, and was a great addition,” Zuniga said. “She had a very successful junior campaign, which should feed into an even more successful senior year. Her knowledge of the game makes her a threat anywhere we place her.”

Lugar, who can play throughout the lineup, finished with 10 goals.

“Cadence played a lot of holding/defensive mid for her club team but will look to push more in the attack and be a major contributor to helping us win the midfield this season,” Zuniga said.

Cornelsen, a defender/midfielder, added five goals and three assists.

“Kaylee will continue to have a more defensive presence in our midfield,” Zuniga said. “Kaylee has proven that she can strike a ball from distance but has always put her team first and will do what’s best for the collective.”

Gibbs primarily played as Republic’s striker last season but has also been successful as a wing and defender. Her 13 goals are tops among returners.

“Gibby is a very athletic student athlete who has a competitive spirit and has already informed the coaching staff that she will play where the team needs her most,” Zuniga said.

Juniors Bria Claxton, Paige Elsenraat, Awbree Berning and Macey Mitchell will all return to the Republic program this year. Mitchell will be looking to make her varsity debut, while the others were full-time or part-time starters.

Zuniga on Claxton, a defender/midfielder: “Bria could potentially shift more towards the middle of the backline, but she chipped in a few shots on goal last year and an assist — so she is fully capable of moving forward.”

Zuniga on Elsenraat, a forward/midfielder: “Paige is the type of player that knows when to crash the goal and is fully capable of putting defenses under pressure.”

Zuniga on Berning, a goalkeeper: “Awbree and her defense the last two years have earned 23 wins and had 16 shutouts. We will be looking to see Awbree be a voice with a new look backline and gain chemistry early.”

Zuniga on Mitchell, a forward/midfielder: “Every year, she impresses during pre-season and winter workouts. Macey has a very high soccer IQ and can be a threat in the attack, whether that is as a striker or a midfielder. “

Two of Republic’s 2024 JV captains — Emma Hoodenpyle and Sophie Woolfenden — are in line for a promotion to the varsity.

Both have impressed Zuniga with their ability to play throughout the lineup.

Zuniga on Hoodenpyle: “She’s a great team player who really wants to do what’s best for the team, whether that be in the attack or on our backline. She’s got pace and has proven to be able to strike a ball well — but also defend too.”

Zuniga on Woolfenden: “I have seen her score goals at the JV level, but also seen her be a strong presence on the backline. This versatility will allow her to continuously be an option depending who our opponent is and where their weaknesses are.”

JV teammates Gracee Phelps and Jaclyn Wade will also look to earn varsity jobs.

“You can tell they have put time in the offseason to improve,” Zuniga said.

The Tigers also added Shelby Romine, whose family relocated to the district from the state of Washington.

“The things we have seen out of her, have really given us even more excitement as a coaching staff,” Zuniga said.

As many as 28 freshmen have expressed interest in the program, and Zuniga noted some of them could potentially see the varsity field this season.

The coach said Andie Wistrom, Ava Woolley, Avery Moore, Macy Smith, Hannah Strong, Evelyn Sparkman, Abby Dryer, Audrey Weber, Kynnadi Snider and Jayleigh Baty are all returning JV players or incoming freshmen who will push for varsity playing time.

“These gals are putting in the work and time, continuing to make our foundation stronger — but setting the tone/standard for the years to come,” Zuniga said.

The Tigers will travel to Willard for a March 14 jamboree with the hosts and Branson, then open the regular season with a March 21 visit to Smith-Cotton.

“I’m excited to sit back, watch these girls have fun, compete and continue to take pride in what they do,” Zuniga said. “It’s always fun seeing players achieve milestones — personal or team — and getting to be a passenger on their journey.”

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