By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Webb City Lady Cardinals fought the injury bug last season and coach Justin Boudreaux is hoping to field a healthy squad in 2025.
In spite of the injuries, the Lady Cardinals finished 10-10 overall and 3-6 in the Central Ozark Conference last season.
“I never felt like we were able to field our best 11 because it seemed like someone different was injured every week,” said Boudreaux, who enters his second season as the Webb City girls’ head coach. “In hindsight, it forced other girls into roles that they maybe weren’t ready for, but they were able to grow tremendously, which gives us depth heading into this season with Dakota (DeGraffenried) coming back healthy.
“The girls really found their stride late in the season as we ended the season winning four of our last six games heading into district play, highlighted by a 1-0 (OT) win at home against Carl Junction. Overall, I was proud of our grit and drive despite the adversity we faced throughout the season.”
Webb City has an experienced group returning this season that includes the majority of its starting lineup.
“I believe the expectations are high for this year,” Boudreaux said. “This group of seniors and juniors have been playing together for a while now, so we won’t have to deal with a chemistry issue like other teams might who have lost the bulk of their lineup to graduation.
“Since the beginning of offseason practices, we’ve been talking about goals. This team is hungry to win a district championship and advance in the state playoffs.”
Dakota DeGraffenreid, junior forward – “Dakota started off the season really well and had scored 9 goals in 5 games before being sidelined for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. Had she been healthy I have no doubt she would’ve been an all-conference and all-district player. Dakota brings an obvious scoring threat and has a willingness to take players on. She’s hungry to get back on the field and resume her goal-scoring prowess.”
Avery Allen, junior forward – Scored 5 goals with 1 assist; Class 3 District 7 first team. “Avery is one of the most competitive girls on our team and brings that intensity to every game and practice. It was a season of fluidity for Avery as she was asked to play multiple positions across our front 3 and midfield due to our injury issues. This year, I foresee a breakout junior season for her. She’s put in a lot of individual time in the offseason and it’s evident she’s more confident than ever on the ball. Her shot has a lot more power on it as well, so I’m excited to see her take the field this season.”
Addi Brown, senior goalkeeper – Class 3 District 7 honorable mention. “Addi returns to the net for a third-consecutive season and each year she’s gotten better. She made huge strides last season and really embraced the leadership role, both on and off the field. Addi is one of the smartest kids I’ve ever coached and has soaked up every bit of information there is to know about being a goalkeeper. For someone who is relatively new to the position, she sees the field well and commands the box. She has great agility which allows her to make big saves when called upon.”
Kirra Long, senior defender (injured) – Class 3 District 7 second team, All-Central Ozark Conference honorable mention. “Kirra has been a stalwart at left back ever since coming onto the scene as a freshman. She’s an extremely talented athlete (also plays volleyball and basketball). Over the past 3 years, she’s been the epitome of what you want in a defender. Unfortunately, Kirra suffered a torn ACL during basketball season and will not be able to play soccer this spring. We will still look to Kirra to help the backline make adjustments and we will lean on her overall leadership skills this season.”
Ruby Channel, senior defender – 1 goal, 3 assists; Class 3 District 7 second team. “Ruby has started on the backline since her freshman year and is returning to the backline having served her team as a captain last year alongside classmate Addi Brown and the now-graduated Riley Whitehead. She’s one of our primary free-kick takers and that puts her in a position to serve goal-scoring opportunities to her teammates. Ruby’s veteran presence is going to be pivotal in our success this year and I have no doubt she’s up for the challenge.”
Rachel Channel, sophomore right back – “Rachel started every game at right back as a freshman last year. That’s a testament to her work ethic and her ability. As a right back, she’s often paired with an opposing team’s speedy winger or forward and sometimes gets isolated one-on-one. Rachel has the speed to keep up with them and the discipline to slow them down without diving in at the ball. The confidence continued to grow as the season progressed and I’m excited to see what’s in store for her sophomore campaign.”
Gabby Stodghill, senior – “Gabby is another senior on this team who has made contributions since her freshman year. Gabby’s versatility proved vital last year when so many injuries surfaced because she was able to rotate through multiple spots without skipping a beat. She’s left-footed, which always leads to defenders having a hard time with her. She is one of our corner kick takers and has a great shot when she’s able to get one off.”
Emily Wood, senior – “Emily is the fifth senior on our team and another versatile player. She only started playing soccer her sophomore year, but her athleticism lends her to being in the right place at the right time and understanding her role, whether that be as a winger or as an outside back. She has explosive speed, so we’re looking forward to utilizing that more this year and seeing what she can do one-on-one.”
Alex Maturino, junior forward – Scored 2 goals. “Alex has been developing a better first touch in the offseason, which will pair nicely with what is an already powerful shot. Alex’s motor is always high and she’s always working hard on the field, which makes her a problem for defenders trying to clear the ball upfield.”
Lily Hall, junior center midfielder – Scored 4 goals, 2 assists; Class 3 District 7 honorable mention. “Lily plays in the midfield trio of CMs and has rotated between CAM and CM. She has the ability to drive the ball forward with her controlled touch on the ball and then either pick out a pass or take a shot. She sees the game so well, which makes her a crucial piece in the midfield cog.”
Camille Nimmo, sophomore goalkeeper – “Camille primarily started in the JV goal but toward the end of the season saw some time in the field on varsity. This was a testament to her soccer IQ and her excellence with the ball at her feet. In the goal, Camille’s IQ flourishes. She’s played the position for a long time, so she understands her positioning, footwork, handling, etc., and does it all so well. I’m excited to see her continue to grow this year.”
“Our senior leadership is top-notch,” Boudreaux said. “Ruby Channel, Kirra Long, Gabby Stodghill, Emily Wood and Addi Brown have been adamant from day one that this team will work hard and take the necessary steps to achieve their goals. The five of them all have different ways they can impact the team and I think that makes their sphere of influence that much greater.”
Boudreaux identified three freshmen and a sophomore who could step in and make an immediate impact this season for the Lady Cardinals.
Avery Pogue, freshman forward – “Avery has played competitively for many years now and her ability to create her own shot is evidence of that. She knows how to read defenses and make the right plays as a result. She plays with confidence well beyond her years and has a passion for the game that is unmatched.”
Sammy Gallardo, freshman center midfielder – “Sammy has a fantastic first touch and her ball control is precise. She has great vision and can pinpoint passes to anywhere on the field with impeccable accuracy. We’ll look to her to spring the counterattack and expect her to dish out assists as well as take defenders on and score. Her game is very well-rounded and she’ll be a welcomed addition to our already talented midfield.”
Anisley Cranford, sophomore defender – “Anisley joins the team after sitting out last year. She has the ability to step in and make an impact either at center back or outside back. She plays with a ferocity that is fun to watch and will create problems for opposing forwards. Anisley’s speed is also noteworthy. She is able to close down opposing marks quickly and that provides a major asset to an already stout backline. Anisley brings high energy to this team as well, which makes her fun to coach.”
Anisten Cartright, freshman defender – “Anisten doesn’t back down from a challenge. She’s aggressive and has the mindset that every ball is hers to win. She has speed as well, which makes her a threat when it comes to winning 50/50 balls and increases her ability to recover well in dangerous situations. I’m excited to have her on the field this year and believe she could be a difference-maker, whether that be at outside back or center back.”
The Lady Cardinals graduated just one player from the 2024 squad in all-district and all-conference midfielder Riley Whitehead, and lost another, Mikaela Golubski, who moved to Carthage.
Riley Whitehead, midfielder – Class 3 District 7 first team, All-Central Ozark Conference second team. “Riley is not playing in college after deciding that her body couldn’t handle the stress anymore. Riley had multiple knee and foot injuries her freshman, sophomore and junior years. Riley took on the tall task of being the lone senior on a team loaded with underclassmen. We’ll miss her overall leadership and her willingness to give 110 percent for her team every night.”
Webb City will compete in the West division of the Central Ozark Conference and will participate in a jamboree at Carl Junction with Joplin and Carthage on March 13 before opening the regular season at Carthage on March 25.
“With the expansion of the COC, there are some teams on our schedule that had not been previously,” Boudreaux said. “Glendale, Central, Parkview, Waynesville and Lebanon are all teams that will now be regularly scheduled opponents, whereas, years past have seen them come and go where we could fit them in. Being able to add these teams on a permanent basis just adds to the level of competition on our schedule.
“I feel between our conference and the nonconference games that have been added, we will have one of the toughest schedules in the area, which bodes well for us come postseason.”
