By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Branson Lady Pirates are going back to their roots as David Brenner returns to the sidelines in 2025.
Brenner, who was the Lady Pirates’ first head coach in the 2008-2009 school year, led the team for its first five seasons and returned as an assistant from 2020-2024. Throughout his time at Branson, Brenner has also served as the boys’ head coach (2008-2024) and said he will be retiring at the end of the season.
While serving as the Lady Pirates’ assistant, Brenner said the 2024 squad rose to the challenges of a new head coach, an injury and facing the final season in the Central Ozark Conference.
“Before the (2024) season started, we had a new head coach for the first time in a decade (Lauren Stepp) and she brought a different perspective to the team that the players really embraced,” Brenner said. “One of the key seniors tore her ACL in the winter and would not be with us on the field. That being said, the team really stepped up and took the field with confidence.
“Knowing that this was the last year they would play in the COC, the team really wanted to have a strong season and work toward that from day one. No challenge was too much for this team.”
Branson finished the 2024 season 9-11 overall, 3-6 in the COC (seventh place) and fell to Hillcrest 3-2 (PKs) in the first round of the Class 3 District 6 Tournament.
“The leaders of the team for 2025 had to step into big roles in 2024 and the experience will hopefully pay off this season,” Brenner said. “Several underclassmen had to play significant varsity roles and the time they put in will really make a difference this year.
“This season, the team will have a core group of returning players who have been through a varsity season, and the trials of last season will help them take the team into the new conference (Ozark Mountain Conference) with confidence.”
The Lady Pirates’ core group includes four seniors and a large junior class.
Sadie Lampe, senior midfielder – A Class 3 District 6 first-team and All-Central Ozark Conference second-team selection. “Our most experienced player, Sadie will be the one we expect to control the middle of the pitch on both offense and defense,” Brenner said.
Abi Jones, senior wing – “Always giving her maximum effort, Jones leads us with positive energy and sets an example for everyone watching.”
Macy Holloway, senior wing – “Macy is a leader for the team who can set the tone for us.”
Kaleah Morrison, senior goalkeeper – “Kaleah has really worked hard to be ready for this year. She is an emotional leader and her positive attitude keeps the whole team upbeat.”
With the start of each season, Brenner said he still hopes “to find a diamond,” a player with experience or even one new to the game to contribute to the team, and this season is no different.
“We have had several new faces and some of the younger players from last season have continued to improve, but until we get on the field we will still be looking,” Brenner said.
The Lady Pirates graduated four key players from last year, including all-district performers Tatum Worth and Summer Pollard.
Tatum Worth, goalkeeper – A Class 3 District 6 first-team and All-COC honorable mention honoree; now playing at Crowder College. “(Tatum was) a great goalkeeper who anchored us for four seasons,” Brenner said. “(It will be) hard to replace her experience and ability.”
Summer Pollard, forward – Earned Class 3 District 6 first-team honors; playing at Crowder College. “We will have a difficult job of finding someone as fast as Summer. She made defenders find her on the field whenever we won a ball.”
Anna Marti, defender – Playing at State Fair Community College. “A versatile player who took charge of the middle of our defense and made life difficult for any opposing attacker who tried to come into the middle of the field.”
Abby Decker, defender – Suffered a torn ACL and did not play in 2024. “We missed her courage on the field. Abby was a difference-maker who was set up to have a breakout year.”
The Lady Pirates will participate in a jamboree at Willard with Republic on March 14 before opening the regular season on March 27 at Aurora.
“Resiliency and positive energy have been a hallmark of these ladies,” Brenner said. “Every day, regardless of the conditions or what is happening in a match, they bring a positive energy with them. As a coach, it is a privilege to help them find success.
“We will never be out of a game. This team has a belief in each other that means they will put their best effort on the pitch every chance they get.”
