By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
New Covenant Academy head coach Eric Crain believes that the Lady Warriors’ strength of schedule in 2024 will benefit them in 2025, as well as the fact that he returns 10 starters from last season.
The Lady Warriors finished 10-8 overall during a season that saw them match up against larger schools, including Class 4 Willard, which finished 18-7 overall; Class 3 Marshfield, which played for a district championship and featured the No. 3 goal scorer in Missouri high school history; and Logan-Rogersville, which finished fourth in Class 2.
New Covenant scored a first-round upset in the Class 2 District 5 Tournament with a 1-0 (PK) victory over fourth-seeded Cassville before falling 8-0 to Logan-Rogersville in the semifinals.
“Every loss came against quality opponents,” said Crain, who enters his 10th season with the Lady Warriors. “Despite these challenges, our team showed resilience and a never-quit mentality.
“Though our season ended in the district semifinals against Logan-Rogersville, the experience gained will be invaluable as we move into 2025. With 10 returning starters and a group of girls who bring great attitudes and a fun team dynamic, we’re excited for what’s ahead.”
The Lady Warriors will field an experienced roster that includes six seniors, six juniors and two sophomores in 2025. Crain on his returning players:
Goalkeepers
Madi Jorgensen (junior) – “(Madi) stepped into the goalkeeper role last season after Ella Armour’s injury and did a fantastic job adapting to the new position,” Crain said. “She made two crucial saves in the penalty shootout against Cassville, proving her composure under pressure.”
Defenders
Ella Armour (junior) – A Class 2 District 5 second-team selection. “She was our starting goalkeeper as a freshman but transitioned to the field last season after recovering from a hand injury last year. She’s a strong leader in the backfield and brings experience and command to our defense.”
Ashlyn Coryell (senior) – A four-year starter and Class 2 District 5 second-team honoree. “She plays a key role in connecting our backline to the offense with her vision and distribution.”
Peyton Ellis (sophomore) – “(Peyton) gained valuable experience last season playing both midfield and defense, showcasing her versatility.”
Elise McIntyre (junior) – “A hard-working outside defender with great speed and determination.”
Ashlynn Oller (sophomore) – “(Ashlynn) made a strong impact in her first year with the team. She’s an experienced player who will see more time in the midfield this season.”
Katie Seevers (senior) – “A returning starter known for her strong work ethic and coachability.”
Audrey Cannefax (senior) – “A no-nonsense defender who does all the gritty, unglamorous work that every successful team needs.”
Forwards
Izzy Nieman (senior) – “A fast, aggressive forward who plays with intensity and will be exciting to watch this season.”
Lola Ingle (junior) – “Gained significant experience last year and continues to develop her game. She’s aggressive and always eager to learn.”
Midfielders
Kelby Krug (senior) – “A talented midfielder with great touch and extensive experience controlling the midfield.”
Sarah Garner (senior) – “A seasoned midfielder who showed tremendous growth toward the end of last season, stepping up in a big way.”
Kinsley VanDeWege (junior) – “A hard-working and naturally talented center midfielder. (We’re) looking forward to seeing her continued development this season.”
Bethany McNaughton (junior) – “An aggressive outside midfielder who puts in the work and will play a key role with significant minutes this season.”
Crain said the Lady Warriors’ newcomers include a transfer and a handful of freshmen, who will “make great contributions to the team.”
Gone from the Lady Warriors’ 2024 roster include all-region forward Jocelyn Feola and Emerson VanDeWege, who graduated last spring.
Jocelyn Feola, forward – Earned Class 2 All-Region 3 and Class 2 District 5 first-team/Att Player of the Year honors. “Jocelyn was a great leader and a hard-working player who was always eager to learn. She made the most of all four years, growing both mentally and physically in the game while staying coachable and committed.
“Emerson VanDeWege played every position for the two years she played, always bringing hard work and a great attitude to the field.”
The Lady Warriors open the regular season at home against McDonald County on March 25 before hitting the road for a district rematch against Cassville on March 27.
