By Chris Parker
Seven starters and 12 lettermen return for a Neosho soccer program coming off a three-win season.
Emma Vandorn (senior), Jitney Andrews (sophomore), Karina Chavez Vargas (senior), Yoselyn Ramos (sophomore) and Andrea Gilliam (freshman) will be the forwards.
In the midfield, look for Sadee Depriest (junior), Sandy Lopez (junior), Belinda Mercado (sophomore) and Delmi Hernandez (junior).
The back line features Kim Hernandez (senior), Mia Robbins (senior), Ana Pastor Manriquez (junior) and Ryan Farris (sophomore).
Yaretzi Parker-Gallardo (senior) and Bianca Mendoza (senior) are both options at goalkeeper.
Pastor Manriquez, Depriest and Vandorn will be team leaders at all three levels.
Ana Pastor will not only be a vocal leader but also lead from the center back position,” Neosho head coach Steve Schnackenburg said. “Sadee Depriest will lead in the midfield and Emma Vandorn will lead from the striker position.”
Depriest led the team with four goals and four assists last season.
The players have had strong off-seasons according to Schnackenburg.
“Offseason has been great for most of our players. They have really built a good foundation for us to build on,” Schnackenburg said. “We will be looking to find depth in the beginning of the season and getting the experience to those players.”
Neosho opens the regular season on Mar. 24 at Monett.
“We are always looking to make the next step in our improvement process. I want this team to be the team that makes a big step in that direction,” Schnackenburg said. “We will focus on the things we can control in ourselves to compete for the top of the COC West title and carry that throughout the entire COC. Making strides in improving in the district tournament by competing with top teams in the regular season.”
