After a 2015 campaign chock-full of impressive feats – including 17 wins, 12 shutouts and a school record for goals scored – it's time to turn the page for Republic girls soccer.
Replacing five seniors from last year's squad is a challenging task in itself, but the Lady Tigers also welcome in a new coach to lead the program after Mike Hines departed for Springfield Catholic last May.
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Fortunately for Republic, the team is left in good hands as former Carl Junction coach Kevin Hauck takes the reigns. Over the span of seven years, Hauck compiled a 90-53-2 overall record and claimed a district championship crown three times.
Despite his successes at a school where he formed the girls soccer program, Hauck realizes the level of unfamiliarity and unpredictability that's undeniably present when a new coach enters the fold.
“Getting a new coach and losing all of your starting defenders from last season will always create challenges,” Hauck said. “We will continue to build trust on each other, and learn and grow as a team. I am excited to see where we can be at the end of the season.”
Back line mainstays Morgan Cantrell, Lesleigh Fenton and Michayla Shanks have moved on, but a new nucleus of talent is ready to keep Republic relevant in the COC.
Forward and team captain Emily Jordan will be a dangerous weapon offensively on the front line for the Lady Tigers. The junior, who showed her flare for the dramatic on numerous occasions last spring, is expected to be a primary goal-scorer.
“I believe she could be in for a big year,” Hauck said of Jordan. “She has great foot skill and sees the field very well. We will put pressure on her to be able to lead our attack for us.”
Senior Emily Griffith and junior Danielle Beck will look to cause havoc for Republic's foes at the midfield spot. Griffith and Beck are terrific ball-handlers who can set the table for the front line.
“Both of those ladies may not score a ton, but will get theirs,” said Hauck in reference to Griffith and Beck. “They will be able to do the dirty work in the midfield for us and help distribute the ball where we need it to go.”
Center back duties will go to senior Kheiara Dodd and junior Lauryl Hyde, while junior Jessica Laster will get the start in goal.
It may be his first year coaching the Lady Tigers, but that's not stopping Hauck from letting his group know exactly what's expected from them, while looking to grab some big wins along the way.
“I expect to be able to play aggressive possession soccer and force the other team into making mistakes, while limiting our mistakes,” Hauck added. “We have the opportunity to shock some teams this year and I am looking forward to the challenges that we will face as a team.”
Opening day is Mar. 22 for Republic as it hosts the Rolla Lady Bulldogs.
