By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The West Plains Lady Zizzers’ new leader didn’t get to battle test her young team last season but is eager to finally begin.
“I’ve played soccer all my life,” said Jada Martin, a Lady Zizzer alumnus who played goalie and center midfielder in high school. Martin began her coaching career three years ago, assisting with boys’ soccer.
Martin didn’t get a chance to coach now-graduated Abbi Thompson, Haylie Jeffery, Jenna Wittwer, and Isabel Mitchell.
“We lost our starting striker/forward, defender, midfielder, and goalie when our seniors from last year left, but we have some returning girls who got to learn underneath them,” said Coach Martin.
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Jade Martin and Kylie Kittrell, both returning juniors, will cover key roles. Martin is a center midfielder/defender, and Kittrell is a defender in a sweeper or stopper position. “They are both natural leaders, and I have high hopes for them this year,” said Coach Martin. “I believe they will help carry this young team so we have a great season.”
Raigan King is a sophomore who returns to the striker position, and Greta Grisham (junior) will serve as a midfielder. “King has great ball control, and she and Grisham both have speed, which makes them a great team. Grisham has great stamina and is a hard-working player who can help us both offensively and defensively.”
“This is my first year as head coach, which has been what I wanted to do since I was very young,” said Coach Martin. “Our team is very young this year, mostly freshmen and sophomores, and will be starting fresh. But we have strong returning players who can lead the team so we can grow together – as a team, as individuals, and for the love of soccer. I am so excited for this season and to see what it brings.”
The Lady Zizzers host a home opener against Marshfield March 22.
