By RICHIE HALL
For the first time in 20 years, there will be a new Noblesville girls soccer coach on the sidelines when the Millers start their season.
Mitch Holden is that new coach. He comes to Noblesville from Plainfield, where he guided the Quakers to four consecutive Mid-State Conference championships and a 28-0 record in the league. Holden is ready to make the jump to the Millers program, and he is excited to be a part of a program that has won five of the last six Class 3A state championships.
“I’m stoked, man,” said Holden. “It’s one of the jobs you don’t really see open a lot, and to have a chance to be a part of this program, this culture and the players, I’m blessed to be a part of it all. I have a great group of players and a great group of parents that have been very welcoming.”
Holden is aware he has big shoes to fill, as he succeeds Mike Brady, who coached Noblesville for 22 years and compiled 310 wins to go with those state championships. While Holden said he will probably “bring in a different style of soccer” to the Millers program – “I’m a little bit more of a defensive-minded coach,” he said – Holden will keep the things that Brady instilled “that make the program great, making sure all the traditions are kept intact, all the little things the parents like to do are kept intact.”
“Keeping the culture and traditions,” said Holden. “I don’t intend to make too many changes to the program itself.”
This year’s Noblesville team will be experienced, with 10 juniors and eight seniors. Holden learned right away about the Millers’ intensity when it comes to practice.
“They have a little bit of a chip on their shoulder every year and I think that’s something very rare,” said Holden. “They come in and they earn it every day, which is why I think they’ve had so much success.”
Two seniors returning are defenders Hannah Struve and Allie Royer; Holden said they will be “standouts on the back line.” Senior Sam Addison will be a key midfield player who is back for the Millers.
Junior forward Delaney Stone will on the attack. She returns the most goals for Noblesville, scoring 14 and dishing out nine assists last season. Stone scored a goal during the Millers’ 3-1 victory over Center Grove last season in the Class 3A state championship game.
“I look for her to carry the torch goal-scoring wise,” said Holden.
Junior Kendall Kramer was a defender last year but look for her in the midfield this season. Holden called Kramer a “jack of all trades,” someone who can play defense and also hold down the middle of the field.
“She can do everything for us,” said Holden.
Another scoring threat returning is sophomore Brooklyn Gibbons. She played in the majority of the Millers’ matches last year and scored six goals, also making one assist.
Holden said there are a few solid freshmen in the lineup, but again noted that Noblesville is “very, very upperclassmen-led this year.”
“The freshmen will be very good soccer players in the future,” said Holden.
Noblesville begins its season Saturday morning by taking on Cathedral in a match at Grand Park. The Millers’ first match at Hallmark Orthodontics Soccer Complex is Wednesday against Pendleton Heights, then Noblesville begins Hoosier Crossroads Conference play with two road contests at Avon Aug. 27 and Hamilton Southeastern Aug. 30.
“We’re excited just to get out and compete,” said Holden.