The games are about to begin for the Hamilton Heights girls soccer team, but the season has been going on for a while.
And after everything that the Huskies did over the summer, coach Travis Kauffman had this to say: “If summer work and last year are any indication, it should be a strong year.”
Kauffman said his team graduated four starters from last year, but he has seen “a lot of growth among the players who will be asked to step into these roles.”
“Our defense returns largely intact from last year and another off-season and summer have seen them work and grow well together,” said Kauffman.
The defensive players returning for Heights are senior Shanna Moffatt, juniors Ava Bryant and Katherine Smith, and sophomores Kathleen Hayes, Samera Henson, Keri Townsend and Jayla Logan, who will split between defense and midfield. Of the four grades, the sophomores have the largest presence on the Heights team with seven players.
Senior Tessa Harr will be the goalkeeper. Kauffman calls Harr “strong and confident,” and noted that she “has the trust of the defenders in front of her.”
The Huskies’ offense will have a varied experience level, with senior Caitlin Hartwick, sophomore Kyndall Ferguson and freshman Cassidy Felger playing forwards. Kauffman said those players “have impressed thus far.” Meanwhile, senior Emily Stirn, a four-year starter and All-District 2nd Team player, will head up the midfield.
“What will be tested, though, is our depth,” said Kauffman. “We lost a couple of players over the summer due to moves which has left some of our positions a little thin. As always, it’s up to the younger players, then, to step up and into those responsibilities. We have had a drought when it comes to conference and sectional championships – we know how difficult it can be to earn those but there is a belief that we can make a run at them this year.”
The Huskies open their season Monday at Western Boone.
VARSITY ROSTER
Seniors: Tessa Harr, Caitlin Hartwick, Shanna Moffatt, Emily Stirn.
Juniors: Ava Bryant, Paige Doucette, Maria Mitchell, Jenna Peterson, Katherine Smith.
Sophomores: Kyndall Ferguson, Emma Hall, Kathleen Hayes, Samera Henson, Jennavee Houser, Jayla Logan, Keri Townsend.
Freshman: Cassidy Felger.