Team Previews
Girls 2008
Central Region
Team Capsules (provided by area coaches)
School: Rock Bridge
2007 Record: 11-7-5
Coach: Kelly Gates (2nd year)
Key Returners: Jeanna Ross (12), Alex Litofsky (12), Kayla Hauck (10) and Beau Rieske (10)
Key Newcomers: Sarah Humphrey (9), Kelsey Whittet (10)
Starters returning: 7
2008 Outlook/Comments: The 2007 district champions are coming out looking to build on the success of the 2007 season. We lost a few seniors, however we do have 7 starters from last year returning, so the season looks to be very promising, even with a tough early schedule. We also had so many girls come out this year that we had the numbers to create three teams, a Varsity, a JVa, and a JVb team, so the future looks bright indeed for the RBHS program!
School: Helias
2007 Record: 12-6
Coach: Matt Hicks (1st year)
Key Returners: Caty Newbold (12), Melissa Young (12), Katie Pitts (12),
Kelsey Mueller (12), Lauren Ploch (12), Brandy Jungmeyer (12), Danielle
Baumgartner (11), Annie Struemph (11), Caitlin Dulle (10),
Key Newcomers: Jill Szumigala (10), Carleigh Cavender (9)
2008 Outlook: Helias returns a number of players from last year's squad. In addition to the holdovers, a few key additions could make the Crusaders a formidable foe.
School: Jefferson City
2007 Record: 17-5-2
Coach: Matt Stacey (1st year)
Key Returners: Kelsey Sanders (12), Katie Denning (12), Molly Cowley (10)
Key Newcomers: Mariah McClain (11) has some big shoes to fill
Starters returning: 8
2008 Outlook/Comments: We are still a young team, but are returning a good number of key players. An extremely tough district lies ahead us.
School: Hickman
2007 Record: 8-11-4
Coach: Jeff Wallace (1st year)
Key Returners-Lauren Robb (12), Liz Gayer (12), Katie LaRue (10), Katie Lappin (12);
Starters returning: 6
2008 Outlook /Comments: I am a one-year interim coach filling in after the death of Coach Strodtman. The team was extremely close to Coach S. but they have been making a great effort to carry on. They have dedicated the season to him and are preparing in a manner that would make him proud. We have a large senior class (10) and they will be important in helping us get through a tough schedule. Hopefully, our schedule will prepare us for a very competitive district. We lost a couple of underclass starters that does affect our depth (an all-district mid-fielder and a forward.) I’m proud of our team’s resilience in getting through a tough situation and we are looking forward to an exciting season.
School: Sedalia Smith-Cotton
2007: 14 7 2
Coach: Shawn Cairer (3rd year)
Returning Starters: 10
2008 Outlook: After only losing one starter from its very successful 2007 campaign, Sedalia Smith-Cotton is poised to make a run deep into district competition. While spending most of last year flying under the radar, look for Smith-Cotton to be a potential front-runner this season.
School: Camdenton
2007 Record: 12-12-0
Coach: J.D. Hunter – (11th year)
Key Returners: CM Blaire Baker (12), D Maria Civitate (12), CM Latea LaRue (10), F Alisha "Girdy" Morice (12), F Meg Manzer (12).
Key Newcomers: Steffanie Kirvan (11), Kali Kuse (9), Hayley Baker (9)
Starters Returning: 8
2008 Outlook: A very solid core group of players return for the Lady Lakers, including all four starting defenders from last season. A good freshmen class added to the returning players should make for an exciting season for Camdenton.
Class 1
School: Moberly
2007 Record: 14-9-2
Coach: Robbie Murray (4th year at school, 4th year overall)
Key Returners: Andie Wiesner (12), Shawn Beard (11) and
Shannon Dickerson (11).
Starters returning: 10
2008 Outlook/Comments: The Lady Spartans return a core group who are looking to build off of a successful 2007 season.
School: Mexico
2007 Record: 9-12-1
Coach: Brad Ellebracht (9th year)
Key Returners: D/MF Sarah Hotop (12), MF Jenna Nelson (12), D Becca Hotop (10), MF/F Lindsay Polston (12), MF Sarah Ogar (10).
Key Newcomers: Kathyrn Perll (12)... not really a newcomer, but missed last season with knee injury. She will be a welcome addition.
Starters Returning: 10
We have a good core group of players returning, but a lot of questions to answer. We are hoping to integrate some new players into the mix to build a little depth as the season goes on.
School: Fulton
2007 Record: 12-7-3
Coach: Kati Wallace (4th year)
Key Returners: Caitlyn Guerrant (12), Ashley Russell (12)
Key Newcomers: ?
Starters returning: ?
2008 Outlook/Comments: Coming off best season in school history, but will have to replace Jessica “Odie” Martin, who has led the Hornets in scoring the past few years.
School: Southern Boone
2007 Record: 9-8
Coach: Chris Miller (1st year at school, 13th overall)
Key Returners: MF Tillie Bill (10), MF Megan Moore (12), D Lacey Berry (12)
Key Newcomers: Courtney Branch (12)
Starters returning: 5
2008 Outlook/Comments: Very inexperienced group with only 21 players total (8 freshmen). We'll be looking to show improvement throughout the season as the young players get more game experience. Very tough district awaits at the end.
Class 2 District 10 Preview: The Class 2 District 10 race has arguably been the most competitive in the state and this year will be no different as each of the six teams can make a significant run at a district title. One thing that should make this district interesting – three first-year coaches and one second-year coach out of the six district teams. A note of interest: the District 10 winner will more than likely play state power Incarnate Word Academy in a sectional game. IWA won its district last year in record-setting fashion – 15-0 over Gateway – en route to a second place finish in Class 2. Incarnate returns two of the top players in the nation and was ranked nationally for the majority of 2007. (The teams are ordered below based on their preseason rank of a vote conducted by district coaches.)
1. Last year’s champ, Rock Bridge (11-7-5), got hot late in the season and won its first district title since 2001 by pulling off three consecutive 2-1 decisions on its home turf in the playoffs. The Bruins survived a scrappy Camdenton team in the opening round and then rallied for a come-from-behind OT win over Helias in the semifinals. Rock Bridge claimed a 2-1 win over top-seeded Jeff City in the championship game despite having only one second half shot. St. Joe’s Academy ended the Bruins run in the playoffs with a 2-0 win at Hickman Field. Rock Bridge will have to survive a brutal early schedule (nine games in ten days – eight on the road), while also carrying the “district champ” target on its back. Second-year coach Kelly Gates will rely on senior MF workhorse Alex Litofsky and senior D Jeanna Ross for leadership and control of the central part of the field, while sophomore F Kayla Hauck will look to provide offensive punch. The Bruins will have the most depth as witnessed by the high player turnout, and they will need it with their demanding schedule.
2. Helias (12-6) was minutes away from making its second consecutive title appearance in 2007, but dropped a tough OT game to Rock Bridge in the semifinals. In 2006, Helias nearly won its first Class 2 district in the now infamous final where a game-winning goal was disallowed and the Crusaders went on to lose in PK’s. First-year coach Matt Hicks probably has the most athletic and experienced group in the district. Seniors Melissa Young, Caty Newbold, Katie Pitts and Kelsey Mueller form a solid nucleus in the middle of the field and junior F Danielle Baumgartner is one of the highest skilled players in the district. Helias has all the tools to win a district championship in its last year against the big schools.
3. Jefferson City (17-5-2) started 2007 with three straight close losses in the Bi-State shootout, but then went on a 17-1-2 tear before dropping the championship game to Rock Bridge. First-year coach Matt Stacey will have plenty of offense to work with and a quality group of youth, as well. Senior F Kelsey Sanders has led the team in scoring all three years and sophomores Molly Cowley and Kelly Strope combined for 17 goals last year. Senior MF Katie Denning may be one of the most overlooked players in the district. The Jays’ biggest question comes in the goal where four-time all state GK Jessie Sanderson has graduated. Junior Mariah McClain looks to fill her shoes. Another tough replacement for Stacey is replacing D Rashonda Stanley, a two-time all-stater.
4. Hickman (8-11-4) was a bounce or two away from reaching its umpteenth district championship game in a row, but fell to JC 1-0 in the semifinals in what proved to be coach Jon Strodtman’s last game. Strodtman passed away this winter after a long battle with cancer and the Kewpies will be led this year by two veteran faces – Jeff Wallace (former Hickman boys coach) will be the head coach and Sandy Paulsen (former Hickman girls coach) will assist. Hickman has the best player in the district back, Mizzou signee Liz Gayer, but will be without all-district MF Edith Lopez, who decided to play club. Hickman certainly has the tradition, and the addition of Wallace and Paulsen as coaches will do nothing but improve them. However, scoring was a key issue last year and may be this year, unless sophomore F Katie LaRue can continue to find the net like she did at the end of last year.
5. Smith-Cotton (14-7-2) has evolved from district doormat to title contender in three years under coach Shawn Cairer. Last year, the Tigers lost a battle to Hickman in the first round, but was playing well enough at the end of the season to have won it all. SC returns almost everyone and will host this year’s tournament, as well. Junior F Jessica Greer returns up front, while senior MF Stephanie Paul holds down the middle. Amanda Azan will anchor the defense. The Tigers will definitely be the district dark horse – not much recent tradition and may be overlooked, but definitely a team that could compete for the district championship.
6. Camdenton (12-12) gave Rock Bridge all it could handle in last year’s first round and the Lakers return a solid core that also defeated Kickapoo last season. Coach J.D. Hunter is the dean of the district coaches as he enters his 11th season. Sophomore MF Latea LaRue is a hard-working playmaker and is complemented by seniors Blaire Baker and Megan Manzer. The Lakers also return all four defenders from a group that improved over the season, but will have to replace GK Danielle Taylor and leading scorer Lindsey Sinclair.
Class 1, District 10 Preview: Defending champ Moberly has all the ingredients to repeat. The Spartans return 10 starters from the team that knocked off upstart Mexico 3-1 in last year’s final after Mexico had surprised defending champ Hannibal in the semifinals. Moberly MF Shawn Beard is one of the smoothest players in the area and she will have plenty around her to work with as coach Robbie Murray will try to repeat his successful fall season. Mexico MF Sarah Hotop will lead Brad Ellebracht’s rapidly improving Bulldog team. Fulton had its best season in school history, but will lose the area’s leading scorer in Jessica Martin. The Hornets do return 1st Team NCMC players F Ashley Russell and D Caitlyn Guerrant. Kirksville played everyone tough, but also loses key field player Rebekah Blankenship. The Tigers return 1st Team NCMC GK Mackenzie Kelly who has the ability to keep her team in any match. Southern Boone and second-year team Canton round out the district for one more year before both teams head to Class 1 next season. Southern Boone’s sophomore MF Tillie Bill will lead a young Eagles team that should also benefit from the addition of senior Courtney Branch, who is playing her first year of soccer. Hannibal lost a solid group of seniors, but will return F Elise Bensman and GK Whitney Voepel to a team that has shared conference and district dominance with Moberly over the past few years. The district winner will more than likely face defending Class 1 state champ St. Dominic in the sectional game.
Preseason All Central Area Team (Combined Class 1 and 2)
GK – Annie Streumph (Helias)
D – Liz Gayer (Hickman), Caty Newbold (Helias), Jeanna Ross (RB), Caitlyn Guerrant (Fulton),
MF – Alex Litofsky (RB), Shawn Beard (Moberly), Melissa Young (Helias), Latea LaRue (Camdenton), Sarah Hotop (Mexico), Tillie Bill (SBC)
F – Kelsey Sanders (JC), Ashley Russell (Fulton), Lauren Kelly (RB), Andie Wiesner (Moberly)
Southwest Missouri Region Class 2 Pre-season Poll as voted on by the Missouri Soccer Coaches Association. ( ) = votes received
1-Kickapoo (32) Can Phil Hodge work his first year magic and pull the final four double? The Lady Chiefs were 15-9-1 last year and advanced to the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year. They return several key players but are led by two All-Staters, Katy McClain and Chealsey Russell.
2-Rolla (30) The Lady Bulldogs finished 2007 with their worst record ever, 14-11-2, yet still managed to claim their ninth district championship in ten years. They return nine starters led by All-Stater Kaitlin Bramel and look to continue a good run.
3-Waynesville (22) Will arguably the most athletic girls class in Waynesville history find the same success on the soccer field that they have enjoyed in the gym? They return 10 starters including three time All-Stater Katie Pritchard.
4-Glendale (21) Lorin Opfer and Megan Gerrard return from injuries to a solid team. The question is, who will replace All-State keeper Laura McElroy? If Jeff Rogers can find the answer, the Lady Falcons may be the team to beat.
5-Lebanon (15) Mike Gow returns nine starters from the Lady Yellowjackets best season ever. Last year in the pre-season poll we told you that they would surprise some people. If they surprise you this year you might want to find a new hobby.
Others to watch--
Ozark- Tom Davidson is no stranger to post-season success, but can he propel a Lady Tiger team led by returning scorers Erica Hogan and Megan Gunners past Kickapoo?
Joplin- Ed Miller and the Lady Eagles have reached the district finals many times. Can they break into the post-season mix?
St.. Louis Class 2
Teams to watch in the St. Louis area for the 2008 Season, in no particular order
1- Ft Zumwalt West - Can the reigning state champs and Coach of The Year Jack Baldwin overcome the loss of a great senior class, including All American Alyssa Mautz, to repeat in Missouri. That’s the challenge ahead, as the Jaguars look to be a little younger.
2- Incarnate Word Academy- IWA returns many top notch players from their 24-2-2 team last year, including the State Defensive Player of the Year in Drea Barklage and all-Midwest Blake Miller. Only allowing 9 goals last season, the Red Knights look to avenge a heart breaking 1-0 loss in last years finals. First year coach Annie Beekman has the girls to do it.
3-Lafayette- Coach Tim Walters will have his team ready for another successful season, led by midfield motor Nikki Rivera. Post season success is something the Lancers count on, and they were undefeated last season at 19-0-1, until an OT loss to eventual state champ Zumwalt West. Can they repeat their regular season perfection and carry it further this year?
4-Nerinx Hall- After their PK loss to Lafayette last year, Nerinx Hall looks to returning All State players Julie King and Katelyn Frederickson to lead them further in the tournament this season. A stout defensive team and dynamic offense, the Markers will be an exciting team to watch.
5- Hazelwood West- After back to back runs to the quarters, the Wildcats look to erase last years district final loss. Returning a group of 10 starters, including six 4 year varsity players, Coach Jason Sellers wants to improve on last seasons 14-6-4 record. Seniors Bridget Belli and Jesa Jenkins return from a team that scored 73 goals, and sophomore all stater Kaytlin Nevels will lead a defense that returns four.
6-St Joseph’s Academy- The loss of Jordan Reppell will sting, but Coach Maureen McVey will have her team prepared for a strong season. Last years 3rd place finisher in state, this young team finished 17-7-1. A year older and more experienced, this perennial power will look to improve on their finish with junior Beck Handley leading the way.
7-Oakville- The Tigers look to get back on top after not advancing in their district. The loss of midfielder Emma Kriegel will hurt, but Coach Dave Robben has speedy finisher Jasmina Suljic back. They hope to do some damage with their top notch schedule and advance through rival Summit in district play.
8- Cor Jesu- First year Head Coach Melissa Peabody will be charged with returning Cor Jesu to the top. A young team will need to improve on their 13-9-2 record from last season, losing their three top scorers, including 1st team All State Caitlin Werkmeister. Can the young team accomplish their goal?
9-Summit-Coach Chris Kappler will lose All State goalie Maggie Winkler from one of the areas stingiest defenses, only allowing 9 goals in all of the 07 season. A 2-1 loss to IWA in quarters last year, Summit will hope to continue to be a public school power. But can they show that outstanding defense again?
10- Ursuline- Coach Joe Morgan only loses 4 players from last years team. Stephanie Wiethop and Tara Zika return to help balance a team that finished 13-4-5 last season. Will playing in the tough conference that they do prep them for a late season run through a top district that includes other area powers Cor Jesu and Nerinx Hall?
11- Pattonville- Last years 5-2 loss to the state champs won’t dampen this side. A dynamic offensive team that really came on last season, the Pirates go all out. Will losing top players Megan Niederschulte and Paige Hickey slow them down? Or will sophomore all stater Tiffany Laughlin step into their roll and help continue her teams rise?
12- Francis Howell- Returning first team All State Amy Beger will help anchor a defense that improved as the year went on in 07. Can she help her team take that next step? After beating rival and state champion Zumwalt West to capture the conference in last year with a 13-7-3 finish, Howell is under the gun to repeat as they look to advance in District 7.
Other teams to watch- Parkway South, Parkway West, Hazelwood Central, Eureka
Kansas City Class 2 Preseason Poll
1. St. Teresa’s – Perenially the team to beat. Lost several key players to graduation, but return a strong sophomore group along with Notre Dame commitments of Michelle(?) Jantz, and Molly Campbell.
2. Lee’s Summit North – Overcoming the loss 6 seniors and several others to injuries, depth will be a problem. Returning final four team that has several seniors and juniors already committed to playing in college.
3. Liberty – Defending district champions adds to it what might the top freshmen class in Kansas City area.
4. Park Hill South – Return 14 letter-winners and 3 seniors who will play in college next year. Early tests with Lee’s Summit North, Duchesne, and St. Joseph Academy will tell a lot.
5. Lee's Summit -- Will return 13 players from last year’s team that finished 20-3 and won the Suburban Big 6 with a 9-0-0 record.
6. Lee’s Summit West -- Will be a young team this year. With the loss of 7 letter-winners, filling those holes will be the first priority. Even though West lost 7 girls, 9 letter-winners return that should be able to guide the new players in the right direction.
Southeast Class 2
1. Jackson -- will return 6 starters including 3 seniors. Finished the 2007 year in the top 15 and will probably be close to the same this year.
2. Cape Central
3. Seckman
4. Poplar Bluff
5. Hillsboro
Southwest Class 1
Springfield Catholic is the defending Class 1 District 11 champion. Will need to replace 7 starters from last year’s 18-5 team (five graduating seniors, one moved, one injured). Key returning players are Tara Bailes (40 goals, 19 assists), Anna DeLong (24 goals, 6 assists), and Anne Prenger (Regional Defensive Player of the Year). Deep freshman class should help.
Willard - 2007 District Runner-up...lost to Springfield Catholic 3-1 in District Championship game. Seven returning starters including All-Region senior Janine Bird and All-Region and Missouri Valley College signee Patsy Middleton. The team did lose Regina Bodine (All-State midfielder) to graduation. The team is expected to be competitive.
Class 1 Preseason Poll
Southeast
Cape Notre Dame– Cape returns 8 starters from the team that finished 6th in the final state rankings with a 17-3-1 record. They did graduate two leading scorers from last year. Top returning players include all-state player Mindy Siebert and the core of a defense that only allowed 16 goals.
St. Vincent- Returns nine starters and all-state defender Kelsey Cissell and Sara Moll. Last year St. Vincent finished 14th overall in the state rankings and hope to again compete for a district title.
Sikeston- Sikeston returns all eleven starters, including all-staters Abbi Keefer and Jordi Ferrell. Coach Derrick Long believes his squad will be very competitive and have a shot at winning one of the state’s toughest districts.
Perryville- The Lady Pirate squad returns nine starters from last season's 15-8 squad. The team will be led by all-stater Kendra Schilli, along with a whole host of seniors and juniors, who hope to regain a district title after winning the school's first ever two seasons ago when these girls were sophomores and freshmen.
Central
Hannibal- The Pirates return 8 starters, including senior forward Elise Bensman who scored 31 goals last season. Coach Heeley is confident that Hannibal will be a solid, competitive team this season.
St. Louis
John F. Kennedy- Kennedy was 15-5-2 last year and plans to start 11 seniors this season, led by Erin Kilian who scored 25 goals and had 10 assists last season.
Kansas City
Notre Dame De Sion- Graduated one senior from the state runner-up team that lost in penalties to St. Dominic in the championship game. The Storm returns four all-metro players, four all-state players, and six western region players.
Smithville- The Smithville Lady Warriors return 10 starters from last year's 20-4 team that lost in the district finals. With the addition of several key freshmen and the return of some injured players, the team looks to compete for another district final this year. The team returns two all-state players and is the deepest team in the history of Smithville girl’s soccer.
Warrensburg- The Lady Tigers return nine starters from last season’s team that finished 17-5. Chris Thompson has what he feels is his most athletic team ever. Returning all-staters Piper West and Stephanie Rizzolo headline a group that looks to defend the program’s first district championship.
Platte County- The Pirates return 6 starters from a team that went 17-10 last season. The will have no seniors on the roster and will be starting 5 freshman. The freshman are quite well regarded, including one ODP player.
