First-year Allen County-Scottsville girls soccer coach Hailey Brewster has spent the past several months laying the foundation for the upcoming season. The Lady Patriots have worked on everything from conditioning and strength training to passing, shooting and developing stronger relationships with one another. Brewster believes the team’s willingness to work could help it overcome a relatively small and young roster.
“I’ve learned that they’re willing to put in the hard work and come out here to practice,” Brewster said. “We’ve learned that we have some definite shooters on our team, and we’re learning that team chemistry is what it’s going to take to win games.”
Brewster replaced Clay Dobbs who stepped away after last season---a season in which the Lady Patriots went 10-10-1. AC-S lost Gabby Garcia, Chloe Sweeney, Kacey Killen, Mollie Bolton, and Payton Law to graduation. However, a core group returns around which Brewster is building her first team.
Developing team chemistry has been an important part of Brewster’s first offseason as head coach. She has been encouraged by the way the players have grown closer as the season approaches.
“I’m glad that the girls are starting to bond more and become an actual team,” Brewster added.
Brewster and her players returned to the basics during spring and summer workouts. Much of their conditioning and practice time has focused on using proper technique when passing and shooting the ball. The Lady Patriots have also spent considerable time improving their physical conditioning.
“We’ve done a lot of conditioning—the weight room and the track,” Brewster said. “I think that’s going to really benefit us at the end of games.”
With 13 players on the roster, conditioning and versatility will be especially important. Each player may be asked to handle multiple responsibilities and contribute significant minutes throughout the season.
“I know that’s not a lot of players, but everybody’s stepping up,” Brewster said.
The roster is fairly balanced among the grade levels, although the Lady Patriots have only one senior. Autumn Keith---who is expected to serve as the team’s goalkeeper--- has embraced the responsibility of leading a young squad.
“Autumn’s been great,” Brewster pointed out. “Since she is the only senior we have, she’s being a leader and really stepping up to the plate.”
Keith debuted with AC-S last year but quickly learned her role and became a mainstay in the net. This year, she’s ready for the leadership role on the squad.
“I started kind of late and last year I felt a little behind,” Keith admitted, adding, “But, I have spent this summer catching up to everyone’s skill level. I feel good about this year.”
Keith’s junior season in goal produced solid numbers. She finished with 191 saves, averaging 9.6 per match. Keith gave up an average of 2.1 goals per match and recorded seven shut outs.
“I like being in the goal,” Keith said. “It puts me in a position where I have to trust my teammates. I trust my teammates and they trust me and that is why we win games.”
The goalie adds that she hoped the Lady Patriots can grow as a team and find success on the pitch.
“We have a very, very young team,” Keith noted. “But honestly, it doesn’t show. Last year we had a younger team as well but we played as well as some other teams that had more experienced players. My goal is for growth this year and for us to use what we have learned to be successful.”
Joining Keith on the roster are six juniors---Dani Miller, Lily Sanchez, Autumn Remington, Everleigh Moran, Haily Pigue, and Gracie Whitlow. Miller was AC-S’s offensive threat last year, leading the team withy 24 goals and seven assists. Sanchez added eight goals and six assists.
Three sophomores and three freshmen complete the squad. The 10th grade crew includes Marissa Meador, Makayla Shelton and Lily Vick. Freshman players are Laikly Clark, Elle Davis, and Presley Walker.
Like Keith, Brewster believes the Lady Patriots’ work ethic, improved fundamentals and growth can help them compete against Barren County, Glasgow, and Warren East on the District 15 schedule as well as against each team on the seasonal slate. AC-S opens the season on Tuesday, August 11 with a home match against Butler County. Two days later, the Lady Patriots will visit Logan County prior to a Saturday, August 15 home match with Todd County Central.
AC-S’s home matches are played at the soccer field located behind the Allen County Primary Center. The afternoon matches start at 5:30 in most cases.