By Kai Raimer
The future is now for the Parkview High School girls’ soccer team.
Coming off a runner-up finish in its district tournament last season, and a record of 10-14-1 overall, Parkview welcomes in a promising freshmen class this season, many of which will see the field right away.
“We return about five players from last year’s varsity team, but look to incorporate a bunch of newcomers,” said coach Shelby Stewart, a former Parkview soccer star herself who went on to play at Missouri State. “Our freshmen class is one of the biggest we have had in recent memory. This is a very talented group and will be looked at to make an immediate impact.”
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE SPRING SPORTS PREVIEWS
The Vikings graduated all three of their all-conference players from last year’s team: Ellie Tate (forward), Vanessa Nave (defender) and Aaliyah Buckley (goalkeeper). Tate was the team’s leading scorer and Buckley was a four-year starter at goalkeeper.
Maya Flores is one of the top varsity returnees for Parkview.
“I look for her to take more of a leading role this year,” Stewart said.
Sophomore Ashlee Nash has transferred from Kickapoo and brings a lot of soccer IQ to the team.
Of the incoming freshmen, Stewart is eager to see the debut of Olivia Wheeler. She brings versatility and great athletic potential, Stewart said.
“I look for (Wheeler) to make a name for herself this year,” Stewart said.
Parkview’s overall team athleticism has significantly improved and the Vikings’ coach is eager to see how she can best utilize that aspect on the field.
“I have yet to coach a group of girls this athletic,” she said. “I am hoping we can turn this into an advantage right away.”
Parkview opens the season March 21 at Central. The Vikings’ non-conference schedule includes home games against Republic, Rogersville, Oak Park and Fair Grove, with road matchups against Neosho, Jefferson City, Greenwood and Carthage.
The Vikings will also host their own tournament April 7-8 and compete in the Branson Tournament April 21-22.
Despite the young roster, Stewart isn’t one to concede 2017 as a “rebuilding” season just yet.
“Expectations are high as they always will be when I am coaching,” she said. “I am very competitive, and I think that matches the team’s outlook this year. This group is young and wants to be successful.”
