By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
One of the area’s most decorated programs will embark on a new era this spring.
The Rolla Lady Bulldogs welcome in a new but familiar coach and look to reload after a lost 2020 season.
Mike Armstrong takes over for the retired Mike Howard, who amassed nearly 900 career wins (boys and girls) during his time at Rolla.
Armstrong previously coached at Waynesville. He was the boys’ soccer head coach from 2008-19 and also spent several years as an assistant coach for the girls’ team.
Though he’s had limited time with his new team at Rolla, Armstrong has seen signs of promise.
“We’re very excited to play and I’m hopeful the girls will have a season to remember,” said Armstrong, who is also the boys’ soccer head coach at Rolla. “I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen so far. They’re a talented bunch.”
The Lady Bulldogs return a few players with significant varsity experience.
Senior Eliana Stanislawski should fuel the Rolla offense. As a sophomore, she tallied two goals and four assists.
“It looks like she can be the playmaker for our team,” Armstrong said.
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Abby Turner looks to make continued strides after registering five goals and one assist as a freshman.
“She’s our quiet leader and finisher,” Armstrong said.
Junior Jaelyn Grommet (two goals, four assists) gives the Lady Bulldogs another playmaker on the field.
“She’ll take our set pieces and deliver our attacks into the box,” Armstrong said.
Rolla will turn to several underclassmen to fill out its lineup. Many new names will take on prominent roles.
Tatum Hess, a junior, can play midfield and defense.
Rolla’s sophomore class is deep, talented and eager for varsity action after missing their rookie seasons. They include: Faith Coates, Zoe Hargis, Campbell Smith, Chloe Lucas and Lydia Meusch.
“Faith has a great shot and a very competitive spirit,” Armstrong said. “Zoe and Chloe are players who I can see being important to our attack.”
Meusch brings good speed to the midfield area, Armstrong said.
Smith could play a big role for a defense that was depleted by graduation.
In 2019, Rolla finished below .500 but did win its fourth district championship of the decade.
Over the years, Rolla has been one of the area’s premier programs.
Between 2013-18, the Lady Bulldogs won at least 15 games per season including two district championships (’15 and ’16).
The Lady Bulldogs head into 2021 seeking their 14th district championship and 13th conference championship all time.
Rolla must replace a 2020 senior class that would’ve provided key production in all areas of the field.
Ellie Rodgers and Mercedez Carpenter combined for 10 goals and seven assists in 2019.
In the back, Rolla graduated a large portion of its defense with Kendall Mara, Faith Aguilarleon, Maddie Lucas and Kate Mallery.
Rolla must also find a new starting goalkeeper. As juniors in 2019, Kate Brand and Eden Potter split time as starting goalkeeper and combined for 10 shutouts.
The Lady Bulldogs face Waynesville (host) and Union in a jamboree on March 11.
Rolla starts the regular season March 19-20 in its home tournament.
