2022 Spring Preview: Rolla Soccer

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By Denise Tucker (For OzarksSportsZone.com)

In his first season as the Rolla girls’ head coach, and his first in 10 years coaching girls’ soccer, Mike Armstrong was encouraged by the Lady Bulldogs’ efforts last year, but also is excited heading into the 2022 season.

“Last season was a lot of fun,” said Armstrong, who has spent 20 years coaching boys’ soccer. “I really enjoyed this group of players and parents. Taking over as head coach and after missing a season due to COVID was a challenge. I think we are all happy to be playing again.

“The girls bought into my style of coaching quickly. We were competitive with every team. We did very well in the Ozark Conference but couldn’t get through our district due to some very good teams.”

The Lady Bulldogs, who finished 11-12 overall and 7-2 in the Ozark Conference, lose two to graduation in midfielder Eliana Stanislawski (All-State Academic, Class 3 District 9 second team) and Paige Taylor.

“We will miss their leadership as they were both quiet leaders who worked hard and led by example,” Armstrong said.

As the 2022 season approaches, Armstrong is excited about the return of 11 experienced players, which includes a good mix of juniors and seniors.

“The preseason workouts have been intense and I’m sure they will make a difference,” Armstrong said. “We also get together weekly for some fun/competitive futsal. The foot skills used in futsal make a big difference in my opinion, but the biggest benefit is the comradery the players build. A team that works together is tough to beat.”

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• Faith Coates, junior, forward (25 goals, 15 assists) was named Class 3 District 9 first team and All-Ozark Conference first team. “Faith was able to play as a striker and a center mid for us,” Armstrong said. “She could really take over a game.”
• Zoe Hargis, junior, midfielder (8 goals, 7 assists) – Earned all-district first-team and all-conference first-team honors. “Zoe has really developed into a strong player who never gives ups. Her willingness to win and support her teammates will really help us.”
• Ava Burnett, sophomore, defender (4 goals, 3 assists) – An all-conference second-team honoree. “Ava is a fearless back who has really started to step up in the offense, as well.”
• Abby Turner, senior, midfielder – Named all-conference second team. “Abby is one of our seniors that I think will really help us be successful. She had 10 goals and 6 assists before getting hurt and missing the last few games. Her speed and toughness really impress me and scare others.”
• Dace Murray, junior, goalkeeper (7 shutouts) – Earned all-conference honorable mention honors. “Dace has been working hard to be the best she can be. Her reactions and agility kept us in a lot of games. The team really trusts her and knows she will get the job done.”
• Campbell Smith, junior, defender (2 goals) – Named all-district second team and all-conference honorable mention. “CJ played pretty much every minute of every game. She helps organize our team and really leads us from the back. She is such a smart player, and a lot of our attack starts with her.”
• Jaelyn Grommet, senior, midfielder – “Jaelyn missed last year due to injury, but she is a real player. After our season, she will be playing college soccer for William Woods. I see her in the midfield and I bet she will really help us on the attack.”
• Tatum Hess, senior, midfielder/defender – “Tatum is a tough kid that can really play anywhere. She works incredibly hard when she is out there. She seems to have so much fun when she is playing.”
• Chloe Lucas, junior, midfielder/forward (2 goals, 6 assists) – “Chloe was really overlooked last year. I think she is a big part of our success. She was always involved in making things happen for us. I see her linking with Zoe and Faith and being a real handful for other teams.”
• Lydia Meusch, junior, midfielder – “Lydia is incredibly fast and has so much potential. She could play different positions this season and be very successful at all of them.”
• Vivian Laprise, senior, midfielder – “Vivian works so hard and really helps bring the team together. Injury held her back last year, but now she is ready to go.”

Newcomers Armstrong will be looking to add to his experienced lineup include a move-in from Kentucky and a large freshman class.

Abbi Center is a senior midfielder who Armstrong says seems to be a “tough competitor who will make a difference on the field and in the air.”

As for the freshman class, Armstrong says it is a talented, athletic and driven group that could see varsity time.

“I think they will do big things in the soccer world,” Armstrong said. “Olivia Young, Emma Fontenot, Kate Arnold, Mckenna Moore and Emily Pendleton are a few of the names you might be seeing soon.”

Armstrong said his team is fast and can create goals, but that attitude is the Lady Bulldogs’ strength.

“These girls really want to win and win for each other,” Armstrong said. “Whether the season record reflects it or not we are going to have a lot of fun out there. We might need to move some people around and we may have a different lineup from game to game.

“We have a lot more than 11 players that deserve to start. That is a good problem to have, and I think it will keep teams guessing. I just hope we all understand our role.”

The Lady Bulldogs will participate in a jamboree March 14 at Waynesville with Camdenton and Dixon before opening the regular season in their own tournament on March 18.

“I really think we have something special here,” Armstrong said. “Rolla has always been good at soccer, and I think I see the makings of another great team. These girls are special and a joy to coach.”

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