By Chris Parker
Hillcrest soccer had its best season since 1996 by winning 10 games in 2024. This year’s team will look to build off that momentum.
“The 2024 squad tasted the double digits wins with 10, the most since 1996, and it was good,” Hillcrest head coach Roy Hardy Sr. said. “However, the past success does not determine 2025 success. My overall expectations for this 2025 season and seasons to come are the result of how hard they practice, prepare, perform, and strive to progress each day.”
The midfield will be a strength for Hillcrest while the Hornets develop new options at forward.
“The strength of our team will be with our big 3 in the midfield,” Hardy said. “All three players (Kieran Reaves, Jackson Miller, and Son Sen) have played lots of soccer that help them to develop great skill sets. Their technical skills (dribbling, passing, receiving, and shooting) are some of the best in the area, tactical awareness (understanding the game, spatial awareness, and decision-making) will hopefully give us an edge throughout the middle, their physical fitness encompasses endurance, speed, agility, and strength and finally the mental strength (having a strong mindset that involves composure and self-motivation) part of the game will be crucial to our success.”
Miller is a two-year starter who had 11 goals and two assists as a junior.
“Jackson Miller, a three-year starter, will be called upon to control the center mid,” Hardy said. “He is the type of player that can defend, score, and set others up for scoring opportunities making him super balanced at center mid position. His best attribute however is his calmness throughout the middle of the pitch. Jackson knows where to defend and knows where the ball should be played before the action ever gets to him.”
Sen is moving back from forward to the midfield.
“Soner has great ball control, sees the pitch very well, and loves to direct traffic,” Hardy said. “Last year, he scored three goals and assisted on four goals. For us to be successful offensively, Soner needs to be in the scoring and assist column more this season.”
Reaves is a two-year starter entering his junior season.
“Kieran Reaves is a two-year starter who will see some time at midfield this season,” Hardy said. “Previous seasons, he played on the back line either the outside or center back. Kieran will need to bring his strong physical presence to this position. He will be looked upon to support the defense by helping to get the ball out of the defensive third and help the offense by building up to the offensive third.”
Jayden Brown (senior), Eli Ellan (junior) and Elizaul Lucena (junior) will be wingers.
Hardy on Brown: “Jayden Brown started as an outside winger last season and scored two goals. He is a very coachable individual and works super hard at his position. His work ethic is immeasurable. Jayden is a dual sport athlete. In the spring, Jayden plays on the baseball team which helps with his ability to read the game, anticipate plays, and make smart passes.”
Hardy on Allen: “Eli Allen has played mostly at the JV level the past two seasons. Last year, he received his varsity letter as he played his way into some valuable varsity minutes. This season, Eli will need to fill the void as an outside winger by adding pressure on the opposition defense back line to create more scoring opportunities for our program.”
Hardy on Lucena: “Elizaul Lucena played as a swing player last season. He played mostly JV minutes and came off the bench for varsity. He had one assist in the varsity game. Elizaul will be competing for a starting spot at the winger spot.”
Hardy cited Allen and Brown as two players who have stood out for their off-season improvement.
“Eli Allen and Jayden Brown have made the most improvements from this time last year,” Hardy said. “They both have grabbed the concept of being an outside winger in our system of play. Eli and Jayden are starting to provide width to the attack, delivering crosses, dribbling down the wings, and creating scoring opportunities. While not always their primary focus, this season, I need them to score goals by cutting inside and shooting or finishing crosses. They also realize they have defensive responsibilities, tracking back to support the fullbacks and pressing the opposition.”
Hillcrest graduated three of four defenders, so new players are looking to step in. Hardy named Jack Holocomb (junior), Kaden Anderson (senior) and Jeison Hernandez (senior) as options at defender.
“Each of them can play as a defender because of their tenacity on the ball,” Hardy said. “The big question is if they can gel as a collective unit. Once again, at this time, it’s too early to say who would be our key players in the defender’s position.”
Leonard Perez will handle the goalkeeping duties as a senior.
“Leonardo Perez will control the keeper box this season,” Hardy said. “Last year, he was the JV keeper and the backup keeper for varsity. Two years ago, Perez came to us with the knowledge of being a goalkeeper and a defender. Now his time is here. The program will be counting on him to continue the success in goal. Last season, the program gave up 41 goals in 24 games.”
Claude Chalumba also returns to the program after taking a year off.
Hillcrest will develop its identity throughout the preseason leading up to the Webb City Kick-off Classic Aug. 28-30.
“It’s not what I want for the team’s identity to be for this 2025 squad it needs to be about them,” Hardy said. “After reading some books this summer, ultimately, the most effective team identity will be one that resonates with all team members, inspires a sense of belonging and pride, and accurately reflects the team’s purpose and values. As the coach, I just make sure the climate of the team stays set to which all stakeholders agreed upon.”
