By Chris Parker
Parkview girls soccer is looking to take a step forward after back-to-back one-win seasons with 14 letter winners returning this season.
Numbers are strong for the program.
“We have 44 girls out this season,” Parkview head coach Shelby Stewart said. “That allows me to rotate multiple players in and try different rotations to find success. We have great energy, good team camaraderie, and solid leaders that will instill hard work ethic.”
The roster is dedicated to gaining more knowledge about the sport.
“We lack soccer knowledge due to lack of experience and as well as club experience,” Stewart said. “We make up for that by being dedicated to working hard and setting goals to improve each day.”
Kyra Cannon returns after leading the team in scoring last season.
“She is a junior who joined the team last year,” Stewart said. “She has improved her foot skills, and we look forward to seeing that translation on the field.”
Seniors Leslly Hernandez and Yomari May Baeza are seniors who will be in the midfield.
Three of four starting defenders return from last season led by seniors Nyla Graves and Alina Silva.
“Nyla Graves has grown so much over the past four seasons. She has gone from being a silent leader to being comfortable sharing her opinion and pushing her teammates to raise their standards every single day,” Stewart said. “Alina Silva is well respected by peers and is dependable each day. Alina logs a ton of minutes on the field and her presence on the field is something our team relies on to be successful.”
Rachel Leveille (junior) returns at keeper.
“We are looking for Rachel to take the next step and lead the team alongside the defense,” Stewart said.
Parkview opens the season on Mar. 27 at Fair Grove.
“I want them to work hard each day and never give up. If we work hard and give our best effort, we have nothing to hang our heads about after a game,” Stewart said. “(I want them) to continue to show growth throughout the season and improve our overall win total from last season. We want to be the best version of ourselves by the end of the year.”
