WASHINGTON —
As the girls soccer season gets underway, Washington and Washington Catholic both head into the 2012 season with similar goals to win their respective conferences and compete for a sectional crown.
In her first season leading the Hatchets, coach Lauren Hannan is forming a new identity for her team. For the Cardinals, third-year head coach Kelly Neace, expects her team to consolidate the hard work from the last few years and put it all together.
Washington
After losing in sectional last season and hiring a new coach in the offseason, the Washington Hatchets girls soccer program is ready to hit the ground running under the leadership of new coach Lauren Hannan.
Hannan, a 2011 graduate of Depauw University, was hired in June to replace retiring coach Gretchen Miles — and she said she is excited to start a new tradition.
After Miles’ final season last year when the team wanted to go out with a bang for their coach, Hannan said the change can be nice change of pace that can energize the team as a whole.
“Having somebody different this year will change the way the team sees things every single game not knowing where they will play,” Hannan said. “I’m going in blind and that’s good, because I am completely rebuilding this team based on where I see people playing and who I want on my teams.”
Hannan said she will be able to give the players a unique perpective from someone who is much closer in age than most of the coaches they have previously had.
“Yes I am the same height as so many girls and yes I am very young,” Hannan said. “Having just graduated from college in May and playing soccer there, knowing what I wanted out of my years and the great training I received. I know different new things that I think some of the older coaches might now know, because they’ve been out of play for so long.”
As Hannan starts a new era for Washington soccer, she wants the girls to enjoy their time on the field as much as they can.
“First of all I want them to have fun, I know my four years of high school and four years of college were so much fun and I played better because it was fun,” Hannan said. “I want them to become self motivated players to where they control how they want to play on the field. I’m there as a guide, not necessarily as a coach.”
Washington Catholic
Washington Catholic girls soccer coach Kelly Neace has been around many of her players for the past six years, and believes they are poised for a breakout season in 2012.
Neace has seen her team grow and mature up to this point.
After a 2011 season that saw the Cardinals finish with a record of 8-5-4, a second place finish in the Blue Chip Conference and a loss in a first round in sectionals, Neace thinks her team is primed for a run towards a conference title and a sectional championship.
“We have a core group of players that has played travel together since they were six years old and we plan to win the Blue Chip Conference,” Neace said.
Neace explained that after losing some key defenders to graduation, the Cardinals are changing their formation from the double diamond and double stop they used in the past to a 4-4-2, which will be better tailored to their personnel. In addition to the formation change, Neace said she has been impressed by one upperclassmen in particular.
“Senior Lexie May has usually been a stopper on defense and she will run a little bit of offense,” Neace said. “She’s Miss Hustle. She’s everywhere she needs to be and has a great amount of speed and knowlege.”
Neace said the Cardinals will aim to control the pace of the game this season, which Neace feels will play into their strengths and lead to a great deal of success.
“We play a lot of possession, we work the ball around the field,” Neace said. “We don’t just kick the ball end to end. We possess it and make something happen. Action not reaction.”
Local Sports
Related Photos
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Washington Catholic senior Lexie May attempts a shot during practice Tuesday at Rees Field. Dennis Glade
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Washington's Abby Spaulding dribbles past Jenna Johnson during practice at The Sports Complex. Dennis Glade
Discussion
Hatchets, Cardinals seek similar goals
Fall Sports Preview - Girls Soccer
- Local Sports
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WHS falls to Lincoln
Washington (50-30) got good performances from its two youngest players, but the Hatchets lost to Vincennes Lincoln 160-169 Wednesday evening.
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Vikings ready for Regional
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Sorrells wins regional
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Chattin, Stallman win doubles sectional title
Washington's Rachel Chattin and Audra Stallman defeated Madison Reed and Taylor Jeffers of North Daviess, 6-1, 6-4, Wednesday to win the doubles sectional championship.
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Pacers miss golden opportunity
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Rivet beats Lions in 1st round of sectional
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Hatchets season ends with loss to Jasper
Washington senior pitcher Brayden Walls had one of the best seasons in Hatchet history, but he couldn’t will his team to one more win.
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Loogootee falls to Rivet in Sectional 63
LOOGOOTEE - Loogootee saw its chance to repeat as sectional champions end in dramatic fashion as Vincennes Rivet claimed the opening game of Sectional 63 with a 5-4, nine-inning win at Les Page Field on Wednesday.
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Wagler, Stoll pace Vikings
Brandon Wagler and Myron Stoll each hit three-run home runs as Barr-Reeve defeated Eastern Greene, 15-3, in six innings Monday.
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WHS camp is Monday
The Washington Hatchet's Summer Tennis Camp begins Monday at the Lena Dunn Elementary School courts.
Boys and girls entering grades three through eight this coming school year wishing to participate may register when the camp begins at 9 a.m. The camp continues each day until 10:30 a.m. through Thursday.
Each player should bring a racket (one can be provided), a towel and a water bottle.
The cost of the camp is $25 per person. Checks should be made to WHS Boys Tennis. - More Local Sports Headlines
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