By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
Katahdin High School is winning back its girls’ varsity soccer program.
After taking a few years off, the Katahdin girls are back for their second season in a row with a turnout of 22 girls.
Last year, Katahdin graduated three top senior athletes in Megan Merry, Makayla Patterson and Ashley Randall.
“It is difficult to overcome the loss, as all three are top-notch players,” said Katahdin coach Lisa Timberlake. “We do have a solid crew returning to play and have added 10 freshmen, as well as a sophomore and senior to our lineup. The spirit of soccer is definitely growing at Katahdin.”
Though the number of girls on the team is impressive, one of the hurdles to overcome will be the team’s youthfulness, as 18 of those 22 are freshmen and sophomores.
“My goal is to groom these young players into a team that will be contenders in the future,” explained Timberlake. “It may not be this year or even next year, but it is my hope that the players on this team and the players coming up through the ranks see and embrace my vision.”
Key players returning this year for the Lady Cougars are captains Courtney Stevens, Morgan Livezey and Kaycee Cintron, along with returning players Sophie Vetter, Erin Crawford and Molly Cunningham.
Stevens, just a sophomore, is the returning goalie. She finished out last season in the goal due to an injury to the regular netkeeper.
“Courtney is a gutsy player who makes spectacular plays each game,” said Timberlake. “She sees the field and is our general during the game.”
Livezey is another crucial veteran, according to Timberlake.
“ Morgan Livezey is our rock. Morgan is a smart and strategic player who saves us time and time again with her amazing skills,” said Timberlake. “Morgan is a natural leader who constructively helps each player around her become a better player.”
According to her coach, Cintron has improved in all aspects of her game this season.
“She has taken more of a leadership role with the team,” Timberlake added. “Kaycee is one of the most versatile players on the team, who I can put in any position.”
Vetter is excelling at both offensive and defensive positions.
“Sophie is one of the most overall talented players on the field,” said her coach. “She plays most of the game and is relied upon to make plays for us.”
Rounding out the returning starters are defensemen/midfielders Cunningham and Crawford.
“Both are solid players who make big kicks or big plays when we need them,” said Timberlake.
Others looking to make contributions are veterans, sophomores Alyssa Falanka and Katelyn Giles, along with junior Kassadi Moore. New players to the squad this season are sophomore Wynta Boudreau and senior Tatiana Gilmartin.
The incoming freshman class has sparked the Lady Cougars this season, bringing “additional speed and endurance to our team that we so greatly needed,” said Timberlake. “There is a variety of skill level among them, but they work hard and improve every day. Many are already starting players and others are getting a good amount of playing time. They are an important part of my vision that sees the Katahdin girls playing on another level in the not so far away future.”
The freshman lineup includes: Bailee Moody-Kay, Georgia Landry, Cassidy Quint, Emily Knowles, Erin Robinson, Rylee Fitzpatrick and Teyha Harrison.
“Bailee and Georgia have really helped to pump up our offense,” noted Timberlake. “They are dedicated players with tremendous heart who play hard every day whether it’s a game or practice.”
Quint and Knowles also have strengthened Katahdin’s offense with their skill and endurance, Timberlake said.
“Erin may be small, but packs a powerful kick and has the speed of a gazelle,” said her coach. “Rylee and Teyha are strong additions to our defense. Both ladies play with aggression and determination that I love to watch.”
Other freshmen looking to gain playing time are Bailey Campbell, Kelsey Hamm and Emily Rainwalker.
“Emily moved here over the summer from California and brings with her much promise,” Timberlake noted.
According to their coach, each player on the Lady Cougars brings something special.
“They practice hard and want to improve,” she said. “I have been very pleased with the recent progress players have made in the area of conditioning and sportsmanship. These are key ingredients to being successful on the field. Speed, strength, agility and endurance are parts of the practice plan that I have stepped up this year. The girls are starting to see the positive effects of what we do in practice out on the field come game day. It is my greatest wish, that they continue improving and remain positive about the team’s future even when games get tough, because they will. Last year we experienced some blowouts and we definitely have some tough games ahead, but these games will make us stronger and more competitive in the future.”
It appears as the years go on, the Lady Cougars will be a solid team, as the middle school team is large and Timberlake sees plenty of recruits.
“I emphasize to the team that every member of the team matters regardless of playing time or skill,” said Timberlake. “They all play a role in the development of a winning team.”
Even if the scores this season are not what Timberlake and her players want, the fact they have a team and are building a foundation for the future is promising.
“This is an exciting time to be a part of Katahdin soccer,” Timberlake added.
