It could be the best soccer team he’s ever coached.
That’s according to WCMS soccer coach Matt Walker, who is entering his eighth season at the helm of the Lady Pioneers.
“Talent wise, this is probably the strongest team I’ve ever had,” said Walker. “But we can’t have the attitude we’re going to win just because we walk on the field. There are four tough teams in our conference and we still have to develop chemistry and understand what it means to play hard for the entire game. Being good on paper doesn’t amount to much.”
WCMS is certainly in position to contend for conference supremacy. The Lady Pioneers won the conference tournament last year with both their varsity and junior varsity teams.
However, coach Walker is quick to point out Coffee County is close behind. The Lady Raiders finished second to WCMS in both JV and varsity competition last year and won the conference for two straight years before that in 2014 and 2015.
The Lady Pioneer offensive attack starts with eighth-grader Katie Toney, who is known for her relentless hustle. Toney can score goals in bunches and take over a game by herself.
“She’s as good of an all-around player as I’ve coached,” said Walker. “She brings leadership skills and the ability to play any position on the field. She’s the total package.”
Seventh-grader Bekah Jackson also provides spunk and should score a number of goals this year, according to Walker.
Where the Lady Pioneers have been especially sharp in recent years is with their defense. Walker says no team in the conference has allowed fewer goals the past six seasons. He says Natalie Stepien and Jessie Alvarez are two players who really shine defensively.
Other players WCMS will lean heavily on this year include Jaden Smartt, Shelby Roberts and Savanna Duggin.
“Warren County is blessed with athletic girls,” said Walker. “We have 30 girls on this team and I’d say two-thirds of them are pure athletes. They’re big, strong and fast.”
WCMS has a scrimmage at Huntland this Tuesday before participating in a Coffee County play day next weekend. After that, the season opens Aug. 14 with a home game against Algood. Home games are played at the WCHS soccer field.