As waves of kids started pouring onto the soccer field, Lady Pioneer coach Kimberly Smith had to have a smile on her face. Just seven months ago, Warren County was going into battle in the district tournament with just 12 healthy players. On tryout day Thursday, Smith had nearly 40 players wanting to get on the pitch.

The second-year coach made her selections, ultimately choosing 21 players to make up the 2023 Lady Pioneers. Some familiar faces will be back to star for Warren County, while a strong class of nine freshmen are on the way to add to the group.

For Smith, it feels like a perfect mix of reliable vets and exciting newcomers.

“I’m very excited for this year,” said Smith, who led the Lady Pioneers to six wins in her first year. “We have a core group coming back that all want to work hard and succeed. We also have a big group of freshmen who I feel are ready to jump in and help us reach our goals.”

Hailey Simpson, Carmen Verdel and Brooklyn Wanamaker make up the senior class, which will be counted on to provide leadership at every level. Simpson and Verdel have been contributors since their freshmen seasons (though Verdel missed most of last season with an injury), while Wanamaker has been a defensive stalwart the last two years.

The junior class features Ky Damon, Amy Garcia, Lesley Sifuentes, Stromie Pezzimenti, Callie Roberts and Marlee Sliger. Rising sophomores include Cora Bruce, Allison Escamilla and Jayla Garibaldi, who was named the district freshman of the year last year after scoring eight goals and dishing out eight assists in her debut season.

Rounding out the roster are freshmen Liyah Johnson, Mayliah Manier, Marylou Margeson, Maci McBride, Lily Moore, Zoey Snider, Addison Steakley, Chloe Wanamaker and Bella West.