Girls Soccer Preview

"Life is 10% what happens and 90% how we react."

This is a quote girls soccer Head Coach Mr. Dan McLaughlin preaches to his players.

This is McLaughlin's second year coaching the Lady Cards and thirty-first year coaching soccer.

When we sat down to talk about the upcoming season McLaughlin talked about everything from what he expects from his players to how this season is a rebuilding season.

I started off by asking McLaughlin what his feelings were on the upcoming season. He said that he is optimistic about the upcoming season. He told me this is a rebuilding season and that the team's success depends on how well the girls work together and fulfill their roles.

Then, I asked if they were any mottos or sayings he stressed to his team.

"Yes, every year I have a theme for my players,” McLaughlin said. “This year's theme is roles, responsibilities, and relationships."

 We then focused on what key players the team lost and how their positions will be filled.

"We lost nine great seniors,” McLaughlin said. “Including Ally Radford and all time leading scorer Abby Springer, their experience will be hard to replace, but it can be done through hard work."

Then, I asked what players to look out for this season.

"Junior Kelsey Newhouse is the glue of the team,” McLaughlin said.

He believes that other players like Brandi Ford, Mikala Kuhn, and Maddie Hensley will also contribute to this year's season.

Next, I got to ask McLaughlin what we can expect from his Lady Cards this season.

"You can expect hard work, my players working together on the field, and athletes reaching their maximum potential.

Then, I got the opportunity to ask him what things we can expect from his players both on and off the field.

McLaughlin told me he expects his players to represent the school and community in a positive manner, he expects them to change the culture of the school and affect the community positively and make a difference. But most importantly, he wants his players to have fun.

Finally, I got to ask him what he plans on doing to prepare his team for their first game.

"In practice I have been defining roles with all of my players,” McLaughlin said. “I've been working on building a team that plays with synergy”

McLaughlin hopes that the team can develop “synergy” and play well so that they can win some key games on their schedule.

He told me some of the key games include their first game against Mount Vernon, since they tied last year he thinks it will be a good measurement to see where the team is at. Also he believes games against Perry and Greenwood will be important too.

The Lady Cards kick off their season on the road at Mt. Vernon on August 14th. Make sure you show your support for the Lady Cardinals and cheer them on throughout their season.  

Brooklyn Raines

SHS News Bureau