The Southmont girls’ soccer team will be seeking its fifth-straight IHSAA Sectional title in 2021.
Southmont posted a 5-8-1 record last season, advancing to the regional final for a second-straight year.
The Mounties graduated top goal scorer Marissa Craig, but return a key core of players, including their back line in Justine Troutman and Chloe Lynn and goalie Belle Miller. They also return offensive players and seniors Jordan Stanley and Hanna Nichols.
Southmont coach Phil Keller is excited about his third season at the helm and the group of players he has.
“We are a very strong team this year with great senior leadership,” he said. “Chemistry wise, I believe this is the closest team that I have coached. We are a team that works well together and will play hard for one another.
“We have the privilege of having a very old team this season. We also have a great sophomore and incoming freshman class that i do expect to contribute to our team.”
Despite a losing season in 2020, the Mounties have made strides each season under Keller and he feels like the entire program is benefiting.
“I believe we can continue to grow into a very successful program,” he said. “Working with our youth league and junior high program, we are instilling essential skills that all soccer players need to know by the time they reach the high school level. We are very hopeful that this work will pay off for many years to come.”
Last season the Mounties lost a number of close games, including two Sagamore Conference contests in a shootout and a third in overtime.
“We have to do more of the little things right,” Keller said about the upcoming season. “In most cases last season, when we lost a close game it was because of self inflicted errors. If we can correct those mistake this season then we will be more successful in close games.”
