Southmont girls soccer had a successful first season under Roger Azar who took the reigns of the Mountie program in 2022. In his first season, the Mounties went 10-7-1, were the county champions and finished third in the Sagamore Conference.
Now in 2023 with the Mounties season about to get underway, Azar and his girls will look to replicate that success and maybe go a little further this season. The Mounties graduated seven seniors from last year’s team including forwards Elle Gray and Lillie Odum. Chloe Lynn, Abigail Korhorn, Alivia Williams, Emily Smith, and Emma Phillips all will look to be replaced as well. The good news for the Mounties is that they have another talented group of senior and upper classmen this season to lead the way.
Forward Jessica Hale who emerged onto the scene last year as a sophomore returns along with Shelby Chieppo, Jessie Bradley, Ella Brewer, and Ashlynn Maddox in goal, the Mounties look to be in good shape for 2023.
“This is a great team and we’ve got a great group of athletes,” Azar said of his team. “I’m excited to see how we play once the season gets underway. I’m expecting big things from Jessica who is going to be more of a leader this year with our offense. She’s really technically sound as a player and now we’re trying to get her to be more vocal.”
A year ago, the Mounties fell in the sectional semi-finals to eventual champion Cascade. This year the Mounties will get the luxury of hosting the Class 2A sectional. While that is far down the road, Azar wants his team to have their goals high as they head into a new year.
“The first goal and most obvious one for us is we want to defend our county title,” Azar said. “But when you look further than that we want to go for conference and I believe with a lot of hard work and maybe a little bit of luck these girls can make it there. Our biggest target for this group is we want to bring the sectional title back here. We need for that to happen.”
South will open up their 2023 season on Thursday with a road game against Western Boone.
