Girls soccer returns strong squad

The girls soccer team will enter the 2015 season with eight very experienced, top-notch senior players. They are adding six players who will lend depth to the squad.

Michaela Miller, Hannah Ceciliani, Marissa Young, Nina Horner, Anna Ortega, Olivia Stewart, Tayla Schneider and Hannah Tenneson are all back for their final year.

Miller returns at center-midfield and will control the middle of the field, direct the point of attack, and distribute the ball to the places where it will do the most damage to their opponents.

"Michaela has agility, confident ball-skills, long-lasting endurance, and game-intelligence, earned from many years playing this game," said Coach Thomas Draxler.

Ceciliani is back in the box for the Outlaws and will be a force as goalie.

"Hannah has been playing in the club system for a long time," said Draxler. "She has extensive knowledge of the game that only comes with living and breathing the soccer lifestyle. Her quick reflexes, massive punt, vocal assertion, and ability to read the field will be wonderful assets for our team."

Young will bring her passion to the center-midfield position.

"Expect to notice this girl (Young) by her fierce aggression, her hunger for possession of the ball, and her battle cries," said Draxler. "When we need that magic-wand that turns tiny flames into a raging inferno, we cannot do better than Marissa. She also has a pretty darn good step-over, which destabilizes defenders constantly."

Horner will play center-defender, and at that position will shut down attackers, and send long balls up to the forwards.

"Nina has height for headers, a big boot, and stalwart defending skills," said Draxler.

Ortega reads her attackers well, and will play left defender.

"Anna has a solid left foot, which is a rare commodity," said Draxler. "She will be clearing out the attacks coming down her side. I also expect to see her rip some free kicks at goal."

Stewart has a great left-footed cross, and the ability to turn the corner on defenders, and will be a force at left forward.

"Olivia will be involved in fast-paced combination play with the center-mids and forwards, advancing the ball up the field," said Draxler.

Schneider has a confident skill-set and a relaxed playing style and will play at center forward for the Outlaws.

"Whenever the ball comes near Taylor, we know she'll bring it under control and settle things down in a positive way," said Draxler. "Taylor will be our goal-poacher on the front line, stealing the smallest opportunity, and turning it into a chance to score."

Tenneson, at left midfield, rounds out the strong, solid, senior core.

"Hannah has aggressive intensity, and the ability to foresee the opponents' lines of attack and plow through them. We expect to see her take some dangerous shots on goal by turning inside toward the top of the eighteen," said Draxler.

New additions to the team include seniors Tessa O'Hern and Olivia Watts, junior Shawna Ferrell, sophomore Katelynn Josten, and freshmen Alexa Stewart and Lexi Martin.

O'Hern is very quick and sure-footed and will see time at midfield. Draxler noted that Tessa's superb right-footed touch will allow her to quickly overlap the forward line down the outside, and send in crosses to her teammates. Watts (forward) has good height and will be able to knock in many goals for the Outlaws. Draxler said that Olivia is able to strike the ball soundly, cross the ball, and read defenders

well.

Ferrell and Josten will both play at the forward position. Shawna is quick and aggressive, and has a good touch on the ball. When she does lose a ball to an opponent, she is able to turn, fight, and get it back. Josten is expected to be a threat up front for other teams. Draxler noted that Katelynn has quick acceleration and a solid punch to her shots.

Alexa Stewart and Lexi Martin will round out the varsity roster, and both will see time in the midfield. Stewart has lots of endurance and can just keep running. She is expected to be lethal in wearing down the other teams' energy. Martin has incredible ball control and game vision; qualities which will enable her to be a playmaker in the center of the

field.

Coach Draxler shared with The Nugget the Lady Outlaws' goals for the season:

"We want to advance our skills every day in practice. We look to play a compact game that doesn't isolate players on the outside or up front. We are going to strive for creative ways to put the ball in the net. And, we prioritize a fast-paced playing style, which we hope will be as fun for fans to watch as it is for us to do."