Kelly soccer seeking first winning season since 2016

The Kelly girls’ soccer team is focused on creating opportunities for growth this season.

The Lady Hawks finished with just a 3-16 overall record last season, but the team returns some of its top players at key positions and some good leadership from its captains.

“We’re ready,” said Kelly coach Omar Campos. “But nervous for the first-year players. The team is ready to prove themselves. Our philosophy and mentality for this year are positivity, effort, and teamwork. The past season we have been working on building on teaching and working on our formation. Most of our girls don’t have a lot of soccer experience.”

The team's top returner is junior Kristin Grogan. She was all-district and finished with the most goals scored last season.

Junior Kaleigh Holman is back in goal with a year of experience under her belt.

“She did very well stepping up and taking the big responsibility,” Campos said.

Juniors Emory Glenn and Allí Heacox return and make the defensive line stronger with their experience, and senior Lydia Lewis is one of the team’s best and most experienced forwards.

“I’m able to count on [Lewis] on, and off the field,” Campos said.

The Lady Hawks will have to replace their best defender from last season Allison Riley.

Freshmen Olivia Cross and Mason Rivers are also expected to contribute.

“The goal is to be better than last season,” Campos said. “Our girls are more than capable of winning and competing with all the teams around the area.”

Kelly started its season by hosting the Kelly Shootout this past weekend. The Lady Hawks took on DeSoto on Friday and Fredericton and Massac County (Ill.) on Saturday.

Kelly will travel to Sikeston on Thursday, March 23.