Kennett Indians soccer program - They play anyway

Kennett, Mo. - After a 14-year absence from the pitch, Kennett High School reinstated soccer this year.

The team was led on the field by senior Capt. Lucas Randle and junior Co-Capt. Meagan Spielman.

Many participants came to the program after they aged out of Kennett Kiwanis soccer after middle school, even when there was no opportunity to play at the high school level.

Kennett elected to play at the junior varsity level for the first two seasons. Seniors and juniors on the team would not be eligible to win varsity letters.

The athletes were ineligible for post-season play, or any individual recognition for their duration on the team.

One senior and nine juniors chose to play anyway.

Underclassman on the team know they have bright futures.

However, they also understood the road would be difficult. They considered that perhaps the first few years would see few victories against successful, established area programs, even at a JV level.

Eleven sophomores and freshmen chose to play anyway.

Despite the prospects of a challenging season, the Kennett players attended summer contact days in all kinds of weather.

They practiced on their own, outside of hours on the pitch, to improve their skill level.

The team hosted a free camp for young players and their coaches at the beginning of the Kennett Kiwanis soccer-league season.

Kennett players also are found at the Kiwanis Club's soccer fields early every autumn Saturday morning. They serve as referees in order to mentor and promote the sport to the next generation of Kennett soccer players.

The Soccer Indians are led by head coach Jeremy Westerfield and asst. coach Alex Lee, both of whom played for Kennett before soccer was discontinued.

Coach Westerfield’s motto for the season was Create the Tradition.

This team has taken that challenge to heart.

Players showed up and played hard, simply for the love of the game, with no promise or thoughts of recognition for themselves or the team.

The Soccer Indians improved every outing against established programs and managed to sneak in an unexpected win, and a tie along the way.

More important than its record this season, the Kennett Soccer Indians created a tradition for soccer-loving students who will follow in their footsteps.

Kudos to the 2023-24 Kennett High School Soccer Indians.

They play anyway.