Young Lady Ramblers bubbling with potential

Some dependable seniors and an influx of younger talent has LaFayette head coach Whitney Brown “excited” about the Lady Ramblers’ 2017 soccer season.

“I only kept around 15-20 girls so we don’t have a lot and some of them are young,” she explained. “But it’s a great dynamic because they are amazing kids and they really want to learn. We have a lot of learning to do, and that’s part of it, but we haven’t had one problem so far. We’re always having fun at practice.”

Brown is counting on the leadership and skills of three seniors, plus one junior, to be the anchors for her youthful squad.

“Karissa Tatum was the (Walker County) Player of the Year as a freshman and she did very well as a sophomore,” Brown said. “We really missed her last year (Tatum was unable to play because of a knee injury) because they were times when we just couldn’t score enough. We’ll make sure we’re keeping a close eye on her out there, but I’m thrilled to have her back.

“Montana Aldridge will be in goal for us. She’s been with us all four years and she’s a hard worker and a great leader. Hannah Blevins is another hard worker and a threesport star, who is going to play outside or center midfield.

“Then we have a junior exchange student in Malin Thorsen. She played volleyball this year with Karissa and she played soccer as a kid, so she knows the game. We’re treating her like a senior this season and we’re excited to have her out.”

Brown said she is also depending on big years from some of her returners from last year, such as Bailey Tarvin, Ashlyn Haggard, Kyla Burnette and Darsey Shields, Ashton Stalling and Shelby Adkins, who can play in goal, but will primarily be a field player this year.

Among the incoming freshmen are Gracie Stier, Megan Wilson, Kailee Queen and Caitlyn Watson.

“We have lots of multi-sport athletes out playing soccer, which we love here at LaFayette,” Brown added. “Some of the new girls will have to play different positions and we lost some key players from last year, but I’m really excited about this year’s team.

“It’s fun being around them. They are all always positive and I can’t complain. God blessed me with a really good group, that’s for sure. Hopefully they will learn and we’ll play well.”