The 2023 soccer season gets underway this week, and we asked local coaches what to expect from their teams this season. Here’s the preview for the Owensboro girls’ team.
The Lady Devils begin their season at Daviess County at 7 p.m. on August 8.
Owensboro finished last season with a record of 7-11-0 (2-5-0 9th District). First-year head coach Sarah Poole — who played for the Lady Devils when they won the district and region titles in 2000 — takes over a team made up mostly of upperclassmen.
Here’s what Poole had to say about the upcoming season:
What are your expectations/goals for this year?
I expect to see a lot of growth from the team this year. I hope to see a much more developed team by the end of the season. Most of the players on our team lack game experience outside of the high school season, so we have to improve every game, learning something from each one.
What will be the biggest challenges on the schedule?
It is no secret that Daviess County and Owensboro Catholic have skilled teams. We are excited to play both, and again to see growth from the first time we play them to the last.
Who do you expect/need to step up?
I need all of the players to step up in their own way. I believe that every player can benefit the team, whether that is through gameplay, building team culture, or both. Sometimes the most inspirational players on a team are not the ones who play the most minutes. As a team, we need each player to step up and be a role model, on and off the field, to each other, and to the future OHS soccer players.
What areas are you hoping to improve on this year?
I would like to see the fluidity of the game improve, which will come with game experience as a team. I want to see the girls play with control and confidence. Overall, I want them to find joy in playing soccer.
