Returning athletes
Randolph girls’ soccer features three senior players this season: returning starting goalkeeper and captain, Chelsea McFarland; two-sport athlete, Kelis Massey; and the ever-quick Lily Robinson. The junior and sophomore classes form the bulk of the varsity squad. The JV squad has the most change from last season since we have added the MS girls players to that squad.
Young athletes taking on more of a role
Several sophomore players have emerged, in the early season, as contenders for starting roles and will share the field with the juniors and seniors. Also notably included in the varsity roster is 8th grader, Caroline Wyatt. The JV squad features a mix of rookies new to the game alongside several seasoned veterans from club and rec programs. 9th grader Cecilia Brignance will wear the captain's armband for the JV team this season.
Region thoughts
As the season begins, the team is focused on taking each opponent as they come and will face tough competition in the Golden Goal Tournament early in February. But the team has made an Area championship one of their objectives, and when Area play commences after Spring Break, the team hopes to have honed their skills in time to meet Athens and Columbia with determination.
What you are looking to build off of from last year
Last season’s run in the 6A playoffs was historic and special. The 2024 squad recognizes the lofty heights set by last year’s group and aspires to reach the same high standard of competitiveness and teamwork.
Your first year at the helm
“I have been anxiously waiting for the season to begin. I am coaching both the JV and varsity squads this year, and I have already felt the excitement of teaching the game to several newcomers who have been training alongside seasoned players. The support provided by the athletic department in learning the ropes of Randolph athletics has been outstanding. The level of commitment from the players and parents, and the atmosphere that the players create in practices makes me very excited to hit the field each day. I look forward to seeing what the JV and varsity squads can do in competition.”
Opening Game/Match
“Mother Nature” was unkind to us in the early season, and we had to postpone our first match. The upside is that we got more time on the training ground which is always a good thing, and some of our winter sports athletes are returning to us just in time for competitions.
The JV will face Liberty in a challenging match at home on February 7. My coaching staff and I have noted significant development among the MS players who are playing up and there are very strong leaders among the more experienced JV players who will continue to guide the others on the field.
Varsity opens the season on the road in tournament play in Albertville at the Golden Goal Tournament. I enjoy tournament play because of the added incentive to achieve results and the built-in drama of the games. Our tournament group features teams that are well-coached and deserving of our respect. I’m looking forward to getting an early-season test of our ability.
