By Madison Watts, Editor-in-Chief

Women’s varsity soccer coach Franny Apel has nothing short of high expectations for her team this season.

“I expect a trophy of some sort,” she said. Turning to her senior players, she repeated very clearly, “I expect a trophy.”

Apel definitely has competitive and ambitious goals for Reynolds High School’s team this year and knows that, with three college signees on the squad as well as six strong seniors, the team has a good chance of reaching its goals.

On Feb. 6, seniors Alex Hoots, Kate Sarfert and Haley Allen committed to play soccer during their college careers. Hoots will be attending Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C., and playing Division I soccer, while Allen will be playing in the Division II ranks with Catawba College in nearby Salisbury. Sarfert will be attending Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., which competes in Division III.

With these extremely competitive players on the squad, as well as a crowd of returners and a few fresh faces, Apel hopes that the team will become more dynamic and be able to win the close games this coming season.

“All of the pieces are in place for some really positive outcomes,” Apel said.

Hoots agreed: “I expect a lot out of this year. I want our team to excel and play well. I have nothing to lose and I want to make the best out of my last year.”

Apel anticipates that West Forsyth will be the team’s biggest rival this year. In preparation for the Demons’ competitive conference games, Apel focuses on tactical elements such as plays and positions. She plans to adjust her lineup in order to counteract each rival’s specific threats.

The three signees have been selected as captains of the team this year, not only due to their talent, but their ability to keep the team focused and energized.

Allen and Hoots anchor the midfield, providing tenacity and strength in both the offensive and defensive realms. Sarfert directs the team from center-back. Her leadership is aiding the team in its switch to a new defensive formation this year.

Also in the defense, seniors Madison Watts and Elizabeth Levstek, as well as sophomores Madison Omli and Sydney Newbury, will be crucial in maintaining a tight defensive line, getting help from sophomore Ariana Chambers.

In the offense, forwards Maggie Irvin (a senior) and Celena Greer (a sophomore) are responsible for generating a majority of the team’s plays, and both have also been able to put crucial points on the board for the Demons.

Bridging the gap between the offensive and defensive lines is Ashley Cox, the only freshman on varsity, as well as sophomore Kalila Sebille and junior Claire Hudspeth.

Last but not least, sophomore Abbey Frail sustains a forceful presence in the goal, making miraculous saves as well as directing the back line in marking procedures. Sophomore Mariah Rowdy is the backup varsity keeper: She is one of three players who split time between the JV and varsity rosters, the others being juniors Dani Winter and Karida Giddings.

Apel leads the Demons along with varsity assistant coach Julie McCann and junior varsity coach Leane Kuhner, who both return from last year. This year’s team will also benefit from the addition of junior varsity assistant coach Audrey Hite. Hite is a student-teacher at Reynolds this year.

“I’m looking forward to learning new things about coaching, about this age group, and about this team,” Hite said. “This seems like a very cohesive and fun group, and I’m excited to be a part of it!”

While Hite looks forward to adjusting to a new setting and Apel looks forward to capitalizing on close games, Omli simply looks forward to moving up the team totem pole.

“Soccer was a great way to make friends my freshman year,” Omli said, “but this year will be even better because I don’t have to perform the freshman duties of carrying the ball bags.”

Regardless of the reason for excitement, the players are pumped to don their new white shorts and prove to the competition that they’ve got a great season ahead of them.