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New coach at Champion has high expectations

Last season’s girls soccer regional-qualifying Champion Golden Flashes are back with a slate of returning faces and a new coach leading them.

The Flashes may have lost their two leading scorers from last year’s team with both Madison Luckett (35 goals, 40 assists) and Abby White (14 goals, 24 assists) graduating, but first-year coach Emily Metheny has high hopes for her team going forward into the year.

“I have high expectations for the team this year because of how far they made it in the playoffs last year,” Metheny said. “I would love to make it to the same place they did last year, if not further.”

As a first-year coach taking over for a 16-2 team that was a regional semifinalist, there’s a lot of pressure on Metheny. She’s aware of the challenge and is ready to face it.

“I definitely have big shoes to fill as the previous coaches have been amazing,” Metheny said. “All these girls are great athletes, I have trust in them and they have definitely had the respect and trust returned to me.”

One thing that has defined Metheny’s time with the team thus far, is the emphasis on family and being one united team. She has made sure her girls know that they battle together every time they step on the field.

“Everyone on this team, every single person on that field contributes,” Metheny said. “Every spot matters. We’re going to win as a team, we’re going to lose as a team. We’re a family in all aspects. Every time we step out on the field I want them to leave it all out there. Show everyone what we’ve been working on and have that heart and dedication.”

The Flashes’ roster is an experienced group with many returning faces, primarily composed of juniors and seniors. Metheny runs a 4-3-3 formation with four defensemen, three midfielders and three forwards.

“This is definitely a team that has had minutes,” Metheny said. “My lineup is mostly juniors and seniors, so we’re an experienced team going in, which is nice to have, especially since they’ve had that successful past.”

Returning to the net is junior goalkeeper Emma Gumont. Gumont is a two-year letterwinner in goal and is one of six juniors on the roster.

At defense is junior Emily Beach who is playing the sweeper role. At the outside back slots are freshman Emma Koon and junior Kylie Tuscher and manning the stopper position is Ariana Peyton, who is one of three captains on the team.

In the middle of the field are Katie Katraidis and Morgan Hardman, playing the center midfielder position, and Madi Haines slotting in as an outside midfielder.

Up front in the forward slots are third-leading scorer from last year, senior and captain Abbi Grace (13 goals, 16 assists) at wing, with senior captain Mallory Jessep and freshman Faith Brugler taking the striker roles.

“Everything is coming together,” Metheny said. “I see the hard work is paying off, just in the few scrimmages that we’ve had. Each day of practice we’re getting better.”

The team is excited to get the season going, counting the seconds until kickoff.

“We have a countdown going on,” Metheny said. “Everybody’s excited, you can see their excitement as we get close to that first game for kickoff. We open at home and Champion is a supportive community so we expect a big crowd and the girls are all excited for that.”

Champion begins its season on Friday at home against John F. Kennedy, a great opponent for the Flashes to test themselves against to open the year.

“They’re a good program,” Metheny said. “They’re always a great team to go against and they’re a good guideline to see how everything is coming together and what we’re going to need to work on throughout the rest of the year.”

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