Last year GHS Soccer had their best season to date. This year they’re kicking off high school sports for Garretson high school with two games already under their cleats.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everything of course, with a bunch of new rules from the South Dakota High School Activities Associations, and honestly, we’re happy to even have any kind of sports at all to go outdoors and enjoy.
Amber Williamson returns for her second year as the GHS Soccer head coach, and fourth year as a coach in the program.
“We have been blessed with beautiful weather all preseason and a great start to the year this far,” coach Williamson said. “It feels wonderful to be back out on the pitch in the sunshine with the team.”
Coach Williamson said that she’s got some good experience on the team going forward.
“Kaycie King is our lone senior, but is backed by a large group of juniors who we are looking to step up this year and lead also,” she said. “Both Kaycie King and sophomore Raegen Altman received all-state honors last year. Returning juniors include, Madison Decker, Miriam Pickard, Leigha Lacey, Tori Lodmell, and Paige Sterud. Cassidy Braach also is joining the team for the first time as a junior this season. We are fortunate to also have a sophomore class, many whom have been playing varsity since they were 8th graders. Kayla Genzlinger will once again be a force to be recon within the goal this season. Altman, Morgan Damman, and Jenna Van Holland will be anchors in the midfield as well.”
Coach Williamson said there are some younger players to watch out for too.
“Joely Sterud saw the field every varsity game last year as a 7th grader, and we are looking for her to continue to make an impact on the pitch as an 8th grader,” she said. “Jordyn Williams also saw time at the varsity level as an 8th grader and will be looked at to make an immediate impact this year as well.”
As mentioned, last year was the best season the team has had so far, especially considering that not so long ago, Garretson Soccer didn’t exist at all. They have certainly come a long way in a short time. Last year we were led by a strong group of six seniors, and we reached the first round of state and traveled to Rapid City to take on St. Thomas Moore. Unfortunately, we fell short, losing on a last-second goal by St. Thomas Moore. This season we are excited to see some younger players step up into different roles and build on the success of last year. We are proud of the attendance and effort by the girls in the off season open fields this summer.
Their first two games were back to back, Friday and Saturday last week.
“At Vermillion we started off strong and got wore down throughout the game,” said Coach Williamson. “We’ve talked about controlling the controllable throughout the whole game. Effort, attitude, and teamwork are things we can control. Even though the outcome of the game was a loss, our effort, attitude and teamwork were a bright spot and something to continue throughout the season.”
“Kayla Genzlinger recorded 13 saves in goal defensively. On the offensive side of the ball, Joely Sterud had three shots on goal, Jordyn Williams and Paige Sterud each had two, Madison Ljunggren, Raegen Altman, Jenna VanHolland, and Morgan Damman each recorded a shot on goal. We had multiple opportunities to score throughout the game, and will continue working on executing and capitalizing on those opportunities.”
Saturday Afternoon, the Lady Dragons faced Groton for the first home game of the year.
“It felt great to get out on our home field as our first home event at Garretson School since March,” said Coach Williamson. “The ladies came in positive from the loss the night before. Joely Sterud led the way for the offense with 6 shots on goal, Madison Ljunggren had 2 shots on goal, P.Sterud, VanHolland, Damman and Kaycie King each recorded a shot on goal. Once again, we had multiple opportunities to pull away and score. However, the theme of the weekend was capitalizing on those offensive opportunities. One thing we have worked on throughout the summer and fall is endurance, stepping to the ball, and winning balls out of the air.”
“We are excited for the two upcoming home games and ready to come out strong and determined! Thursday we play Huron and Saturday we take on the defending state champs, the Tea Area Titans.”
