The DeKalb Middle School Lady Saints soccer team took to the field last Saturday, hosting a play day for teams across the region. The team got some real-time play against some real opponents as they prepare for the regular season.
“This is our inaugural DeKalb Middle School Girls’ Soccer Play Day,” Lady Saints Head Coach Justin Nokes explained. “We have eight teams, all the way from Walter J. Baird in Wilson County, to Cumberland County over in Crossville. We have a lot of teams from the Upper Cumberland for this preseason play day, where we’re trying to figure out our positioning and what we need to work on.”
When asked how his team looks for the upcoming season, Coach Nokes said they lost a lot of good players, but he has girls that are stepping up to lead the team. “We lost a few eighth graders that we’ll desperately miss, but our returning seventh graders, now eight graders, are really taking that leadership role and running with it.”
“We’ve got probably our largest sixth grade class we’ve ever had, with 12 sixth graders,” Nokes continued. “They are solid from the top to the bottom, and I really want to commend the Center Hill Soccer Club for really helping to develop those young players. Now that COVID is over, everybody is back to playing soccer and you can tell those sixth graders have been playing a while. A few of them will see some varsity time because of their development and talent level.”
“Ms. Chloe Davis is our center defender. She’s played for me for three years, and she is just solid in the back. She controls the defense.”
“Zoe Bennett is going to be a midfielder. She can run all day and she’s a facilitator, kind of like a point guard in basketball, passing the ball around.”
“Summer Poss is about the same way. She’s kind of like our Energizer bunny, she just never stops.”
“Then, we’ve got some good offense in Azul Aruda that can put the ball in the back of the net. We’ve got some good talented players that’s been here awhile, scattered throughout. We’ve got some new girls coming in that are doing great. They’re trying to find their role and are getting better every day.”
When asked about this year’s schedule, Coach Nokes said it was tough, but that is the way they want it. “Our schedule this year is pretty even. We’ve got eight home games and eight away. We are in the Upper Cumberland Soccer Conference with 10 total teams in it. So, nine of our games will be against conference opponents, so it will be a tough schedule from the start to bottom. In my opinion and our coaches’ opinion, you get better when you play better opponents, so that’s what we’re going for.”
There will be a new face on the field this season with Coach Nokes joined by another assistant coach. “I’m very excited about our coaching staff this year. Coach Cameron Lester has always been with me. This is his eighth year helping. We’ve also added Coach Ricardo Gutierrez to the staff. He’s going to be a big asset and he’s very knowledgeable of the game. This is our first year having three coaches and I think it’s going to pay dividends throughout the season.”
“Of course DCHS Soccer Coach Dylan Kleparek (Coach K) is always helping us out. The soccer fields are awesome. He’s been working and mowing, and is always out her trying to make the fields look great, and they definitely do. I’m thankful for his mentorship and help as we’ve continued to build this program.”
Coach Nokes said that this year is special for the team, marking a milestone on the program. “This is our 10th year as a program. Our 10th Lady Saints season. That is exciting, and I want to thank all of our past and current school board members who helped get this program established. I also want to thank School Board Director [Patrick] Cripps for supporting us so we can celebrate our 10th anniversary this year.”
“We have come a long way. We started our games on what is now our practice field, and now because of the school board’s support, and the county’s support, we have a nice game field with state-of-the-art lights. If you’ve not seen a game under the lights over here at Dylan Kleparek “Coach K Field” you definitely need to because it is a spectacle. I really appreciate everyone who was involved behind the scenes, and hope everyone will come out and support our local teams.”
Lady_Saints2 – Zoe Bennett tries to navigate between Prescott players as the Lady Saints hosted their first ever Play Day.
