Chemistry, leadership strong with Ashley Hall soccer
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Charleston – There’s a lot to be said for team chemistry when it comes to winning on the playing field and the Ashley Hall soccer team seems to have plenty of chemistry this spring.
Former assistants Kelly Rogers and Allison Andrews have taken over the direction of the program as co-head coaches. Rogers is in her sixth season as coach while Andrews has five years of experience. They are attacking this season with enthusiasm and like the way the team is working to prepare for the season.
“Our focus this year is to get better every day we step out on the field. Whether it's practice or a game, our goal is to find a way to find success -- in every way we can,” Rogers says. “That way, by the time playoffs come around, we are in top shape to compete.
“We have a strong core group returning this year with a focus on building up play through the midfield. Our team is tight knit and versatile -- with a lot of athletic players who can help us find success from different areas of the field.”
Rogers feels the entire roster is capable of contributing to success. But, every team has a core group of leaders that set the tone for the rest of the team. Rogers feels the 2025 Panthers have solid leadership.
“Our leaders come in many forms: some show by doing and some show with mentality,” she explains. “Seniors Kate Farr and Dia Timko are the leaders who embody our team's values -- they show up every day with the mentality that they are going to get better and help the team do so along the way.
“Kate Coker and Gates McCants (both seniors) reliably put the energy in this team. I know when they step on the field they are playing their hearts out and that shows through how they hold themselves.
“The core players that we always find ourselves relying on are freshman Lynden Taylor and junior Catherine Clark. When these two girls have the ball, there is a sense of calm with the rest of the team. They will defend until they win the ball and distribute out to their teammates consistently to get us out of trouble.”
All of the above mentioned players work in the starting lineup. Other starters include senior Iris Stiegman, sophomore Molly Mettler, senior Caroline Rivers, junior Britton Zollweg, freshmen Bea Anderson and Bryn Wildstein, and sophomore Kamya Howard.
Rounding out the roster this spring are Bailey Burke, Emily Kaye, Evie Cowan and Gemma Williams.
“This year our sights are set on a successful season to place into the state tournament,” Rogers says. “With two additional teams in our region, but the same amount of spots available, the competition will be higher but we are ready to hold our ground as one of the top schools in our region.”
