Despite hours spent at practice and watching film, the Dubs Women’s soccer team had a heartbreaking end to last year’s season, as they came up just short of playoff contention. Over the past few years, the Lady Dubs have dominated their competition and been nationally ranked several times. Unfortunately, the new region proved to be quite a challenge for last year’s team, despite their highly skilled players. However, the team is back with a vengeance, determined to reclaim its dominance and secure postseason success.
The team has welcomed Coach Keron Lazarus, or “Coach K,” as the new head coach after the departure of former Coach Ted Colburn. Coach K was born in Trinidad to a soccer-loving family. He moved to the States at 17, where he played soccer at a college in New York. After that, he played professionally between New York and New Jersey. In his career as a soccer coach, he coached the Galloway boys’ soccer team and is currently coaching girls’ club soccer at NASA Tophat. Countless years playing the game have made him more than qualified to coach the Lady Dubs, and he has gotten straight to work. “I’m very confident from what I’ve seen so far, and I’m truly excited for the season ahead,” said Lazarus.
This team is led by a talented group of seniors, including captains Liza Hanley and Molly Laing. A role model on and off the field, Laing is committed to play D1 soccer at John Hopkins. The offense is led by Hanley and last year’s top goal scorer, junior Francie Herring. The defense is controlled by senior Roddey Bird, while Laing holds down the midfield. Although the team is filled with lots of skill, their true strength lies in their bonds off the field. The girls on the team refer to each other as “soccer sisters,” making their chemistry on the field unbeatable. “We are all such great friends, which makes playing so much easier and a lot more fun,” said Laing. “
Their season kicked off with the third annual Black and Silver Intrasquad Scrimmage on Wednesday, February 5th, where the Varsity squad and a few JV players matched up in a game against one another. On Friday, February 6th, the girls scrimmage Pace, and next Monday, the girls have their first official game against Riverwood away. As the season starts to roll, the Warriors are more motivated than ever to achieve greatness and show off their hard work. “This is my last year ever playing soccer, so I want to make it the best one yet,” said senior Roddey Bird.
Although the Lady Dubs must compete in one of the most competitive regions in Georgia, they are more than capable of succeeding and making it to the postseason. With a new coach and a squad of new and returning players, the girls are more motivated than ever. The team has several home games this year, so show up, show out, and fill the hill!
