Left to right Front Row: Cydney Rose, Shelby Oelschlager, Tori Dugan, Sierra Osborn, Kayla Goodenbour, Brittany Shinn, Taylor Weida 2nd row: Emily Snider, Bailea Evenson, Jenny Schildroth, Ashley Moore, Erin Wentzien, Kelsey Martin, Kristen Tessau, Rachel Bown, Hannah Martin, Hanna Christopher, Sadie Walton, Elise Peterson Back Row: Chris Jans, Alyona Strohbehn, Kelsey Schwartz, Jenna Hoffman, Jayde Price, Kayli Folkerts, Taylor Flamme, Alyssa Christopher, Moriah Hoeppner, Madi Corwin, Kaitlin Mohlis, Nicole Adair, Cheryl Pease

As we wait the forthcoming soccer season I felt it important to acknowledge this past 2012 season and the young women that made it so great. The Rebels brought forth a strong team this year lead by seniors Kristen Tessau, Sierra Osborn, Brittany Shinn, Tori Dugan, Shelby Oelschlager, Kayla Goodenbour and Kelsey Martin. Juniors: Rachel Bown, Madi Corwin, Kayli Folkerts, Emily Snider, Erin Wentzien (goalkeeper) and Taylor Flamme (manager). Sophomores: Alyssa Christopher, Kaitlin Mohlis, Jayde Price, Sadie Walton, and Taylor Weida. Freshman: Nicole Adair, Hanna Christopher, Kyleah Dugan, Bailea Evenson, Moriah Hoeppner, Jenna Hoffman, Hannah Martin, Ashley Moore, Elise Peterson, Cydney Rose, Jenny Schildroth, Kelsey Schwartz and Alyona Strohbehn (manager).

Together the team set challenging goals; first to improve their number of wins from the previous year (6), they were successful posting 9 wins and scoring an average of 3.7 goals per game. The season’s top highlights were posting 2-1 win against 7th ranked Council Bluffs St. Albert’s at the Waverly Tournament. The game was tied when sophomore Alyssa Christopher took a shot from center field, just inside the half line, a perfectly executed drive that found the back of the net. The win against Hudson 8-7 in double OT that went to a shoot out with successful PK’s by seniors Kristen Tessau and Shelby Oelschlager who made the winning shot, junior Emily Snider, sophomore Alyssa Christopher and freshman Hanna Christopher who also scored a hat trick in regular play. The lady Rebel’s finished the season playing in the Championship round of Regional’s falling to Nevada 4-1.

Anchoring the team this year was center forward Emily Snider who posted a total of 18 goals, an average of 1 per game, and 10 assists. She was voted MVP, Varsity Offensive Player of the Year, and given the Sportsmanship award by her peers. Emily was again selected this year by the IHSSCA to the Class 1A All State Second Team, Congratulations Emily.

Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge the parents for the positive encouragement and support of your player. I appreciate Brenda Snider for coordinating with the parents to ensure the girls had “healthy” food and drinks for the away games.

While we weren’t necessarily the most talented team on paper the team cohesiveness had everyone playing with a champion’s spirit. For me building a team is one of the most challenging and exciting parts of coaching. I enjoyed trying to put the different pieces of the team together so that you were performing as one at the end of the season. I truly appreciate the student athletes opening your minds and hearts to me and letting me share in your experience.