Piedmont Soccer Begins

The Piedmont Academy varsity soccer teams returned to the field this week looking to continue building upon the history of the program.

For the Piedmont boys, it will likely be a rebuilding season again, coach Dwain Landress said.

“We will have five eighth graders on the team,” the coach said. “Some of them are going to have to contribute right away.
The good thing is we are building for the future. I’d rather have 14 players who are committed and who are going to train hard and learn the system we are going to put in place. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how athletic our team is.”

Sam Cleary and Rhett Roberts are the two seniors for the Cougars and are providing the necessary leadership, their coach said.
“They’ve been a big help this preseason and that goes back to the fact they were on our state championship football team,” Landress said. “That confidence level is there to do well.”

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Bringing in a new goalkeeper will be one of the challenges for the team this spring.

A tough region schedule also awaits and includes defending state champion Trinity. The region covers a wide area making road games especially difficult.

“When you are on the road, you are at a definite disadvantage,” Landress said. “Of course, it works both ways when teams come to our place.”

Bobby Mitchell, Samuel McGinnis, Davis Kimball, Jeremy Wood and Austin Bass are also returning starters.

Numbers will not be an issue for the varsity Lady Cougars who are fielding 22 on their roster in 2011.

Mary Ashlynn Dennis, Jordana Pope, Andie Lewis, Angelia Brown and Rachel Maletz are the team’s seniors.

Carley Cain returns at goal after working at the position as freshman. Landress said Cain grew into position as the season went on a year ago.

Returning starters include Heather Tyler, Lanie King, Dennis, Lewis, Cain, Kacy Swart, Pope and Audrey Cleary. The squad lost three starters from 2010 to graduation.

“We are also bringing up a strong group of ninth graders,” Landress said.

The Lady Cougars will have eight sophomores and two juniors as well.
“We are young overall but have a good foundation,” said Landress.
“It’s exciting because the girls have made the playoffs every year since we started the program. We lost in the first round 3-2 last season to a team that advanced to the Final Four.

We have a lot of experience and a lot of athletes. Everyone on the team is going to get to see some playing time because everyone has ability and will be able to contribute.”