2/13/23
By Kevin Taylor
Alma Schools
Sturdivant likes newcomers
Alma soccer coach Cory Sturdivant is excited to have some experience heading into the 2023 soccer season.
Depth will be a problem, he said, but overall the veteran Alma soccer coach likes what he sees.
Alma returns six starters from last year’s team, including 12 lettermen.
In addition to veterans Olivia Reed and Presli Taylor, the Lady Airedales return Lexi Julian, Joseline Gonzalez, Julie Guth, and Maddie Armstrong.
Sturdivant is also excited about the addition of senior move-in Teagan Thrasher.
“Teagan is a huge addition to our team, as she can play wing, in the middle of the field, or up high at forward,” Strurdivant said. “She will anchor the attacking midfield spot in front of Liv (Reed). This is an exciting combination of ladies, and we are ready to see them take the field.”
Alma opens the 2023 campaign with a Feb. 23rd Benefit match at Dardanelle.
Alma opens at home with Heavener.
“We have put together a good mix in our non-conference schedule that should feature some competitive games but also give us a chance for some early success,” Sturdivant said. “
Alma’s non-conference slate includes matches with Sallsiaw, Sylvan Hills, and Farmington.
The 5A-West, as usual, figures to be really tough.
“Our girls need to have some success before we start conference play against Harrison,” Sturdivant said. “We will have some new personnel this year, and are changing some things up from past years, so hopefully this makes us a more competitive and attacking team.”
Alma's starting lineup includes two four-year lettermen, Reed and Taylor.
“Olivia makes the transition to holding mid for the first time,” Sturdivant said. “Presli is still competing with the Lady Airedales (basketball) but is always ready to jump in and go when we get her back.
“Reed’s play in the midfield will dictate the success of our team.”
Taylor is the team’s all-time leading scorer.
“Presli’s ability to score is crucial for us,” Sturdivant said. “(But) We do have some options to pair with her to take the pressure of teams trying to double-team her.”
Lexi Julian has become a solid player, Sturdivant said.
“She has really matured into a tough player and should have a great junior season,” he said. “She will anchor our left wing and eos well in (one-on-one) crossing situations. Sophomore Joseline Gonzalez moves to right-wing and can also shoot from distance.”
Isabella Carbonia will make the biggest switch this season, Sturdivant said, where she moves to defense along with Maddie Armstrong and newcomers Natalie Skinner and freshman Izabel Benson.
“I’m very proud of how much Bella has embraced her new position on defense,” Sturdivant said.
As for the always competitive 5A-West, Sturdivant doesn’t expect much of a drop-off.
“In fact, it just becomes, even stronger with the loss of Vilonia and the addition of Harrison,” he said. “(Coach) Chris Pratt’s Harrison girls program is one of the best in the state,” he said. “The Lady Goblins moving back up to 5A from 4A, I expect the rest of the teams in the conference to be as competitive as they were last year. Siloam (Springs), Greenwood, Mountain Home, Russellville … all great teams and difficult opponents.”