Viqueen senior Alisha Hartsfield advances the ball during a recent scrimmage. (Post Photo by Rickey Clardy)
Viqueen keeper Carlie Blanton makes a save during a recent scrimmage. (Post Photo by Rickey Clardy)
By RICKEY CLARDY
Sports Writer
After failing to advance past the district soccer tournament in 2023, the Community Viqueens are looking to return to postseason form in 2024 with the experience of their returning players and some help from their freshmen.
Coach Allyse Cooper, in her second season as coach of the Viqueens, has seen a lot of positives with the start of the season just around the corner.
“We’ve been doing practices over the summer and overall I think we’re looking really good,” Cooper said.
“Last year, coming in as a new coach with Chris Brothers (former Community coach) leaving, it was coming into a program with them getting a feel for me and me getting a feel for them,” Cooper added.
“I had some of the girls in middle school when I coached Community Middle, so it was nice to coach some of the same girls again, but it was different. We had some girls from Liberty, some girls from Chris Brothers’ team, so there was some learning.”
“But we have a lot of the same girls plus some new girls, and so far it’s looking really good having them altogether,” Cooper said. “The freshmen and sophomores are a bigger group if you compare to the juniors and seniors, but it is a nice mix.”
With the mix of players, the preseason has helped Cooper to put her Viqueens in the best positions on the field and exploit the strengths of her team.
“These scrimmages are awesome to figure out where all the players work best,” Cooper said. “Carlie (Blanton) in the goal is phenomenal and she stands out there.”
“We have solid defense. Our midfield connects really well and helps us to finish up top,” Cooper added.
Cascade, Forrest, Huntland, and Community make up the teams in District 9A. The Viqueens will play nine matches during the season, with six of those being against their district opponents.
Cooper knows doing well in the district will be paramount to a high ranking in the standings.
“I have high hopes in the postseason for this team,” Cooper said.
“I told the girls if we hold our own in the district and make it to the region, it will be one step at a time, but I have high hopes in the postseason for this team.”
The Viqueens open the season at home on August 13 against Middle TN Golden Eagles. Community will play its first two matches outside the district before opening District 9-A play at home against Forrest on August 23.
