The Alexander Spartan soccer coaching tree can trace its roots back to the mid-1980’s. The staff has generally featured someone who played for the Red and Black from the days of hall of famer Jerry Royse.
For 2024, the Spartan girls’ team will continue the tradition as Todd Norris steps into the head coaching slot, a surname with a decade long continuity for Spartan soccer.
Norris served as an assistant for the boys’ teams so the managerial role will not be too alien. “My time helping on the sidelines has prepped me for this, especially from working with those who coached me,” Norris said.
He inherits a young squad and will implement a different style of play and strategy. “The team is very positive and we’re moving along pretty well in adapting to a new way of doing things. We have a few holes to fill from last season’s team but bring back a good experienced core.”
That experience is featured in the midfield and defense. The back line returns almost intact with sophomores Lily Rider, Mckenzie Roberts, junior Morgan Mitchell and senior Maddie Brooks. All earned significant time on the pitch last season with Ryder, Mitchell, and Brooks spending the full eighty in practically every match.
In the midfield, Norris has the luxury of experience, speed, and stamina. “Karah Allison and Brooklyn Watkins are probably our most experienced, both having played club soccer on a high level. They control possession and find passing lanes,” Norris commented. “Then we have speed with senior Megan Cheadle and Maddie Brookins, our senior workhorse and communicator Avery Shields, McKenna Moore, and Arbor Albano. The latter two can turn a game quickly.”
Norris continued that any of the midfielders will be expected to be part of the attacking strategy. Up top, sophomore Eliza Blaney proved herself in the offense in 2023 and will be the initial target and distributor in attacking the opposing defenses.
The nets will be guarded by two newcomers, both cross-sports athletes. Senior Mallory Sherman came from basketball and is new to soccer but has shown great promise. The other end of the age spectrum is December Johnson, a freshman wrestler. “Both are really hard workers and have shown real progress in training. Obviously, they are not afraid of the ball or contact.”
Also available are a trio of unseasoned sophomores Lilian Roach, Isabel Hardee, and Taelor Spires. Norris feels they will battle to earn playing time as they gain more experience in training time and scrimmages.
Ethan Scott, who also donned the Spartan colors on the pitch, returns as assistant coach. Former college goalie and OU grad student Kate Wisniewski is joining the staff to help train the goaltenders. An invaluable source of information and soccer knowledge will be Kirk Crow, former Alexander coach, who will serve as a volunteer assistant.
The Spartans will traditionally travel a difficult schedule to ready them for tournament time. As members of the Twin State League, the Division 4 Spartans will be the smallest school in a league that includes Athens, Marietta, Warren, and Point Pleasant.
The 2024 campaign starts with home matches against Gallia Academy and Jackson followed by a road trip to Waverly then a home stand with Morgan, Marietta, Athens, and New Lexington. The season continues with Point Pleasant, Zane Trace, Wheelersburg, Warren, Peebles, North Adams, and league return matches with Athens, Warren, and Marietta.
“We are excited to get the season started and see how we develop with our approach to the game,” Norris said.
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