When Maddy Dawson was at the beach this summer, she did not yet have an assistant to run her Cosby girls soccer practices.
So she texted James Groat, Dawson’s former coach who now leads the middle school United program, and asked if her players could train with his varsity squad for a week.
That conversation, as well as the ensuing joint practice that took place, encompass the mutual interest in soccer growth that has been displayed across the Cocke County community.
On August 9th, that growth will be on display once again, as Cosby High School hosts the 2024 Soccer Jam, otherwise known as the second annual Cocke County soccer jamboree.
Notably, this will be Cosby’s first time hosting this event.
“Hosting a big event like the jamboree is always a little nerve wracking because there are so many moving parts,” said Dawson. “But it’s always insane to see the amount of support we receive from the community.
“Plus, kicking off the season on our home turf is always exciting. Coach Cooper has put a lot of work into making the field look incredible this off season, so overall we are just itching to get out there & showcase our talent.”
“We have worked extremely hard this summer for that game day,” added CCHS coach Mikayla Metzdorf. “So to have one the first full week of school is something we are really excited about.”
There will be a $5 gate fee for the event, though kids five and under will get into Virgil Ball Stadium free.
There will be concessions available, and t-shirts will be sold.
As far as the itinerary is concerned, Groat’s junior varsity United squad will face the JV squad from Horace Maynard at 6 p.m.
After that, there will be a skills challenge at 6:30.
The varsity middle school matchup between United and Horace Maynard will take place at 6:55, as Groat displays a team that is coming off its second consecutive EUMSS title.
Finally, Cocke County and Cosby will face off at 7:30 p.m.
This year’s matchup brings extra juice for both programs, as Mikayla Metzdorf enters her sixth season at the helm for CCHS with Dawson going into her second year — and first full season — leading the Lady Eagles.
The Lady Red took down Cosby in last year’s jamboree, but the Lady Eagles took the regular-season victory off a hat trick from Addy Woods.
Throw in the fact that a few freshmen from each team played together as recently as last year, and the competitiveness factor ratchets up a bit more.
“Maddy with Cosby has done a great job with her girls,” said Metzdorf. “It’s always a competitive game, so we need that preseason match to get the season rolling.”
“That’s one of the biggest games for our girls every year, because it’s girls they know and an inter-county rivalry,” added Dawson. “They’re excited for it. We know our roster looks a lot different and theirs looks a lot different.
“So we’re going in not knowing what to expect, which is almost better — not overconfident or under confident.”
And regardless of which team wins, both coaches were clear in the main goal: sustaining the soccer growth that has taken hold throughout the community in the past couple of years.
“No matter what high school they go to, we help each other out and grow the sport together,” summarized Dawson. “It’s always insane to see the amount of support we receive from the community.”
“The girls and I are excited to get that opportunity and bring the community together,” added Metzdorf. “To see the middle school teams, those girls that will be coming to one of our two schools, and to have them watch and look up to the high school teams, that’s huge. Soccer is definitely growing here.”
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