(Atlantic) The Atlantic girls’ soccer team returns a lot of experience this spring. The Trojans return eight starters from a team that finished the 2021 campaign with a 10-8 record.
Atlantic Head Coach Dan Vargason says that despite many experienced players, the team lost three defensive players from last year’s squad and has nine or ten individuals who have never played in a soccer game. “There is going to be a learning curve with some players, but with eight players returning, that leaves us in a pretty good spot,” said Vargason.
One returning player filling a key position is Goalie Edria Brummer.
“Having Edria back there is like having a safety blanket,” said Vargason. “She is proficient, and as far as I am concerned she was an all-conference player last season. It is huge for us having her back, and she’s looked great in practice.”
The lone defensive player on the roster returning is all-conference Sweeper Quinn Grubbs.
“She was absolutely locked down last year,” said Vargason. “She is a great athlete, and one of our programs shared players from Exira/EHK. She works hard, and can play every position.”
Meanwhile, the entire offense is back, including; outside Mid-fielders Dayna Dreager and Mattie Dvorak. Vargason says these two were first-year players one year ago. “Dayna started figuring out her position at season’s end and stepped up for us,” said Vargason. “Mattie Dvorak got more consistent as the season went along one year ago. We played her inside and at forward some last year, so she has some experience.”
All-conference players; Aubrey Guyer, Lindley Eblen, and forward Jada Jensen are all back. “Aubrey Guyer and Lindley Eblen controlled the middle for us last season,” said Vargason. “They both can move the ball and did a tremendous job of feeding the ball to all-conference and all-time leading scorer Jada Jensen. All three players earned all-conference honors one year ago.”
Coach Vargason says all-around player Irelyn Gundy also returns. “She played every position but Goalie and Sweeper last season.”
Atlantic opens the season at home against Perry on March
Click HERE to listen to Atlantic Head Girl’s Soccer Coach Dan Vargason’s entire interview.
