University Heights Academy Lady Blazers’ soccer coach Michael Parker is entering his 27th year on the sidelines this fall and he says the 2024 edition of his soccer team could be one of the best he’s had.
The Lady Blazers return several key starters from a year ago when the team went 18-3 and fell to Henderson County 3-1 in the Region 2 championship.
Leading the way for UHA are sophomore striker Kendall Hancock and junior midfielder Audrey Perry. Hancock was the leading scorer for the team last year with 43 goals and Perry was third on the team with 23. Hancock also had 15 assists while Perry added 30.
“When I look at this team, I think it has the potential to be one our best,” Parker said. “We could be a little deeper, but our 11 starters have a chance to be pretty good as long as we stay healthy.”
Parker also pointed to the return of junior midfielder Ajae Oats, an All-Region performer a year ago, junior outside midfielder Alyssa Grise, junior outside midfielder Skyler Cantrell and sophomore goalkeeper Madison Williams as reasons to be hopeful for 2024.
“Alyssa and Skyler just go quietly about their business and Madison is so strong in goal for us,” Parker said.
Williams had 13 shutouts in goal a year ago and allowed only 24 goals while stopping 71 shots.
Kate Cayce and Kate Adams also will be counted on heavily at the defender position for UHA.
Another player expected to bolster the offense is sophomore Gracie Ausenbaugh, who had nine goals as a freshman.
Meanwhile, Parker said junior Cecelia Langhi is a key player to what the Lady Blazers are trying to do offensively.
“She came in last year and played midfield for us and all she does is win the ball and then play it up to Audrey (Perry) and starts everything for us,” Parker said.
Although a young team, UHA should challenge Henderson County and Madisonville-North Hopkins again for the Region 2 championship.
“We just have to get it over on them (Henderson),” Parker said. “We were good enough to win last year and I definitely think we have a chance to win again this year. But Henderson will be really tough. They don’t just return people, they reload.”
The Lady Blazers open the season Monday night at home against Greenwood.
