AHSTW Girls Soccer Profile

2019 Recap
Overall Record: 6-7. Western Iowa Conference: 5-2.
Postseason: lost to Tri-Center 2-0 in Class 1A regional opener.
2020 Roster
Official Roster not available. Key returning players: Paige Osweiler (sr.), Sydney Zimmerman (sr.), Morgan Holtz (jr.), Julia Kock (jr.), Lexi Meek (jr.), Joselin Baxter (jr.).
Returning Stat Leaders
 Goals: Julia Kock 12, Claire Denning 3, Ally Meyers 2, Madison Eckmann 2..... Assists: Morgan Holtz 3, A. Meyers 2..... Shots on Goal: J. Kock 38, A. Meyers 15, C. Denning 8, M. Holtz 8, M. Eckmann 5, Luisa Sasahara 5..... Goalie Saves: Sydney Zimmerman 63 (20 GA).
Comments from Head Coach Beth Herbst
 “In 2019, the AHSTW girls soccer team saw tremendous steps forward as a program. Posting a final record of 6-7, the girls saw tremendous growth as individuals and as a team. While the 2020 campaign would’ve been without the leadership of integral seniors Jordyn Holtz (1st team all-WIC), Bella Zortman (2nd team all-WIC), Katie Anzalone, Madison Simonsen, Kyley Nelsen and Hailey Haynes, the team looked poised to compete for a top spot in the WIC with the return of numerous key players.
 “What was most exciting was the talent and drive displayed by the two athletes most impacted by the season’s cancellation: seniors Sydney Zimmerman and Paige Osweiler. Both multi-sport athletes, Sydney and Paige found themselves out for soccer for the first time last season and both quickly found themselves as key cogs of the Lady Vikes’ game plan.
 Paige became an unstoppable force on the back line for the Lady Vikes, proving her dedication and toughness in playing nearly every single minute in pursuit of excellent defense. A true team player, she never let her lack of glory in the form of goals get in her way of being a leader. Her communication skills, hustle and never-give-up attitude made her impossible for opposing coaches to miss and helped earn her a 2nd team WIC nod. There is no doubt in our minds that had the 2020 season gone as planned, Paige’s contributions would’ve earned her that and more.
 “Sydney’s role with the soccer programs at AHSTW started on the managerial side as she has been managing the boys team since her freshman year. As someone who coached her in other sports, I knew that the talent for soccer was there and could hardly contain my excitement when she ran into the gym the first day of practice. Her experiences as a manager gave her an extended knowledge of the game, which translated to essentially having another coach on the field who could help with positioning defense from her vantage point in the goal.  A truly versatile athlete, Sydney excelled not only in the keeper position but also at striker when called upon. Her aggressive play-maker style made her one of those girls who always found a way to the ball, even when it meant running into people or objects.  
 “Beyond the seniors, a group of talented underclassman were undoubtedly poised to increase their performance and make a huge impact on Lady Vikes history. Juniors Julia Kock (1st team all-WIC in 2019), Claire Denning, Morgan Holtz, Chloe Falkena, Lexi Meek and Joselin Baxter all possess the talent to excel on the soccer pitch and will sadly miss the opportunity this season. In addition, the Lady Vikes sophomore class was strong and ready to build upon their contributions as freshman. In limited action last season, sophomores Ally Meyers and Madison Eckmann both contributed two goals and likely would’ve seen those roles expanded upon this season.
 “With it only being my second year as the head soccer coach at AHSTW, I was expecting an outstanding season - a season that we would leave every game with our heads held high no matter the scoreboard. I was looking forward to more passing connections, more goals, flip throw-ins and lastly an unstoppable defense. I was excited to see all the hard work from last season and the off season portray onto the field. The girls already had an idea of what I was expecting this year. Soccer is a patient sport. It takes the right pass, the right touch on the ball for the perfect goal. I was looking forward to seeing plays like that. The girls showed so much improvement through the season last year. It is definitely sad I won’t see any of that happen this season.
 “When I first found out there was not going to be a soccer season I was extremely disappointed. I found out on Friday, April 17, in the car driving. It was the worst feeling. At first I was mad. Who am I kidding, I am still mad, but then I remembered it didn’t affect just me. Then my mind raced for the girls. I couldn’t imagine soccer being MY sport, the sport I look forward to playing every year and then having it ripped away from me. The senior girls and I have talked a lot about feelings and frustrations. I hope every coach takes time to make it as special as they can for their teams.”