LFO’s Kat Casey named Catoosa-Walker Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year

Published 12:56 am Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe forward Kat Casey is a cool, calm and collected individual off the field.

But during the game, she’s a beast around a soccer ball.

The rising senior earned her title as the North Georgia Girls Soccer Player of the Year after leading the Lady Warriors to a record-setting 14-4 season.

She scored 26 goals while helping the Red-and-White to their first Region 6-3A North championship, a region runner-up finish and a berth in the state playoffs.

LFO head coach Jonathan Schneider said Casey was instrumental in the team’s offensive attack because she generated shots on goal and utilized her teammates.

“Kat is a tremendous soccer player who has speed, quickness and an excellent touch on the ball,” he said. “That helped her break down defenders and defenses in general, giving her many scoring opportunities that led to her total for the season.”

Schneider said the season was a total team effort, but that Casey was the main benefactor.

Casey said she wanted to thank God for giving her the talent to play, and her teammates for their constant support.

“They’re always encouraging me, and screaming at me when I needed it,” she said. “They’re like my family.”

Casey said she hopes for a better season next spring, since LFO is losing only one player.

“I think we can be pretty good, and I want to score more goals too.”

Casey recorded only 12 goals last season.

Schneider added Casey’s improvement from last year is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.

“Kat is a leader on the field with her physical skills from her quick ball touches that helped zip her past defenders, to her overall speed that she plays the game with,“ he said.

Casey said she plans to play select ball this summer with the Lady Warriors at Camp Jordan in East Ridge and hoped the experience would help develop her skills more.



THE REST OF THE GIRLS SOCCER DREAM TEAM

Kelsey Brady (Ringgold) The junior was named the Lady Tigers’ Best Offensive Player after scoring 16 goals and dishing out 14 assists.

Hayley Cauthen (LaFayette) The versatile Lady Rambler junior was a solid contributor at several different positions for the Orange and Black.

Kierra Coln (Ridgeland) Had only one goal in her sophomore season, but her unselfish play set up her teammates for plenty of scores.

Morgann Culberson (Lakeview-F.O.) Overcame a serious knee injury in the fall to become the defensive captain of a solid Lady Warrior defense.

Brittany Ford (Ringgold) Another terrific season for the junior midfielder resulted in 12 goals, 10 assists and the Ringgold Team MVP award.

Jennifer Hall (Heritage) A solid defender and senior captain for the Lady Generals who will continue her soccer career at Covenant College.

Felicia Harris (Lakeview-F.O.) Allowed less than one goal per game in net for the Lady Warriors to help lead them to the subregion title.

Laura Kinsey (Ridgeland) The sophomore scored 11 goals in first six matches before switching and becoming a standout on defense.

Sarah Maretich (Lakeview-F.O.) Another standout scorer for the 14-4 Lady Warriors, Maretich finished with 11 tallies at the forward position.

Emily Rebne (Heritage) The junior was dangerous on corners and free kicks from the midfield and ended the season with 10 goals.

Megan Reid (Lakeview-F.O.) Not many people were able to get past the center-midfield captain, who brought toughness to the Lady Warriors.

Rachel Reid (Lakeview-F.O.) The Lady Warriors’ other standout center-midfielder was tough on defense and came through with seven goals.

Stephanie Shipley (Heritage) The junior picked up where she left off last year, controlling the middle and ending the season with 12 goals.

Krista Smith (LaFayette) The senior had a phenomenal final season with the Lady Ramblers, accounting for 19 of her team’s 42 points.

Honorable Mention: Amber Burton, Lauren Gocke (Heritage); Amanda Dotson, Shelby Harmon (LaFayette); Khrystal Terrill, Kaitlin Westbrook (Lakeview-F.O.), Ashlen Thompson, Shelby Ridley (Ridgeland); Morgan Mullens (Ringgold)

The Dream Team is selected by Catoosa County News Sports Editor Misty Martin and Walker County Messenger Sports Editor Scott Herpst with input from area coaches.