Cochrane Cobras senior girls soccer coach, Carolyn Mcleod, has high expectations for her team this year.
‘We’re here to take back Divisionals back. Obviously we want to win Zone’s again too, but Divisionals is certainly on the top of our to do list.” Mcleod said.
After winning gold at Divisionals seven years in a row, the Cobras were struck with injuries last season and ended up with the bronze, after defeating Airdrie’s Bert Church 8-1. The Cobras are fielding a young team, but plenty of talent will still be present on this year’s squad. Mcleod said they have 35 girls out for tryouts, which is their highest number in Cobras soccer history.
“To have 35 very serious girls, trying out for this team is one of the highest number’s we’ve had. But it’s difficult because girls get nervous and you don’t get many chances to see them in tryouts.” Mcleod said. “But what we’ve done in past years is we’re airing on the side of a longer roster, so instead of picking our starters and a few extras we’re looking at a roster of 22 with some redshirts.”
Several players, including Marley McAndrews, Katelynn Thompson, who also is the kicker for the football team, and Delaney Vanderwater, whose time may be limited with the Cobras as she was recently selected to be a part of a Vancouver Whitecaps training program, will lead Cochrane High this season. Mcleod also said she’s excited to see what the Grade 10s do this season.
“There’s a couple of Grade 9s who are moving into Grade 10 that did well last year, who have really impressed at tryouts.” Mcleod said. “They look stronger, more confident, they’re moving the ball well, and as coaches we can really see the difference a year makes.”
The Cobras start off their campaign on Sept. 14 when they take on W.H. Croxford Cavaliers at Monklands Field in Airdrie.
