Above, Dakota Murray throws the ball in during soccer practice at MCHS. Also pictured are Marley Gediman and Annie Bryant. Left, Goal keeper Karina Jacobo works on drills during soccer practice last week. Photos by Amanda White
Winter sports are back at Mariposa County High School and the girls soccer team is gearing up for the season.
The Grizzlies have only a varsity team this year coached by Katie Pike and Adam Finney.
Pike is taking the reins from Finney who has been the MCHS girls soccer coach for many years, but he’ll still be assisting throughout the season.
“I grew up playing soccer and it’s always been my favorite sport to play,” Pike said.
“Adam asked me if I would consider coaching and I said yes.”
Pike is a middle school teacher at Woodland Elementary and has a history of playing and coaching soccer.
“I love this age group and I love being with kids,” continued Pike.
“I’m looking forward to building relationships and seeing them grow as individuals, as players and as a team.”
The group has many returning players but also several new additions to the roster.
“We have some new players who don’t have much experience on the field as well as really well established players,” Pike said.
The roster includes Annie Bryant, Dakota Murray, Ceci Naranjo, Karina Jacobo, Rosie Neogy, Dana Munoz, Juniper Helling, Kata (Nailea) Alvarado, Tania Marquez, Tamzen McCollom, Kelsea Coder, Marley Gediman, Ana Contreras, Kennedy Williams, Isabelle Remington, Katherine Rieg, Zoe Johnson, Juno Pike, Stella DuBois, Kaia Ramirez, Kirsten Brantley and Milly Steed.
Bryant, Jacobo and Murray are the seniors on the team this year.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing how this team is able to work together and having fun, just hanging out,” Bryant said.
“It’s my favorite sport I’m looking forward to having a good last season.”
Soccer has blown up in Mariposa over the last few years thanks to the community and Mariposa Soccer League.
“Looking at the junior players coming up, our team is only going to get stronger as the kids come up,” Pike said.
The new coach is looking forward to the season and working with the team.
“I’m excited to learn a lot, Adam (Finney) is a guru with soccer,” continued Pike.
“So much has changed over the years with training and development.”
The Grizzlies begin their season on the road against Stone Ridge Christian on Dec. 3. Game time is 3:30 p.m.
Schedule at a glance
Dec. 6 – MCHS vs. Yosemite at 4 p.m.
Dec. 9 – MCHS at Gustine at 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 12 – MCHS at Big Valley Christian at 3:30 p.m.
Jan. 3 – MCHS vs. Gustine at 3:30 p.m.
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