Top-ranked Rebels soccer teams ready for season
The high school soccer season kicks off on Monday in Alabama. As players prepare to take the pitch, here's a look at where the Vestavia Hills High School varsity teams stand.
Both enter the campaign ranked No. 1 in Class 7A according to the Alabama High School Coaches' Poll.
Vestavia Hills Girls
Coach: Brigid Meadow (15th season)
Area: Class 7A, Area 6 with Hewitt-Trussville, Mountain Brook and Spain Park
Last year: The Lady Rebels won their second state title in three years, knocking off McGill-Toolen 2-1 in the 7A state final.
Outlook: Vestavia Hills lost seven starters from its 2018 squad, but Meadow said she is optimistic about the year. As long as her players stay healthy, adopt a team-first mentality and develop throughout the season, she foresees her Lady Rebels challenging for another state championship.
Players to watch: Anna Woodson (senior, goalkeeper), Anna Grace Darty (senior, defender), Caroline Causey (senior, midfielder), Lizzie Hill (senior forward), Georgia Kamburis (junior, midfielder), Izzy Passman (junior, midfielder), Kaylee Dressback (sophomore, midfielder)
Coach insight: "We’re definitely going to make an effort and put in the work to make a run. That’s kind of the mentality we have in our program.” - Meadow
Preseason ranking: 7A No. 1
Vestavia Hills Boys
Coach: Leo Harlan (4th season)
Area: Class 7A, Area 6 with Hewitt-Trussville, Mountain Brook and Spain Park
Last year: The Rebels edged Mountain Brook to advance to the 7A state final, where they lost to Auburn 2-1.
Outlook: Vestavia Hills graduated 15 seniors from its 2018 roster, including the majority of its starting lineup. The mass departure has created opportunities for new players to step up. Harlan said that his team has been working hard in the preseason and has a high ceiling. To reach their potential during the spring, Harlan said the Rebels will need to perform under pressure and have a little bit of luck.
Players to watch: Johnny Williams (senior, goalkeeper), Logan Romp (senior, striker), Tony Shaw (junior, midfielder)
Coach insight: “We believe that we can win the state championship, but at the same time we have no expectation.” - Harlan
Preseason ranking: 7A No. 1