‘Stay Hungry’: Girls Soccer Kicks Off A New Season

During early practices, Head Coach Matt Wiegers has repeatedly told the Lady Eagles to “keep focused and stay hungry.”

Sullivan aims to continue their momentum after five winning seasons. They also have their eyes set on breaking their district title drought.

Last year, the Lady Eagles just missed out on a championship spot. They lost 2-1 to Helias Catholic in the semifinal, who later finished second in Class 2.

Wiegers believes that for his team to win their district, they must continue following his motto. “I always try to raise the bar to improve our win total from the previous year,” he stated. “We finished with 15 wins last season. I believe we can eclipse that total this season. In addition, we would like to be more competitive in our district.”

Sullivan’s biggest challenge is filling the roles left by the graduated seniors. Wiegers explained, “The only concern is we are replacing two key positions; our leading goal scorer from the ’23 and ’24 seasons graduated, as well as a four-year starting goalkeeper.”

Wiegers will look to Jada Adams as Sullivan’s top scorer at the net. He said, “I foresee [her] not only having the team lead, but she’ll challenge for overall goal leader in the Four Rivers Conference.” The senior forward racked up 35 goals last year, ranking second in total team points behind Cambria Pohlman.

Sullivan has also called on sophomore Chloe Carson to be the starting goalie, taking the torch from Maria Schatzl. Wiegers shared, “The team is rallying in front of Carson. She has come out hungry to prove to her teammates that she is going to be a force in [the] net from game one.”

The head coach described the Lady Eagles as “just turning the page” this year. He stated, “We are returning seven varsity starters from last season, and that brings an expectation to pick up where we left off.”

Forwards Gabriela Camacho and Adams, as well as midfielder Molly Lohden, will play their final seasons at Sullivan.

Senior defenders Dorie Richardson and Shelby Giebler will return for one last time.

Midfielder/forward Addison Wagner will cap off her high school career this spring, as well as Alaina Wall.

Wiegers praised his veterans for their leadership, saying, “I have seven seniors who set the tone in every practice, and that will play out game to game. Their leadership is every coach’s dream. All I have to do is provide the goal for practice and game expectations, and they provide the encouragement.”

Four juniors are also hungry for victories: Scarlett Husley (D), Avery Merkel (D), Tessa Newman (F) and Kara Schmidt (D).

Six sophomores will compete on varsity: Carson (GK), Andi Giebler (D/M), Ava Hayes (M), Ella Kirk (M), Eden Lambert (M) and Molly Pilkenton (D/GK).

Four freshmen will play at the highest level: Francisca Goudeau (D), Kloe Greife (M), Ava Kirk (D/M) and Jayde Schlueter (D).

Home Schedule

3/18: V @ Sullivan Jamboree - 4 p.m.

3/31: V/JV vs. Pacific - 5/6:30 p.m.

4/8: V/JV vs. St. Clair - 5/6:30 p.m.

4/9: V/JV vs. Festus - 5/6:30 p.m.

4/17: V/JV vs. St. James - 5/6:30 p.m.

4/22: V/JV vs. Union - 5/6:30 p.m.

4/25: V/JV vs. Osage - 5/6:30 p.m.

5/8: V/JV vs. St. Francis Borgia - 5/6:30 p.m. (Senior Night)

5/12: V/JV vs. Dixon - 5/6:30 p.m.

5/15: V/JV vs. Wright City - 5/6:30 p.m.