Despite winning just one contest a year ago, new Madill girls soccer coach Nathan Fitch has rolled into his first head coach job with a wealth of enthusiasm.
Fitch, who originally hails from England, had a solid career playing at USAO in Chickasha and spent the past two years as an assistant coach at Bridge Creek before taking the Madill reins.
He'll have a solid core of seniors providing leadership for a handful of extremely talented underclassmen.
That senior group includes defenders Nayely Cruces and Mayra Torres along with midfielder Yvette Ariciaga.
“They will be major factors in how much success we have this year,” Fitch said of his veteran leaders.
Sophomores Anayah Sage and Jayleen Vasquez are returning catalysts at forward and midfield, but freshman Itzel Trevino could be an instant impact contributor along with Zamirah Mata. Another freshman, Camila Guevara, is penciled in as the team’s striker.
Arlette Andrade will join the club as a defender following basketball season after not playing a year ago. Junior Alexy Granados should be a regular as a defender as well.
Youth will definitely be on display in goal with freshman Hadon Stuckey expected to fill that slot, especially in the early part of the season.
“I truly feel like we will be a lot better than we were last year,” Fitch commented. “We look stronger and better every single week. I believe we can make a good run in district and even potentially qualify for the playoffs. The main thing is that we are going to compete much better than they did a year ago.”
The Lady Wildcats showed their prowess and potential in an early scrimmage with powerful Weatherford, dropping a 3-0 verdict, which was light years ahead of their 10-0 shellacking at the hands of the Eagles last season.
That outing also showcased the team’s new fun, attacking style of play.
“We want to play exciting, fun and fast paced soccer,” Fitch said. “The key is going to be how we defend though. We are going to take a lot of pride in our defense, because that should be our strength as we go along. We also have a freshman keeper that is way beyond her years.
“It will be a high intensity and good attacking style on the offensive side.”
The Lady Wildcats will once again be in a very competitive district this year that includes Harrah, Ada, Community Christian and Mount St. Mary out of Oklahoma City.
Fitch’s squad will make its season debut on Tuesday at home against Durant and attempt to build some momentum early on.
“We are going to see how far we have come and whether we can compete with the big dogs once we get into district play,” he added.