WHS JV soccer teams build for the future

WORLAND- Warriors and Lady Warriors JV soccer coaches Chris Klinghagen and Brianna Schefferly started the soccer season with a rather inexperienced group of players. But by season's end both coaches were impressed with the growth and improvement from their teams.

"At the start of the season they were playing recreational soccer but by the end of the season they knew where the defense needed to slide, how to make connections on passing and make crosses the varsity could make. Their soccer IQ has sky rocketed from then till now," said Lady Warriors JV coach Brianna Schefferly.

Warriors JV coach Chris Klinghagen has watched his group of players develop their game this season as well, "We had several players who hadn't played before and we started the season getting the foundation and fundamentals set. Then each week they got better and we were able to implement the more advanced elements of the game. They really came together as a team and learned that it takes 11 guys working as one to be successful."

Both teams were mostly comprised of freshmen, with a few sophomores and juniors. Even with the youth each team showed a resiliency and a willingness to put the team before the individual.

"Their desire to win has been the best strength of this team. Even though they don't get the attention the varsity gets they still come and out each day and work hard. We've been down in games this season and they've battled back and either won or made a game of it. They'd score a goal and it was like blood in the water, they wanted to keep it rolling, it was really fun to watch," said coach Klinghagen.

Coach Schefferly spoke about the same strong-minded quality of her team, "They never gave up regardless of the score. They'd be down by four goals but they kept digging and worked as a team. They never picked on each other, they were only trying to pick each other up. It was a terrific thing to see as a coach."

For coach Klinghagen, he's looking forward to watching the freshmen continue to build on their skills and knowledge of the game, "Our freshmen all stuck with it and they all improved. This group is going to be exciting to watch moving forward."

Coach Shefferly saw her players make strides as well from the players who split between the varsity and JV to her freshmen, "Julie Warren has been the backbone to the team and helped lead the defense with her communication and pushed her teammates to improve. Kylie Woffinden has been a big boost with her knowledge and hustle. For her first time at goalie Karla Gaytan really grew into the role and made incredible saves all season long. Her energy and confidence grew all season long. Catlin Cottrell has also worked hard all season long and was willing to play anywhere on the field."

With the strong progresses made by both JV teams, along with the addition of the middle school soccer program, the Worland High School soccer program has the cornerstones in place to become a perineal soccer power.