The only co-ed team included in our preview, the Heritage Christian Academy Warriors, posted a 6-7-1 (4-3-0 KCAA) record in 2016. The Warriors beat Assumption in the quarterfinals of the KCAA State Tournament before falling 9-0 to Somerset in the semifinals, the same team that denied them a state championship in Heritage Christian’s state runner-up finish in 2011.
Coach Tony Henson enters his 7th season looking to replace nine seniors, leaving a very young group to take the field in 2017. Three seniors will anchor the team, beginning in the back with returning goalkeeper Kameron Cunningham. Coach Henson has been pleased with Cunningham’s conditioning efforts and his emergence as a vocal leader. Clay Bonner is an option at multiple positions, but will find himself mostly used on the wing, due in large part to the speed he offers at the position. Gillian Taylor is the third senior, an experienced defender who Coach Henson describes as, “one of the toughest young ladies you will ever see.”
The Warriors are also counting on a couple of juniors to make big contributions. Lawson Ashby should provide a strong offensive threat, with Coach Henson describing him as having the best feet on the team. Henson praised Ashby for his time spent improving his game at camps this summer and feels it will greatly improve his field awareness. Kayley Wadlington will be returning to her usual defensive position, and her coach will count on her to shoulder a lot of the responsibility for marshaling an otherwise youthful back line.
Sophomore Thomas West is another player Coach Henson is pleased with for his work in the offseason. Henson feels West’s size, strength and experience make him one of the team’s most well-rounded players, and hopes he’s positioned for a breakout 2017 season. A strong, seven player freshman class, described by Henson as the most energetic he’s had in his time with HCA, will also look to make their mark.
After last season’s somewhat disappointing record, Coach Henson says first and foremost is to, “simply get back to a winning overall record.” However, after Henson talks about his team, it’s clear its goals might not be quite so humble. Combined with the returning talent and experience, Henson feels if the young players continue to do what they’re asked and improve at the same rate they have in the preseason, “we should be able to make a pretty good run in the KCAA tournament.”
The Warriors will look to see where they stand in the preseason with an August 10th scrimmage against KHSAA team, Logan County, followed by the HCA Alumni Game on August 12th. The Warriors will then get the regular season started at home on August 15, when Highland Latin School makes the trip from Louisville to Hopkinsville. On August 18-19, HCA will travel to Evansville to compete in the Bosse Classic. Coach Henson also stated the possibility remains of adding some more matches to the schedule.
