A couple of things that Hopkinsville High School Lady Tigers’ soccer coach Jeff Addison doesn’t have to worry about in 2025 is senior leadership and depth.
The veteran coach has 11 seniors on this year’s team and he says this last season of Lady Tigers soccer could be a good one.
Hoptown returns goalkeeper Jaleigha McFarland for her senior season. Last season, McFarland had her best season as a Lady Tiger, recording 222 saves while only allowing 75.
Addison said he feels confident with McFarland in goal. She will have help in the back of the defense from senior Grace Cansler, junior Lila Jorgensen, senior Kila Cherry, and junior Emma DeArmond.
It could be defense by committee early in the season as Addison figures out the best lineup.
DeArmond and Cherry could also hold down midfield slots. Meanwhile, seniors Caroline Baker, Lauren Jones, and Lauren Mayes will be key to the Lady Tigers’ midfield positions.
Freshman Jaycee Shanklin and junior Azaa Enkhtugs will see plenty of time at midfield. Freshman Trinitee Lopez also will help defensively.
Offensively, the Lady Tigers return their top two goal scorers from a year ago in senior Kaylyn Lynch and junior Kaydon Coats. Lynch scored 28 goals and added nine assists and Coats finished with 22 goals and 10 assists in 2024.
Addison said the key for Hoptown in its final season before consolidating next season with Christian County High School, is consistent play.
Unlike last year, depth also will not be a problem for Hopkinsville, which has 22 players on its roster in 2025.
Addison said he hopes to be able to play 15-16 players per game without much drop off in performance.
The Lady Tigers are coming off a 13-10-1 season that saw them finish as District 8 runner-up in 2024.
Hoptown opens the 2025 season Tuesday at Logan County.
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