Ana Scopel, Kylie Morris, Mackenzie Olver, Mercedes Cordero, Samantha Mead, Brooke McAndrews, Lillian Palmer-Stears, Kaelin Tibbles. (Courtesy Photo / Cindy Eriksen)

Ana Scopel, Kylie Morris, Mackenzie Olver, Mercedes Cordero, Samantha Mead, Brooke McAndrews, Lillian Palmer-Stears, Kaelin Tibbles. (Courtesy Photo / Cindy Eriksen)

Coaches Corner: Thunder Mountain girls soccer senior edition

“As senior night approaches, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight the seniors…”

As senior night approaches, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight the seniors on the Thunder Mountain girls soccer team. This is a dynamic group of ladies, and it has been rewarding to see them grow as players and people.

Ana Scopel: Ana is our exchange student this year from Brazil! She has been committed to the team since the pre-season and it has been fun to watch her skills and confidence grow. I’m sure she will bring back her skills and carry it through to a team in her home country!

Brooke McAndrews: This is Brooke’s first year playing soccer at TM. She is a bright light on the team, bringing comedic relief in unexpected moments and alway staying positive. She has taken her space on the field, even through injury, and shown everyone that she is a true athlete.

Kaelin Tibbles: Kaelin has grown so much in the four years that I’ve known her, and this year has been the best yet. She has so much confidence on the field, and it has changed her game immensely. Kaelin brings a light and fun attitude to the team, and plays with heart.

Kylie Moriss: Kylie is a super analytical player and person; she sees the game and the players and asks critical questions that benefit the dialogue and push everyone to think a bit more. We appreciate Kylie’s leadership and inclusive spirit on and off the field!

Lillian Stears: Lillian is our manager this year, but is a player at heart. I admire her so much for sticking with us; as she battled through knee injuries. She made the difficult decision to sit out this year so she can save her knee, but has a great attitude and spirit through it all!

Mackenzie Olver: Mack is our cross country queen; she covers so much ground on the field and is often found juggling a ball or hacky sack in her free time. She has evolved so much as a player over the last four years and her drive to excel will carry her through her next chapter!

Mercedes Cordero: Our strong center defender; Mercedes has emerged as a leader on the field and is receptive to her team. She continues to thrive as a player, and a young person. I know the skills she is learning on the team are just a small step in her bright future!

Samantha Mead: This is Sam’s first year of soccer at TM, and we are enjoying having her on the team as much as she is enjoying soccer. Sam has battled through some tough moments this season and shown her strength, perseverance, athleticism and dedication to the team!

This week boasts some big events for the team. At 4 p.m., Thursday May 11, Mackenzie Olver will have a signing ceremony as she is committing to playing soccer at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Friday, our senior night celebrations will kick off at 5 p.m. as we enter into our last series against Kayhi. Please come out and support the teams!

We would like to thank the team of people and families for supporting our seniors and the team this season!

• TMHS girls soccer coaches Cindy Eriksen, Kristen Wells and Martin Morriss.

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