Despite losing some talent Freeland soccer still team to beat in TVC
John Raffel
Sports Scene
Freeland soccer coach Lauren Kemerer is confident she has another strong team on her hands this season.
If that’s the case, Freeland opponents have good reason to be concerned.
The Falcons are coming off a season that ended at 23-2 after losing 4-0 in the championship game to Flint Powers Catholic.
It’s Kemerer’s fifth year as coach.
“We had some goals,” Kemerer said of the 2017 season. “We just weren’t ready for the next step. I definitely think this year will be different. Last year, we met our goals but didn’t set goals further after we met them.”
The Falcons lost two top notch players who are now in college. This includes Michelle Herring who is now at Michigan State and Jessica Piper at Northwood. Piper blew out her ACL in the state semifinal round.
“We lost some talent last year but we have a lot of young talent this year,” Kemerer said.
The returning talent includes senior forward Mackenzie Stroebel.
“She’s an absolute powerhouse on the field,” Kemerer said. “She’s definitely one to look out for. She has her eye on the prize. She’s determined and focused, a very good player.”
Another key performer is junior forward Autumn Kloha.
“She never stops,” Kemerer said. “She has a good work ethic. She’s always going. She’s nonstop and is aggressive. She’s a really good player.”
Hannah Doran is a center midfielder.
“She’s a very smart player,” Kemerer said. “She’s very aggressive. In that position you have to be because you’re controlling the field.”
Freeland has a talented goalie with Alexa Walker.
“She’s become very vocal on the field,” Kemerer said. “All the offseason training she’s got going has built her strength and her confidence. It’s really come together the last couple of years.”
It could be another special year for Freeland.
“We have a lot of talent this year; it’s going to be great.” Kemerer said. “I’m super excited.”
The goals have been set high, again.
“We’re working for another good year, that’s for sure,” Kemerer said.
As always, the schedule poses some various challenges.
“During the season, I know we’re playing some bigger schools that aren’t necessarily in our conference,” she said. “Midland High usually has good teams. I suspect they’ll be good. In the postseason, we’ll be going west again. Hudsonville Unity Christian is always a good challenge. They have a lot of talent as well. My goal is to beat them again this year. That’s what my girls are working toward. Getting that next step and hitting state finals again, it will take hard work and dedication.”