The Kellogg Community College women’s soccer team wrapped up their fall season with an impressive 10-5-2 record. Although the team fell just short of making it into the national tournament, they were very proud of their accomplishments as a team, including winning the Region 12 championship for the second year in a row.
Head Coach Levi Butcher reflected on the season and what the team worked hard for.
“Our goals this year were to win the Region 12 tournament again, which we accomplished, and make it to nationals, which we fell just short of,” he said. “The main focus was improving week by week, and I thought we did a good job of that throughout the season.”
The 2024 team this year was very different from the previous year’s team. With 11 sophomores returning compared to only three in the 2023 season, this year’s roster had more experienced and more mature players.
“Every team is different year-to-year, and that’s a challenge with two-year schools,” Butcher said. “Having more experienced players this season helped us handle tough moments with more poise and maturity.”
Emily Katz, a freshmen player on the team, stated some very similar things on the team’s growth as Coach Butcher.
“Our team improved pretty fast in the beginning of the season and continued to improve throughout,” she said. “There weren’t any barriers that I would say. The team had great integrity and drive on and off the field.”
For Katz, her favorite part of the season wasn’t just their victories, but the friendships and bonds between her and her teammates.
“My favorite part of the season would be the snacks, and of course the people as well,” she said. “But honestly, before each game we always get in a circle to say what we’re grateful for. It really sets the tone for the game and helps us stay focused and ready to play for each other.”
The team’s success this season was built on strong leadership, teamwork and experience. Coach Butcher emphasized the importance of balance this year, mostly about the team’s offensive and defensive strength.
“We were very balanced this year, which was kind of our superpower,” he said. “Teams couldn’t just game plan to shut down one star player because we had a lot of players who could hurt teams any given game.”
Key players like Arianna Griecci, a returning All-Tournament MVP and standout goalkeeper, were essential to the team’s defense.
“On the backline, Berlynn Conley and Aubrie Evans were solid rocks, preventing opponents from finding the back of the net,” Butcher said “Allie Dietzel and Third Team All-American Sophia Saunders held down the midfield with the help of freshman Mal Semelbauer.”
Coach Butcher also noted Lucy Lampart and Aubree Phenicie on the attacking side and explained how their creative plays and beautiful finishes into the net greatly helped the team’s success. Phenicie in particular finished as the team’s top scorer for the second year in a row, setting a new record for most career goals scored in the women’s soccer program.
Rachel Meyer, another freshman on the team this year, emphasized the team’s improved communication as one of the keys to their success.
“We communicated very well, which helped the flow of play,” she said. “We wanted to win regionals back-to-back, which we did, and we also wanted to go to nationals, but unfortunately fell short of that.”
Meyer also noted that the team’s controlled midfield allowed them to control games and create scoring opportunities.
“Our midfield is very controlled, which makes the game run smoother,” she said. “And our coach knows what he’s talking about, which definitely helps us.”
The team had amazing chemistry on and off the field. While the players set out to win the Region 12 tournament and make a run in the postseason national tournament, their connection and teamwork is what carried them and got them through challenging times.
“Any time you win a title, you need a good combination of quality players, great team culture and a little luck,” Butcher reflected. “This year, we had all of that, and it showed.”
Despite the team’s hard work and dedication to achieving their goals, they fell short of making it into the national tournament in a tough loss to Heartland Community College in a play-in game. While the team was disappointed they fell short, they remained happy and proud of their accomplishments throughout the season.
“My favorite part of the soccer season was the long bus rides to away games because we would get food on the way back,” Meyer said. “It was always a chance to bond with the team and relax after a tough game. We didn’t always win, but those trips were a great way to bond as a team.”
Katz, Meyer and their teammates have already started looking toward next season, focusing on continuing their growth and continuing the team culture that was so important this year. The loss in the play-in game will motivate them and push them for their future season.
Coach Butcher is confident that the goals and leadership the team set this year will lead to even greater success in the years to come.
“I’m really proud of the way this team grew together, and I think we’ve set a solid foundation for the future,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of talent coming back next season, and I’m excited to see where we can go.”
For Katz, Meyer and the rest of the KCC women’s soccer team, the 2024 season was about more than just winning or losing. It was about growing as a team, supporting one another and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
