With the arrival of two new coaches, the MSMS Blue Waves soccer team prepares to take the field for the upcoming season.

Official practices for the Blue Waves begin on Oct. 13. With their first game scheduled on Nov. 6, the players are ready to showcase their skills on the field.

The biggest change this year is the addition of two new coaches: Lauren Carothers and Mallory Streetman. 

Both Carothers and Streetman started playing soccer at the age of 5 and competed together throughout childhood and high school. At Gulfport High School, they led their team to two state championships.

Though she no longer plays competitively, Streetman said soccer will continue to play a significant role in her life.

“I chose to run track in college, but I still love [soccer] and can’t wait to grow the game at MSMS,” Streetman said.

Carothers continued her career at Jones College, where for two years she was part of a national championship team. After her time at Jones, she decided to focus on academics, though she said soccer remains an important part of her life.

“Coach Mallory and I are super excited about this upcoming season,” Carothers said. “Both [Goen and Frazer] are bringing great energy, and we can’t wait to channel that excitement into the future practices and games. We’re confident in each group and eager to see what each team will accomplish.”

Leading the way this season are Goen team captains Isabel Beckman, Sophia Dean and Carmen Wooley, along with Frazer team captains Kagan Labauve, Allen Lewis and Om Patel. 

Junior Irene Doyle said she looks forward to growing closer to her team, not only as teammates on the field but also as friends off it.

“I’m really excited to meet other people, and that’s kind of the thing with all the clubs I’m joining. I’m excited to just get to be a part of that team again,” Doyle said.

Since many Blue Waves have never played together before, the team is committed to working hard and sharpening their soccer skills while also focusing on building chemistry.

Most players who joined the team as juniors are new to soccer, often with little to no prior experience. However, many of the high school teams MSMS competes against have played together since seventh grade.

Beckman said this gap between MSMS and other high school teams is one of the biggest hurdles the team faces.

“These girls have been playing with each other and building bonds for a long time, and we don’t have that opportunity obviously since we’re always playing with new players,” Beckman said.

Junior Hutch Clemons said he must navigate the pressures of soccer alongside MSMS’s rigorous academics.

“[The] toughest challenge [will] be balancing soccer and school, probably because I’ve never had this much schoolwork,” Clemons said.

Carothers said she viewed the challenge of managing academics and athletics as where the team’s commitment is most visible.

“As new coaches, we’re still getting to know the team, but one of their biggest strengths already is their enthusiasm,” Carothers said. “Since it’s early in the season, the main area for improvement will just be building chemistry and getting more experience playing together.”

With games quickly approaching, both the coaches and team captains have set clear goals and carry big hopes for the season.

Carothers said the team should work toward a well-rounded goal that combines enjoyment with performance.

“Our goals are to have fun, enjoy being around each other, improve our skills and, of course, win some games along the way,” Carothers said.

Lewis said he plans to focus on developing each player and mirroring the broader vision the coaches have planned for the team.

“I really want us to get a good knowledge of everyone’s skill level before we start so we can help the ones that aren’t there yet while also improving the ones that need more of a push,” Lewis said.

This year, the soccer team plays 10 games:

Nov. 6 Columbus @ MSMS

Nov. 11 Shannon @ MSMS

Nov. 18 Nettleton @ MSMS

Dec. 4 MSMS @ Tupelo Christian Preparatory School

Dec. 9 MSMS @ Shannon

Dec. 11 MSMS @ Tupelo Christian Preparatory School

Jan. 8 MSMS @ Columbus

Jan. 13 MSMS @ Nettleton

Jan. 20 MSMS @ Booneville

Jan. 22 Booneville @ MSMS