As the new soccer season kicks off, excitement is building around both the Oxford High School boys and girls teams.
With many returning players, high expectations and a demanding schedule ahead, both teams are ready to go to work.
Senior captain Addison Arnoldi, who has been starting on varsity since ninth grade, is a seasoned vet who plays center back. She is excited for her last season as an Oxford Charger.
“Our main goal is to win a state championship,” Arnoldi said. “We got really close last year, but we lost to Tupelo in North Half. That loss made us really upset because we knew we could have won that game.”
Building off that disappointment, senior captain and starting midfielder Kate Nordstrom emphasized the family nature of the team.
“We’ve all grown up playing together and that definitely helps the team chemistry,” Nordstrom said. “I’m definitely most excited to play Tupelo this year because of how we felt leaving the field last year.”
Guiding both the boys and girls teams is head coach Hunter Crane, who has high aspirations for the season.
“My main goal is obviously to win a state championship while coaching to have a very competitive team,” Crane said. “Our new district this year, which is arguably the hardest in the state, will be a great challenge. The last 10 state champions have come from this district.”
Technology is also playing a growing role in the team’s preparation and performance. Crane noted how innovations like GPS tracking are becoming great tools that help the team.
“We continued our GPS tracker information to keep the team healthy, and it is paying off because our team is the healthiest we have ever been,” Crane said. “This is going to help us play our best in January and February.”
Turning to the boys team, senior captain and midfielder Emeka Balthrop expressed his hopes for the season’s outcome.
“This year, besides winning a championship, my goal for the team is to play together,” Balthrop said. “In past years we have lost big games because people broke apart from the team. I really think, this year, when times get tough, we can lift each other up to reach our goals.”
On the field, Balthrop plays a crucial role as a center defensive midfielder. His leadership ambitions extend beyond just gameplay.
“I want to be a captain on and off the field and put the team first,” Balthrop said.
Another key player, senior captain and defender Jackson Howell, is looking forward to the intensity of rivalry games.
“My favorite game to play is against Tupelo because I know a lot of the guys and it’s always a lot of beef,” Howell said.
With strong leadership on both the boys and girls sides, a supportive coach and innovative tools to keep players in peak condition, Oxford soccer is looking forward to making a serious run this year. The added intensity of a tougher district and the desire to overcome last year’s heartbreaking season loss provide extra fuel for these young athletes. Fan attendance in past years has been low, but with a great season ahead, many players hope for a better turn out than past years.
“Senior night is the second game, so it would be great if everyone could just pop out to the first three games,” Arnoldi said. “These will be the warmest, so if you don’t want to wear a bunch of jackets these games are the ones to come to.”
