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.

More in Sports

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Nordic Ski Team and community cross-country skiers start the Shaky Shakeout Invitational six-kilometer freestyle mass start race Saturday at Eaglecrest Ski Area. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Crimson Bears cross-country skiers in sync

JDHS Nordic Ski Team tunes up for state with practice race

Thunder Mountain Middle School eighth grader Carter Day of the Blue Barracuda Bombers attempts to pin classmate John Croasman of War Hawks White during the inaugural Thunder Mountain Mayhem Team Duels wrestling tournament Saturday at TMMS. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Inaugural Thunder Mountain Mayhem Tournament makes most of weather misfortune

More than 50 Falcons wrestlers compete amongst themselves after trip to Sitka tourney nixed.

An adult double-crested cormorant flies low. (Photo by Bob Armstrong)
On the Trails: Some January observations

One day, late in January, a friend and I watched two Steller… Continue reading

In this file photo Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé seniors Cailynn, left, and Kerra Baxter, right, battle for a rebound against Dimond High School. The Baxters led JDHS in scoring this weekend at Mt. Edgecumbe with Cailynn hitting 23 on Friday and Kerra 28 on Saturday. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire file photo)
JDHS girls sweep Mt. Edgecumbe on the road

Crimson Bears show road strength at Braves’ gym.

Mt. Edgecumbe senior RJ Didrickson (21) shoots against Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé juniors Brandon Casperson (5), Joren Gasga (12) and seniors Ben Sikes and Pedrin Saceda-Hurt (10) during the Braves’ 68-47 win over the Crimson Bears on Saturday in the George Houston Gymnasium. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Braves poke Bears again, win 68-47

Mt. Edgecumbe survives second night in JDHS den.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Matthew Plang (22) skates away from Wasilla senior Karson McGrew (18) and freshman Dylan Mead (49) during the Crimson Bears’ 3-1 win over the Warriors at Treadwell Ice Arena on Saturday. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
JDHS hockey home season finishes with a split

Crimson Bears topple Wasilla, but fall to Tri-Valley.

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé senior Matthew Plang (22), senior goalie Caleb Friend (1), Tri-Valley's Owen Jusczak (74), JDHS junior Elias Schane (10), JDHS sophomore Bryden Roberts (40) and JDHS senior Emilio Holbrook (37) converge on a puck near the Crimson Bears net during Friday's 8-3 JDHS win over the Warriors at Treadwell Ice Arena. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Crimson Bears ending regular season with wins

Weekend double matches builds excitement for state tournament

Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé junior Brandon Casperson (5) attempts a shot against Mt. Edgecumbe senior Donovan Stephen-Standifer, sophomore Kaden Herrmann (13), sophomore Royce Alstrom and senior Richard Didrickson Jr. (21) during the Crimson Bears 80-66 loss to the Braves on Friday in the George Houston Gymnasium. The two teams play again Saturday at 6 p.m. (Klas Stolpe / Juneau Empire)
Visiting Braves earn win over Crimson Bears

Mt. Edgecumbe takes game one over JDHS, game two Saturday.

Ned Rozell sits at the edge of the volcanic crater on Mount Katmai during a trip to the Valley of 10,000 Smokes in 2001. (Photo by John Eichelberger)
Alaska Science Forum: Thirty years of writing about Alaska science

When I was drinking coffee with a cab-driving-author friend of the same… Continue reading

Most Read