MARS HILL, Maine — Development of team chemistry will be a key factor in turning things around after last year’s 4-9-1 season, according to Molly Kingsbury, who takes over as coach of the Central Aroostook Panthers.
“The preseason has been focused on two main points — building a strong team dynamic with drills focusing on communication, as well as seeing how each player fits into our formation to create opportunities for the player and the team to succeed,” said Kingsbury, who graduated from Presque Isle High School in 2019 and was a starter on two Class B North championship soccer squads.
Central Aroostook features one of the largest rosters in Aroostook County for a Class D team, with 22 players on the squad. Only two players, Olivia Blackstone and MacKenzie Blackstone, were lost to graduation.
“As a whole, this team brings a lot of heart and determination to not only improve their skills but to also go out of their comfort zone to try new things,” Kingsbury said.
The Panthers starting lineup includes five seniors. Katie Carvell is the striker, Calleigh Crawford and Anna Kilcollins are midfielders, Delaney McKeen is the right wing and Kira Fitzherbert the goalkeeper.
There is also a large junior presence on the roster, with five of the eight getting starting nods. Kassidy Blackstone is the left fullback and Emma Giberson plays right fullback. Allisa Burtt plays left wing, while Rylee Pierce is the center fullback and Izabel Pryor the center midfielder.
Freshman Harleigh Allen rounds out the starting group as the center fullback.
Kingsbury said the front line encompasses some of CA’s quickest players who are eager to have the ball at their feet and make something happen.
She said the midfielders have “a defensive mindset and they all see the field well and are able to make quick decisions and communicate their moves with their surrounding teammates.”
The defenders mesh well together, according to Kingsbury, and communication, speed and strength are their strongest attributes.
The coach is also excited about having a veteran like Fitzherbert as the goalkeeper.
“Kira makes herself known not only with her experience but also through her enthusiasm, leadership and ability to communicate with the fullbacks up through the front line,” Kingsbury said.
The team’s reserves are juniors Ira Fletcher, Cierra White and the injured Abby Haines; sophomores Rebecca Bell, Cassie Codrey, Brinleigh Kingsbury, Julia Pierce and Callie Thomas; and freshmen Abigail Howlett, Maggie Mahan and Hannah Shaw.
The Panthers open their season Friday at 5 p.m. at home against the Easton Bears.
