Owls should field competitive squad

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Third-year head coach Trevor Parent will blend a talented group of 10 freshmen with seven returning players to create the 2014 version of the Owls women’s soccer team.
Leading the charge will be a pair of midfielders and Great South Athletic Conference award winners in Nicole Cyr of Madawaska and Mikaelah Tracy of Houlton. Cyr was made first team all-conference and Tracy was named to the all-freshmen squad last season and both are back and ready to cause havoc for opponents.
Bethany Heald of Howland will be counted on to again provide offensive punch for the Owls from her striking spot. Sophomore Amiah Wheelan of Woodstock, New Brunswick returns as well.
The senior duo of Chelsea Lynds-Beaulieu of Presque Isle and Jasmine Cote of Limestone will be counted on for leadership and solid play from midfield and defensive positions, respectively. Both are heady ballhawks and have been providing an immense amount of leadership during the preseason.
“We have a great, great returning core of players,” said Parent. “The leadership has been great on and off of the pitch. The first-year players are blending in nicely, and we are looking to continue to improve each day in training.”
Among those newcomers are high school all-state players Alana Pratt of Houlton and Samantha Nadeau of Madawaska, Nadeau was the top scorer for the Owls last season.
Macie Bellanceau of Ashland, Kaitlin Joy of Oakland and Morgan Roy of Howland will provide depth and look to make an impact on the pitch along with 2013 All-Aroostook high school performers, Cassandra Buck of Easton and Janae Libby of Fort Fairfield. Allison Lopez of Kingfield and Houlton High School alums Abigal Deveau and Jessica Dickison are other newcomers.
Parent can see the high level of talent on the practice field, but understands developing a program of leaders who can win at the collegiate level is something that is not done overnight. Building a quality program takes time, a nurturing mindset and athletes willing to learn and adjust.
“Once the matches start,” noted Parent, “we are in it to get better each day, preparing to peak at the proper times. I’ve been very impressed with the talent on the field.”