The girls’ varsity soccer team led by EBC and Stark County Division II Coach of the Year, Matt Horning, had quite the season this fall. The girls ended their season with a record of 15 wins, 2 ties, and only 5 loses. On October 31st the girls defeated Kenston 2-0 to capture their first district title in program history.
When asked about the accomplishment Coach Horning said, “The District championship is a culmination of years of work and dedication form players and parents who trusted us with their daughters in some cases, since they were 6 and 7 years old. I hope that it motivates the next generation of girls’ soccer players to get involved with us at a young age."
The Aviators were led by team captains, Eva Miller, Jayda Patrick, Avery Horning and Maddy Lake. Avery Horning, was also named 1st team Stark County and the Stark Country Division II Player of the Year. Avery led the Aviators to victory with a two goal performance in the District Title game. When asked about her two goal performance she said, “Everyone on the team worked so hard and played their absolute best to get that game. It felt great to be able to show up that night and put in two goals to help secure the championship.”
Senior captain Jayda Patrick reflected on the District Championship as well. "Finishing my career off as a District Champion means a lot to me. It shows the hard work we've put in the past four years and how we've grown as a team. I'm so proud to say I played for Alliance."
Coming into this season Coach Horning and the team knew they had tremendous potential. “Since the end of last season there was an overwhelming feeling of what was possible with this group. We counted 100 workouts, practices, and games from the beginning of the season to the District Final. The girls that participated in our summer conditioning program earned a shirt without 100 days logo on it." When asked what was the key moment of the 2023 season, Coach Horning said, "Honestly, the biggest moment for our team was being up 1-0 at halftime against West Branch and then losing that game, which cost us the EBC title. Our practice sessions and film review really increased in focus and intensity after that loss and it was rewarding to beat West Branch as part of our District title run.”
The girls' soccer team will unveil their updated banner in Harry Fails Gymnasium this winter during a basketball game to be determined. The banner will include the number '23 to represent the District Championship that was won this season. We look forward to celebrating an historical season for our girls' soccer program and look forward to what they can accomplish next year!