MCHENRY — The Garrett College women’s soccer team definitely has talent.
What the Lakers could use a little more of is depth.
Six players return from last year’s NJCAA Division II Region 20 semifinalist squad, but Garrett is currently at 12 total players as the Lakers prepare for Saturday’s noon opener at Howard Community College.
“We’re still looking to add players,” said first-year head coach Zach Ward, who spent the last four seasons building a North Atlantic Conference power at NCAA Division III State University of New York-Delhi.
Ward, who played soccer at both Fort Hill and Allegany College of Maryland, is looking forward to developing another strong program at Garrett.
“I want to build this program,” said Ward, who went 41-23-7 at SUNY-Delhi. “I’d like to take a fairly new [third-year] program and be able to put my mark on it and mold it.”
Ward has the potential for fielding an experienced defense, with goalie Kayla Moore, central defender Jorjalynn Ward and center midfielder Ruby Molloy all returning. Izzy Shafer, Jacquelyn Jeffreys and Katie Leaman also return from last year’s squad and should have prominent roles.
“We’re still kind of trying to figure out how all of the puzzle pieces will fit together,” said Ward.
Two other key puzzle pieces for the Lakers are former Northern Garrett High School goalie Ada White — who, according to Ward, will “probably also get some time in the midfield for us” — and former Mountain Ridge defender Kylee Kiddy.
White was the recipient of the 2024 area Goalkeeper of the Year award as a senior.
Livy Grieco (Roxbury, New York) will also help fortify the Lakers’ defense.
While it may take Garrett some time to find its place in the regional pecking order, Ward does know what he expects from his squad as the Lakers attempt to figure it all out.
“We’re going to compete for 90 minutes, and we’re going to play to the final whistle,” said Ward. “We’re trying to lay the foundation for what it means moving forward.”