Three teams to watch
1. Baylor: The Lady Red Raiders return 10 starters from the Division II-AA state runner-up team.
2. Signal Mountain: The Lady Eagles lost only two players from a 10-win team in 2009.
3: Soddy-Daisy: The Lady Trojans return a strong junior class from a team that won 15 games and reached a Class AAA sectional.
Three players to watch
1. McKenzie Thomas, Baylor: The junior led the state runners-up in goals last year.
2. Hannah Wyatt, Soddy-Daisy: Wyatt had 10 goals and six assists for the Lady Trojans, who advanced to the Class AAA sectional round.
3. Simone Busby, GPS: Busby allowed only 17 goals in 17 games for the Bruisers and is considered the best keeper in the area.
With his background at the position, GPS soccer coach Dave Barrueta knows a goalkeeper when he sees one.
That’s why it was so easy for him to recognize the talents of Simone Busby.
The Bruisers junior — entering only her fourth year of soccer, her third at keeper — has worked her way onto numerous college radars with her instincts, quickness and ever-improving skills at the position.
“I was able to watch Simone that first year, and it made total sense that she became a goalkeeper,” Barrueta said. “She just technically understands things that young kids don’t realize. She has a relaxed nature, and that, combined with her catlike qualities, makes her perfect for the position.”
Busby, who reads Philippians 4:13 before every match, admitted she was apprehensive when first approached about playing keeper.
“I had only played in the field,” she said, “and I was scared about the ball coming at my face.”
She was a second-team Best of Preps selection as a freshman and made the first team last year after allowing 17 goals in as many games. But she is working toward improvement.
“My footwork has got better, but I’m still trying to get my technique down,” Busby said.
Her athletic prowess allows her some wiggle room in making judgments on close balls, as she has shown the ability to make stops both the easy way and the spectacular way. It also helps her that her coach is a former keeper.
“There aren’t that many coaches that are knowledgeable about goalkeepers,” Busby said. “At first it was hard, but he knows drills; it helps me a lot to have someone that’s played the position. He offers me advice on drills and I learn what I need to do from him. He’s helped me read the game better from the back.”
Said Barrueta: “If you have a long memory as a goalkeeper, you won’t make it as one. Having a good goalkeeper is often overlooked by coaches — they don’t realize the leadership a good goalkeeper can bring. It’s a luxury, and I feel fortunate to have her back there.”
The Bruisers graduated only four seniors and added a strong freshman class that Barrueta and the veterans hope can contribute immediately.
“We have a great group of girls, and the preseason has gone very well,” Busby said. “The team is meshing together quickly, and we love each other. As soon as we click, we’re going to do some damage.”
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