Tigers leaning on seven seniors to smooth coaching transition

MISSING MITCHELL: The La Grande girls soccer team lost Kelsey Mitchell (above) to graduation but returns seven seniors for the 2009 season. Observer file photo

Elena Nightingale comes into this season as the head coach of the varsity team after spending the last five years in charge of the junior varsity squad.

“I think that’s going to make this transition easier on both the players and myself,” Nightingale said. 

And it all starts with senior goal keeper Shelby Miller.

“We’re really going to look to her to lead this team,” Nightingale said.

Miller will split time with Hannah Moore in the net, but when she’s not defending goals she’s going to be on the offensive trying to score them.

Echo Knight and Darcy Ladendorff will lead the Tigers defensive unit, while midfielders Charlotte Quebman and Samantha Densmore will be key offensive players.

Esa Grigsby and Hannah Whitelock also will play key roles this season.

Nightingale thinks that this team has a lot of potential and hopes that with so much experience, the Tigers can make a splash in the district.

“Our starting lineup is a dependable unit and they all play with such confidence,” Nightingale said. “I’m just really happy to be coaching them.”

The Tigers finished third in the district last season under former head coach Sarah Androlewicz. This year

La Grande has a little higher expectations.

“I would like a better finish than last year,” Nightingale said. “Obviously we would like to finish first, but I think realistically we can finish near the top of the district.”

Nightingale said that this team practices and plays with unity, something that will most definitely help them come game time.

“We’re a strong team and the girls work really hard,” Nightingale said. “This is going to be a fun season.”

The Tigers open the season Sept. 10 against the Pendleton Buckaroos. They play their first home game of the season Sept. 15 against Payette High School.