Kennedale girls have returning talent to extend soccer dynasty

The UIL expanded soccer in 2015 by adding Class 4A, and every other 4A girls team has been chasing Kennedale since then.

The Wildcats claimed their second straight 4A title with a 6-0 defeat of Jasper on Thursday, and an abundance of returning starters has Kennedale poised for more success.

“We’re proud of our community supporting us and being behind us all the way. It’s been awesome,” coach Michael Strange said. “The juniors have to step up and be the leaders.

“We’ll enjoy this win and get ready for the summer. They definitely deserve a break.”

Juniors on the 2016 team are Baylee Gow (15 goals, 13 assists), Cara Hunt (20, 11), Alondra Olmos (6, 17) and goalkeeper Sara Calzada (18 shutouts, 109 saves, 12 goals allowed).

“The advice is just to keep working hard, keep pushing yourself and try to be better than you were the day before,” said SMU signee Allie Thornton, who recorded 42 goals and 21 assists this season. “Don’t get frustrated if things don’t go your way because it happens to everybody. Have fun and just enjoy the moment.”

Thursday’s game MVP Abigail Olmos, a Midwestern State signee, said, “Just keep doing the things we’ve been doing throughout the years, and never give up.”

Strange contends that the depth of talent in the Metroplex also helps the Wildcats.

“It’s a testament to our region. Region I is the toughest and we’ve had some good competition coming up,” he said. “We’ve got some young teams coming up, Argyle and Celina. It will be a tough road next year. We knew, just like last year, if we get out of Region I we can have a good showing here.”

The Wildcats also had significant help from a couple of underclassmen: sophomore Bailey Crowley (10 goals) and freshman Eryka McIntrye (26 goals, 17 assists).

“This is a really great group of girls,” said McIntyre, who had two assists against Jasper. “I’m so grateful to be able to play for a team like this. They’re all wonderful people.”

This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 5:34 PM with the headline "Kennedale girls have returning talent to extend soccer dynasty."