A year ago, Coach Kelsey Champion and her Panther squad lost a thriller in extra time against rival, Oswego East in the girls soccer regional semifinal. Now the Panthers, who lost a lot of senior talent, will look to better themselves this season. Kaylee Zimbelmann, all conference attacker from a year ago returns, along with fellow senior, Riley Parker. This is just the start of a lot of talent on the Oswego Girls Soccer team.
Oswego will open the season on the road against Bartlett. This should be a good early test, as the Panthers lost 2-0 to them a year ago. The Panthers have a good overall schedule, and the early non-conference tests should prepare them well for conference. “We lost a lot of talent from last season, but what we have coming back and coming up, gets me excited for what’s in store for us” said senior Kaylee Zimbelmann. Zimbelmann, also a University of Indianapolis commit, will need to be a leader.
During the offseason, only one player played club soccer. However, the team did train together in the fall and winter camps, they now believe they can make a run. Another positive for the Panther squad is the fact that teams within the conference lost high end talent as well. Including Villanova, and former Oswego East forward Jasmine Ruiz, who single-handedly knocked out Oswego in last years regional. Oswego, returns 10 squad members from last years team, a huge positive for Coach Champion.
Tryouts are over, the team is set, the Panthers are ready to roll. Of the 10 returning, 9 of them are seniors. It all kicks off March 19 at Bartlett.
Student Publication of Oswego High School, Oswego, IL
