USJ soccer seeks 11th straight state appearance

When University School of Jackson joined Division II-A eight years ago, the girls soccer team knew reaching the state tournament would be tough as only four teams advance.

So far, USJ hasn’t missed a state tournament yet in Division II-A, and the team isn’t looking for this year to be the first.

Add in the three straight trips to the state tournament in Class A-AA before that, and the Lady Bruins have reached a state tournament for 10 straight seasons.

The team will have to fill the hole left by All-West Tennessee Girls Soccer Offensive Player of the Year Addison Dunn, who scored 36 goals and added 20 assists last season.

Senior Abbey Fleming (19 goals, 15 assists) and junior Holeh Heydari (19 goals, 10 assists) will lead the offensive push, while seniors Anna Jones and Morgan Williams will lead the defense.

USJ coach Paul Conway feels his team has a strong starting 11, but depth is an aspect of the team that will have to develop as the season progresses.

Sacred Heart has been competitive over the past couple of seasons in the district, but the Lady Knights lost seven starters to graduation.

Hannah Fitzgerald will anchor the defense, while a big group of athletic freshmen will be asked to step into starting toles.

Michael Odom, 425-9754