VALDOSTA — As the spring soccer season prepares to begin, Lowndes and Valdosta High Schools complete their final preparations before the start of the season.

Valdosta Wildcats 

The Valdosta High School boys’ soccer team is gearing up for what could be one of its best seasons in recent years. Steven McCall, the team’s head coach, believes the team’s hard work and preparation have set the stage for success.

“We have a very positive energy,” stated McCall. “I would argue that going into the season, this is the best team, skill-wise, that we have had in probably the last three years.”

The program’s year-round approach to training has been a key factor in developing the team. 

“We’re practicing and playing all summer… working on touching, receiving, passing, and movement communication, basically from the second or third week of August until January,” the coach explained. 

This commitment ensures that players constantly improve their technical skills and teamwork. Unlike many schools, Valdosta has few players who participate in club soccer due to time and financial constraints, making the structured in-house development program even more critical.

The team also boasts several standout players who could majorly impact this season. Senior Thomas Lopez, who McCall said is playing at his highest level in the past three years, is a key asset for the Wildcats. Sophomore Uriah Montgomery has impressed the coaching staff with his wide skill set and strong desire to move the ball, making him a versatile player. 

Another rising talent is sophomore Nate Haugabrook, who was praised by many coaches in the region for his impressive goalkeeping abilities, with expectations of big things from him this season. Additionally, freshman Kevin Rodriguez, who competes at a highly competitive club level, is expected to bring fresh energy to the team, and Coach McCall is eager to see him shine.

Another strength of the team is its sense of unity. “We are a tight-knit family. We take care of one another, we look after one another, and I love that fact about our kids,” the coach said. 

The season opens with several challenging road games and early regional matchups, providing the Wildcats with valuable experience as they test their skills against tough competition. Though the schedule requires extensive travel, the team sees it as an opportunity to grow.

The Wildcats will travel to Thomasville to take on the Bulldogs for their first game of the season on Tuesday, Feb. 11th.

Lowndes Vikettes

The Lowndes High School girls’ soccer team is preparing for an exciting season with high expectations and a determined mindset. Head coach Derrick Weyland is optimistic about the team’s potential, emphasizing the progress made during the offseason and the commitment to maintaining a high standard of play.

“I will say that our preseason training and conditioning has been top-notch,” stated coach Weyland. “We have followed the lead of other successful programs, like our state championship baseball team. Now we just have to get our ball work.”

With a team like Tift County back in the mix, the squad is gearing up for some intense matchups this season. However, Coach Weyland believes the team is more than prepared. The team is building off last year’s success, with many returning players understanding the hard work it takes to reach the goals the team has set.

“These girls are maintaining that hard work mentality — if we improve one percent every day, by the end of the season, when it comes to playoffs, we will be able to make a good run for the state championships this year. That hard work will pay off,” said Weyland.

Several players stand out as key contributors this season. Senior Lucy Longshore, last year’s top scorer in the region, has already committed to Valdosta State University and is expected to deliver another dominant season. Junior Karley Chaney has also shown tremendous development, and Weyland expects colleges to be looking toward her.

However, one of the biggest improvements comes from sophomore Hayden Hunt, who has been playing in the Olympic Development Program. 

“She’s light-years ahead of where she was last year,” Coach Weyland noted. “She’s going to be the secret weapon in the midfield.”

The Vikings have a clear goal: a regional championship. Weyland also emphasized that Lowndes has not beaten Richmond Hill for the past two years, making them a key target this season. Additionally, the team is eager to renew its rivalry with Tift County, adding to the anticipation for the upcoming games.

The Wildcats will travel to Thomasville to take on the Bulldogs for their first game of the season on Tuesday, Feb. 11th. Meanwhile, the Vikettes will head to Atkinson County to face the Rebels on the same day, with both teams looking to start their season on a high note.