No. 13 Pearl River has high expectations in 2024

POPLARVILLE, Miss. — The Pearl River women’s soccer team has made a leap each year under the guidance of head coach fifth-year Henrik Madsen, and the Wildcats took another step last year by advancing to the Gulf South District final. In 2024, the No. 13 Wildcats have shifted their focus to the regular season crown and are looking to take things game by game.

“Last year was great. We accomplished another goal by getting to the final,” head coach Henrik Madsen said. “We’re putting a big emphasis on the regular season this year. We want to come out and win the conference title in the strongest league in the country.

“Our focus right now is to take it one game at a time and make sure we’re in a good position for the tournament at the end of the year.”

Over the years, Madsen’s teams have been incredible on the defensive side of the ball but have lacked the goal-scoring threat to make them dangerous. PRCC should have plenty of options to make a difference this season.

“We are better going forward this year. I think we are way more balanced. Our defense will be the same as it always is,” Madsen said. “Our organization and players there will be the strength of the team. We can be really dangerous once we get the attack flowing.”

One thing Pearl River will have to deal with is the gauntlet that is the MACCC. Heading into the season, five teams are ranked or receiving votes in the NJCAA poll, including No. 1 Northwest, No. 2 Jones College, No. 5 Holmes, No. 13 Pearl River, and RV Gulf Coast.

“There are no easy games in this league,” Madsen said. “Out of the 11 teams in our league, everyone can beat you on any day. The regular season will be a lot of fun this year.”

ATTACK

The Wildcats graduated their leading scorer from last season in striker Ann Maris Ragan. The subtraction could have left a big hole in the attack, but PRCC went out and secured the signature of Southern Miss transfer Abby Badurak (Gulfport). Last season, she scored three goals and assisted on two more for the Golden Eagles.

“Abby will create chances for herself because of her speed,” Madsen said. “She’s good on the ball, really dynamic and good in the air. She will be tough for teams to deal with because she’s aggressive and tenacious.”

Newcomer Holly Jones (Liverpool, England) will occupy one of the winger spots but could also see time as a striker.

“Holly is very sound tactically,” Madsen said. “She can use both of her feet and handles one-versus-one situations well. She can create chances from range because she has a good shot.”

Emily Taylor (Laurel) will lock down the other winger position. She picked up two goals and four assists as a freshman.

“Emily is our most improved player from year one to year two,” Madsen said. “She’s incredibly fast, and we’re excited to see her game continue to grow. She’s going to be a key player for us.”

Ally Stiglets (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove) has missed a lot of the preseason due to an injury but could be a factor at the top of the formation if healthy. She scored two goals and assisted on two more a seaosn ago.

“If we get her going, she will be a big piece,” Madsen said. “She’s quick and sees the game well. She’s got great technique.”

Yazmin Humphrey (Lucedale; George County) and Shyla Allen (Biloxi; D’Iberville) also give PRCC some options in the attack. 

“Yazmin is still adjusting to the speed of the college game,” Madsen said. “She’s a good athlete with a really good left foot. Shyla can play up front or in the midfield. She’s got a great motor and good skills. She will be interesting to watch.”

MIDFIELD

Pearl River returns several viable options in the midfield, including All-MACCC performer Frederikke Nielsen (Randers, Denmark; Randers Statsskole). As a freshman, she bagged 11 goals and six assists. She could also see time as a striker.

“Freddy will be a game-by-game situation,” Madsen said. “We could see her in the midfield or up top. It will depend on how she feels and how she looks. She scored a lot of goals last year, so we want that to carry over.”

Haylie Alvarez (Gulfport; St. Patrick), Marieke Faber (Britsum, Netherlands; Leeuwarder Lyceum), and Alli Shemper (Biloxi) give PRCC plenty of additional options in the attacking midfield roles. Holly Jones could see time as a midfielder, too. Alvarez scored two goals last season, Faber picked up nine goals and six assists and Shemper scored five goals and assisted on another.

“Haylie has looked really good coming back from surgery. She’s got a great work rate and is a ball winner,” Madsen said. “Marieke has looked great in preseason; we just have to manage her foot and keep her healthy. Shemper is still coming back from an injury. She’s progressing. We hope to get her practicing soon.”

Chloe Ezell (Ocean Springs) held down the defensive midfield position a season ago and should keep that role in 2024. She tallied six assists and three goals as a freshman.

“Chloe has some really good abilities,” Madsen said. “We need her to keep progressing. Her range of passing and the way she sees the game is another level. She needs to lead the team and be consistent.”

Alexis Conard (Wiggins; Stone) will also see time in the position.

“Lexi is versatile. She can play in the midfield or on the backline,” Madsen said. “She’s aggressive and dominant.”

DEFENSE

Pearl River does have one void to fill with the loss of NJCAA All-American Mackenzie Winters, but the backline remains mostly intact. Anna Grace Deakle (Gulfport), Milla Nielsen (Horsens, Denmark; Horsens Statsskole), and Amélie Wittenkamp (Oelstykke, Denmark; Egedal Gymnasium) all return after playing significant minutes as freshmen.

Deakle will lock down right back while Nielsen and Wittenkamp will handle centerback duties.

“Anna Grace has elite-level speed,” Madsen said. “She’s great in one-versus-one situations. Amélie had a year to figure things out, so now it will be her running the show. Milla saw some solid minutes last year, so we are looking for bigger things from her this year.”

The one position in question is left back, with PRCC having multiple options. Walker Rodney (Sumrall), Maddie Kostmayer (Biloxi; St. Patrick) and Conard will each have chances. Kostmayer could move inside to centerback if needed.

“Maddie and Walker have had a really good start to the year,” Madsen said. “They’ve been great in the preseason, and we feel comfortable with either of them there. Lexi is the most versatile of them and will play in the midfield, too.”

GOALKEEPER

The goalkeeper position has been a battle between sophomore Kennedy Harris (Biloxi) and Natasza Koper (Warsaw, Poland; LXXV Liceum Ogólnoksztalcace).

“We have Kennedy’s experience returning after playing some minutes last year. We can lean on that. She’s a great shot-stopper,” associate head coach Carl Blundell said. “Natasza is undersized but has some springs on her. She can play with the ball at her feet. She just needs to gain the confidence and communicate more. There is a good competition there.”

Paige Lutkins (D’Iberville) offers depth at the position.

GETTING STARTED

Pearl River will play its first game of the 2024 season Tuesday as Pensacola State comes to the PRCC Soccer Complex for a 6 p.m. kickoff.