McPherson, Kansas - The famous line "For such a time as this…" comes from the book of Esther and has been the theme for the women's soccer team this fall. While we did not fully understand the meaning of the challenge at the beginning of the season, we continued to understand its weight and responsibility. This led to one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Last year the program was in a year of transition as head coach, Cole Ouren took over the program and the girls experienced a split season due to COVID-19. Though this fall was a step back to normalcy, there was still an element of transition with 12 incoming players arriving and 11 seniors looking to etch their class into the legacy of the program. In spite of all the new faces, Coach Ouren felt the transition on and off the field was relatively seamless. "We emphasize our culture and core values a lot with the team and anytime you bring in 1 new face there is a change of culture. Bringing in such a large class was a bit nerve-racking as we ended last spring on a positive note, specifically in the transition of our style of play. However, everyone bought into the core values of the program and as a result, the girls really became a family, almost immediately." This quick transition was evident on the field of play.
"Since taking over the program we have stressed the importance of enjoying the game of soccer." Ouren expressed, "We feel that this is best achieved through an investment into the individual player as well as our style of play. We want the game to be played in such a way that it is not only fun to play but entertaining to our spectators. More importantly, we want each individual player to enjoy each other throughout the process. While the season had its moments, the girls remained committed to each other and I believe we were able to achieve this goal!"
This season, the Lady Tigers had:
- 17 different players collect points on the season,
- 13 different players with at least 1 assist,
- 14 different goal scorers, and
- 6 different players register a game-winning goal.
This is in addition to a 4th consecutive trip to the Sooner Athletic Conference tournament, NCCAA Regional finalist, and a trip to the semi-finals in the NCCAA National Tournament (5th appearance in the past 7 years). Beyond the success of the program, there were several individual honors bestowed on the program as well. The team had:
- 1 player named Defensive Player of the Week for the conference,
- 7 players being named to the NCCAA Central All-Region team,
- 2 players being named to the Sooner Athletic All-Conference team,
- 6 players honored as Scholar-Athletes, and
- Coach Ouren was named NCCAA Central All-Region coach of the year (second consecutive season).
Perhaps the biggest individual honor was senior Alexa Riddle being named to the NCCAA National Tournament All-Tournament team. Coach Ouren stated, "while I am enthusiastic for the success achieved, I am most proud of the reliance shown throughout the year. This group of players is a special group! They have each individually and collectively as a group added to the legacy of the program and given our alumni and future players a reason to be excited about the future."
Beyond the field of competition, the Lady Tigers gave back to Central and the community of Central as well as to each other through team devotionals and Bible studies. The team partnered with the McPherson Housing Coalition who helps provide housing and safety needs as well as guidance to financial stability. They also wrote letters to the local retirement home, manual labor projects on campus, partnered with alumni and other opportunities to simply step in and serve. While giving back to the institution and community is important to Coach Ouren, he was most proud of the girls willing to invest in each other spiritually. "Being a part of a Christian institution it can be easy to go through the motions. However, we had several players step-up and lead team devotionals or Bible studies throughout the year. While we want to compete on the field, it is these moments that are the most meaningful."
The coaching staff wanted to give tribute to their graduating seniors. While the term "commitment" can be associated with any student-athlete, Coach Ouren felt this was the most appropriate word for the senior class. "We live in a culture in which commitment is relative and convenient. Its definition and application has been all but lost. However, this senior class proved otherwise. I became their coach just prior to their junior year, thus becoming their 3rd coach in 3 years. In the transition, there was a complete change in every aspect of the program. Despite the transitions, this class remained committed to the institution, to each other, and most importantly to the program. They have helped make women's soccer at Central Christian College of Kansas respectable again at a regional and national level! Moreover, they have helped cultivate a culture that values each individual member over a competitive result. While I wish I had more time with the graduating class, I am thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of their journey. The coaching staff is thankful for your investment back into the program as well as the institution of Central Christian College of Kansas."
As the season has concluded the coaching staff will give the players a deserved break and focus their attention on the Fall 2022 season
ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF KANSAS ATHLETICS
Central Christian College Athletics exists to recruit and educate a diverse community committed to the growing of fit hearts, minds, bodies, and souls through the rigorous pursuit of athletic excellence, integrated learning, and Christ-centered leadership, building leaders to impact the world for Christ. With 16 athletic teams, the program believes that, along with being a source of entertainment, athletics is inherently educational. The athletics staff is committed to educating men and women of character through the realm of sports who impact the world for Christ. Win, lose or draw we believe our coaches, student-athletes, and fans can be a beacon of light into a world in need of Jesus. This mission is a reminder that ultimately we perform for an audience of one. To learn more about Central Athletics go to our Athletic Overview.
