Central Hardin’s Soccer teams have had much success over the last few years. The boys’ and girls’ teams have had an incredible season, led by Austin Varela and Justin Maddock, respectively. Our boys’ team did not fail to continue Central’s well-known reputation as they ended their season with a region championship and district championship. In contrast, the girls finished with a district championship and region runner-up trophy. Region championships are incredibly special because they demonstrate the player’s hard work, determination, and passion for the sport they play.
The boys’ first game of the season was against Thomas Nelson. They started the season with strong momentum and went on to win three games after that. Even though they were defeated by South Warren, that loss made them more motivated to defeat Etown the following week.
“My favorite memory from this season is beating Etown three times this year and winning both districts and regions,” senior Ayden Allen said.
After their loss against South Warren, the boys weren’t down for the count. They got back to their feet and were winning games left and right. Their final regular season game was against Bardstown, which resulted in a tie. They later faced John Hardin in the district semi-finals and advanced to become district champions after defeating Etown.
They were on cloud nine, looking forward to the region Championship. They again defeated Etown High, becoming the fifth-place Region Champions.
“Winning regions felt good. It was the biggest for our team going into the season, and when we accomplished that goal, it felt good,” Allen said on behalf of the boy’s Soccer Team.
The Bruins ended their season with a game against Louisville Collegiate in the state tournament. Even though they lost, they had a phenomenal season with a district and region championship under their belt.
On the other hand, the girl’s soccer team has had a very different season from the boys. The girls had some wins, losses, and even some ties. But that didn’t stop their unity as a team, and they even made it to the regional championship finals.
Senior girls’ soccer player Davi Abell said, “It is a season to remember. Central Hardin Soccer gave me a family and unforgettable memories.”
Defender Ava Stith added, “Personally, I have a lot of mixed feelings about our regional runners-up title: a bittersweetness if you will. We worked so hard to get to where we came. We hadn’t made it to the regional championship in all my varsity years until this year, and I am incredibly proud of how far we have come.”
The Lady Bruins were gearing up for a match against Etown in the region finals. They had already beat Etown twice that season, so hopes were high. While they didn’t win the region title, they were runner-up, and that is an accomplishment in itself.
Senior Chloe Hayes, a part of this season, shared some touching thoughts.
“Although we didn’t win regions, I am very proud of my team for making it to the finals, ” Hayes said. “This was our first time making it to region finals in the four years I was a part of the team, so although it sucked to lose and have my high school career come to an end, I was very proud of my team and I for all we had accomplished.”
The girls and the boys also had some outstanding players this year that need to be recognized.
Shelby Eidson, Audrey McGee, and Gabbie Callahan made the Fifth Region All-Tournament Team. Shelby Eidson, Molly Bryan, Audrey Mcgee, Gabbie Callahan, and Jordan Rowlett made the Fifth Region first team. Shelby Eidson is Defensive Player of The Year. Ava Mcgee, Chloe Hayes, Cary Lang, Kyleigh Davis, and Hannah Ferguson made the second team with some being an honorable mention.
For the boys, Ayden Allen, Nolan Thomas, and Ryder Bowman made the first and second All-State teams for the Fifth Region.
Shelby Eidson, the defensive player of the year, also left her final remarks.
“Central Hardin Soccer has impacted me so much. It has allowed me to grow into a leadership role and made me want to be better -to be a role model for my teammates on and off the field,” Eidson expressed.
This season was incredible for both teams. They proved that they are a force to be reckoned with on the field. Many of our players shared the same opinions, and lots of people agreed, “It was a season to remember.” As our seniors enter the next stages of their lives, many will cherish the values and lessons instilled in them—that all started by kicking a ball into a net.
