A season of growth, teamwork, and community at Optimist Park
By: Shelia Mader
As another soccer season came to a close at Optimist Park, the fields were filled with cheers, laughter, and the unmistakable energy of young athletes giving their all. From the tiniest Teeny Mites to the determined Juniors, every player showcased how much they’ve grown, not just in skill, but in teamwork, sportsmanship, and heart. Coaches, parents, and grandparents looked on proudly as the kids wrapped up their final matches of the season, each game a reminder of how special community sports can be.
Teeny Mites League
The Teeny Mites wrapped up their season with plenty of excitement and heart. The Piranhas came out strong in their match against the Strykers, earning a 4–2 victory. Beckett Tillman, Brantlee Grace Smith, Bryar Smith, and Ashton Tate each found the net, while the Strykers’ Israel Geter kept things lively with a determined effort. CaryMae Burch showed grit in every play, and Jianna Lee Faison, tiny but mighty, turned the ball away from goal time after time, drawing cheers from the sidelines.
The Patriots also made a big statement, shutting out the Dynamite 4–0 thanks to two goals each from Tauren Dyer and Hunter Dixson. The Patriots’ teamwork and focus carried them through the match, earning them well-deserved praise from the crowd.
Later in the second game, the Dynamite bounced back to earn a 2–0 shutout over the Strykers, with JT Barfield, Everly Long, and August Isabella giving strong efforts across the field. In another matchup, the Patriots and Piranhas ended in a friendly 1–1 tie that had everyone smiling. In a storybook moment, Bryar Smith scored for the Piranhas, while his twin sister, Brantlee Grace Smith, found the net for the Patriots. “Wasn’t that kind of her?” someone joked from the sidelines, capturing the fun spirit of youth soccer perfectly.
As the season drew to a close, the Teeny Mites’ energy never waned. Every player, from the first-time kickers to the fast learners, showed how much they’ve grown. It was a season of joy, sportsmanship, and plenty of proud smiles.
Tiny Mites League
The Tiny Mites closed out their season with determination, teamwork, and plenty of smiles from the sidelines. These young players showed that heart matters just as much as size when it comes to soccer.
The Panthers edged out the Tiger Sharks in a close 2–1 game, thanks to a strong performance from Emmalynn Bonin, who scored both goals for her team. The Lightning and Titans battled to a hard-fought 0–0 tie, with both teams’ defenses shining under pressure.
The Knights put on a show, shutting out the Scorpions 7–0 with scoring spread across the lineup, Owen Green (two), Knox Booth (two), Mattox Milton (one), Jace Tyler (one), and Evan Stokes (one). The Indians followed with a solid 5–2 win over the Warriors, led by Johnathan Wickman and Christopher Hall.
As the games rolled on, the Scorpions and Tiger Sharks finished even at 1–1, with Ayden Garcia controlling the pace of play and scoring the Scorpions’ lone goal. Garcia’s effort set the tone, and Bexley Maxwell delivered an incredible save in the box that kept the score tied. The Knights continued their strong play, defeating the Panthers 5–0, with Jace Tyler opening the scoring, Owen Green adding two, and Mattox Milton finishing it off with two more. “Owen Smith had a great goalie stop,” Coach Milton said proudly.
The Lightning proved to be a standout team throughout the season. They notched several wins, including a 2–0 victory over the Panthers and a 1–0 win against the Warriors, and capped the year with another 2–0 triumph over the Scorpions. Dawson Windsor was unstoppable in that final game, scoring both goals in the first quarter. Coach Ward beamed, saying, “All of the kids played hard and had a great time. With the win tonight, the Lightning finished the season as Tiny Mite Champions!”
The Titans also closed out strong, picking up a 4–1 victory over the Tiger Sharks with goals from Cameron Grandberry, Dawson Caudill (two, one assisted by Grandberry), and Journey Burnett, assisted by Grandberry as well. Coach Caudill praised his team’s unity: “Great teamwork tonight to win the game. We also had great teamwork on defense. Chance Bess and Noah Knowles make a great team on defense!” The Titans kept that spirit alive in a 2–1 win over the Panthers and a thrilling 4–1 win against the Scorpions. Coach Caudill added, “The entire Titan team played with so much heart. They all played great defense, kept the ball moving, and worked together to score. They’ve proven to be the Titans’ triple threat.”
The Knights wrapped up their season with another highlight performance, defeating the Tiger Sharks 2–1. Coach Milton recalled, “The Tiger Sharks scored first. Then Evan Stokes tied the game up, and Owen Green scored the game-winning goal. Rheya Butler had a great defensive stop in the fourth quarter to preserve the lead.”
The Indians rounded out their strong season with a 3–0 victory over the Knights, while the Warriors edged the Tiger Sharks 1–0 in a hard-fought finale. Every Tiny Mite player, from their first dribble to their last whistle, brought energy and enthusiasm to the field. Their growth over the season was a joy to watch, and it’s safe to say these young athletes have a bright future ahead.
Pee Wee League
The Pee Wee division was full of excitement, fast-paced action, and plenty of teamwork to end the season. Every game seemed to bring out the best in these young athletes as they learned what it means to play together and never give up.
The Sharks started strong, topping the Tornadoes 5–2 with goals from Wynn Bruner (2), Lane Bruner (one), Tysen Smith (one), and Porter Tolin (one). The Tornadoes fought hard, with Kolton Hodge and Amaris Curry finding the back of the net. The Wolves followed up with a 6–2 win over the Giants. Hudson Lyons and Ira Hoover each scored two, while Aniyah Fluitt and Camila Smith added one apiece. For the Giants, La’Christian Hall and Param Patel both scored.
The Crew also shined, earning a 5–2 win over the Bolts, powered by Owen Morgan (one), Jaycob Hitchcock (one), Cameron Durham (one), and Carlee Overdear (one). The Bolts’ Peyton Stewart netted one for his team. The Chaos took home a 5–1 win against the Cobras, with William Green (three), Christian Green (one), and Fernando Lopez (one) leading the scoring. The Cobras’ Titus Malone tallied the team’s lone goal.
The next round of play brought more big performances. The Storm defeated the Wolves 4–2, with Jace Gross scoring twice and Sabre Carter and Eaton Bellamy each adding one. The Wolves’ Hudson Lyons continued his impressive run, netting both of his team’s goals. The Sharks also continued to shine with a 5–2 win over the Crew, Wynn Bruner recorded a hat trick, while Lane Bruner and Porter Tolin each added one.
The Cobras stayed hot, shutting out the Giants 3–0 thanks to goals from Titus Malone, Camille Balassone, and Taylor Gerhart. The Chaos rolled to a 4–0 win over the Bolts, as William Green notched another hat trick and Christian Green added a goal of his own.
As the season went on, the Tornadoes found their rhythm, defeating the Crew 7–1 with an incredible offensive showing. The Cobras fell 3–6 to the Storm, and the Sharks claimed a 6–3 victory over the Chaos. The Giants topped the Bolts 6–2 to round out another exciting day of play.
Later, the Pee Wees continued to bring their energy, with the Wolves and Cobras battling to a 1–1 draw, and the Chaos edging the Tornadoes 3–2 in a nail-biter. The Storm overpowered the Bolts 9–2, while the Sharks dominated the Giants 7–0.
The action didn’t stop there. The Bolts fell to the Wolves 2–8, the Tornadoes beat the Giants 6–1, and the Sharks dropped a close 1–2 game to the Storm. The Chaos finished strong, beating the Crew 4–1, led by William Green and Fernando Lopez, who each scored twice. The Crew’s Owen Morgan scored once in the effort.
The Pee Wees wrapped up their season in exciting fashion. The Chaos topped the Giants 4–1, with Fernando Lopez scoring three times and Christian Green adding another. The Crew and Storm ended in a thrilling 7–7 tie, highlighted by Jaycob Hitchcock (four goals), Jesse Hitchcock (two goals), and Cameron Durham (one goal) for the Crew. The Tornadoes earned a 3–2 win over the Wolves, with Amaris Curry scoring all three goals. The Cobras and Sharks finished in a 2–2 tie, with Titus Malone and Jace Allgood scoring for the Cobras.
In the final matches of the season, the Crew defeated the Bolts 4–1, thanks to four goals from Jesse Hitchcock, while the Bolts’ Peyton Stewart scored once. The Tornadoes and Storm fought to a 2–2 tie, with Amaris Curry netting both goals for the Tornadoes. The Wolves defeated the Sharks 5–4, led by Aidan Milton’s hat trick, with Aniyah Fluitt and Ira Hoover each adding one. The Cobras ended their season in style with a 6–0 victory over the Bolts, Jace Allgood scored three, while Titus Malone, Taylor Gerhart, and Cassius Balassone each added one.
The Pee Wee division showed tremendous growth this year, not only in skill but in teamwork and respect for the game. Every team had moments to be proud of, and the smiles at the end of each match told the real story, a season filled with fun, friendship, and heart.
Midget League
The Midget league’s season was full of skill, sportsmanship, and plenty of heart. Week after week, these players brought intensity and teamwork to the field, showing how much they’ve grown as both athletes and teammates.
The season opened with a tight 1–1 tie between the Raptors and Tigers. Ethan Martin scored a beautiful corner shot from well outside the box, a goal that had everyone cheering. Coach Josh Sanders was full of praise, “Ethan is our offensive forward and he has progressed leaps and bounds as a soccer player and ball handler. He’s coachable, respectful, I can’t compliment the young man enough. He runs the entire field, the entire game. Ethan isn’t but a couple steps from the ball. We believe Ethan has all the potential in the world to go as far with soccer as he wishes.” Sanders also took time to highlight his defenders, “Zach Foulks and Myles Alday are absolutely crushing it on defense. Both players are small in stature but have plenty of heart and hustle to go around.”
The Mystics edged the Fire 2–1, with Liam Ubogbulem scoring for the Fire. In a display of pure sportsmanship, Cooper Demarcy accidentally scored for the opposing Mystics, and took it in stride with a grin. The Mystics’ Marco Rivera added another goal to seal the win. Meanwhile, the Cheetahs earned a 3–0 shutout over the Extreme. Ryder Floyd, Levi Schreffler, and Layne Deese each scored in a game that saw goalie Redic Williams make some clutch saves. The Vipers topped the Bulldogs 2–1, with Bear McClellan and Jaxson Mann leading the way. The Bulldogs’ Declan Owens scored their lone goal in a close, well-fought match.
The Vipers kept rolling later in the season, defeating the Fire 2–0, thanks to goals from Mann and Wes Moore. The Raptors followed with a commanding 4–0 win over the Extreme, led by a hat trick from Ethan Martin. Coach Sanders celebrated both effort and attitude: “Myles Alday plays mid-field and plays it to perfection. He’s always within a few steps of the ball and puts his heart into every play, he’s a playmaker for sure.” Sanders added that Myles Alday earned his first goal of the season on a well-deserved handball opportunity. “Well-fought game,” he said proudly. “I’m proud to be a Raptor.”
The Cheetahs continued their dominant play, shutting out the Mystics 3–0. Coach Colt Smith commended his team: “Our defense is playing really well.” Chloe Smith scored her first goal of the season, while Levi Schreffler and Ryder Floyd each added one.
As the season continued, the Tigers roared back with a 5–0 win over the Extreme, and the Cheetahs defeated the Vipers 4–2 in an action-packed match. The Raptors and Mystics finished tied 1–1, while the Bulldogs and Fire fought to a scoreless draw.
In another exciting round, the Fire and Cheetahs tied 1–1, while the Mystics topped the Tigers 3–1. The Vipers slipped past the Raptors 1–0, and the Bulldogs beat the Extreme 3–0. Later, the Mystics continued their winning ways with a 4–0 victory over the Extreme. Jane Olsen and Gabriel Taylor each scored once, while Kyion Wright scored twice. Coach Olsen reflected proudly: “By the end of the game, the Mystics had achieved three of their objectives this season, everyone played a half at goalie, everyone played a half at striker, and every player played 75% of the total minutes available.”
The Fire claimed a 2–1 win over the Raptors, with Kayden Metzler and William Leavins each scoring. The Vipers beat the Tigers 1–0, thanks to another strong showing from Bear McClellan, and the Bulldogs defeated the Cheetahs 2–0.
As playoffs approached, the Raptors continued to impress, topping the Cheetahs 2–0. Coach Sanders couldn’t have been prouder: “The Raptors took command and brought their best fight tonight! Davis Alday led our offense with the first goal of the game. Myles Alday and Zach Foulks assisted Ethan Martin’s goal of the night. Working together as a team, fighting for the ball from start to finish, that was the job tonight, and the Raptors did just that.” Goalie Oliver Bien made several diving saves to preserve the shutout, while Kiah Foulks played with “major intensity,” according to Sanders.
The Vipers stayed strong, winning 2–0 over the Extreme, while the Fire outlasted the Tigers 2–1, and the Mystics edged the Bulldogs 1–0. The season ended in a thrilling Championship match, where the Vipers claimed the title with a 2–1 victory over the Cheetahs. Jaxson Mann and Bear McClellan each scored to seal the win. Coach Mitchell summed up the moment perfectly: “Both teams had unbelievable games. They gave it to us hard, but we squeaked it out! I’m so proud of my kids. They battled so hard, never quit, and played all the way to the end.”
It was a fitting finish to a season filled with energy, growth, and sportsmanship. The Midgets proved that teamwork, hustle, and heart can make for some truly unforgettable soccer.
Junior League
The Juniors capped off their season with passion, grit, and some of the most competitive play seen all year at Optimist Park. Every game was full of strong teamwork, skilled passes, and the kind of hustle that makes coaches and parents beam with pride.
The Red Storm opened their final stretch with a 2–1 win over the Gunners, followed by a decisive 5–0 victory for Arsenal over the Maddogs. Arsenal’s Elijah Hoover had a standout game, scoring three goals with help from Elijah Ellis, who added an assist. Caleb Hoover and Nathan Kimbrel each contributed a goal, while goalies Nathan Kimbrel and Zeb Kimbrel combined for three saves. Maddogs’ keeper Levin Wright made five impressive stops in goal despite the tough loss.
The following week, Arsenal kept up their momentum, shutting out the Tigers 3–0. Zeb Kimbrel anchored the defense with three key saves and even stopped a penalty kick. Offensively, Elijah Hoover scored twice, and Caleb Hoover added one. Coach Ward highlighted how well the defense worked together, noting the efforts of Cassidy Langland, Evangeline Belanger, Florence Balassone, and Rebekah Hoover, who set up six offside traps to keep the Tigers at bay.
The Maddogs continued to battle hard, falling just short to the Red Storm 2–1 in one match, with Jaxson Olvera scoring their lone goal and Archer Bigelow providing the assist. Goalie William Oliver made six saves, supported by a defensive crew of Jed Yoder, Kayla Hasty, Daniel Martin, and Kassidy Davis, who all contributed steals.
Later in the season, the Tigers came alive, securing a 6–1 win over the Gunners. Arsenal remained dominant, defeating the Red Storm 4–1, while the Gunners fell to the Tigers once again 6–1. The Red Storm fought hard, earning a 2–1 win over the Gunners before losing a close one to the Tigers 1–2.
As the season moved toward its end, the Maddogs delivered one of their best games of the year, defeating the Tigers 6–1 in what Coach Warden called “a complete team win.” William Oliver was outstanding in goal, notching eight saves. Offensively, Kaiden Lipford scored three goals with one assist, Archer Bigelow added two goals and two assists, and Jed Yoder had one goal, two assists, and five steals. On defense, Daniel Martin led with six steals and an assist, while James Johnson, Kaylen Hasty, and Wyatt Curran each added multiple takeaways.
Arsenal closed the season strong with a 6–2 victory over the Gunners. Elijah Hoover recorded another hat trick, while Caleb Hoover, Canaan Langland, and Elijah Ellis each added one goal. Goalie Zeb Kimbrel made four key saves to help secure the win.
The Maddogs kept their winning streak alive with a 2–1 victory over the Gunners. Archer Bigelow and James Johnson scored, while William Oliver tallied seven saves in goal. The defense was rock solid with contributions from Kaiden Lipford, Jed Yoder, Daniel Martin, Wyatt and Jasper Curran, Kassidy Davis, Kaylan Hasty, Levin Wright, and Levi Burke. The Tigers and Red Storm ended their matchup in a thrilling 3–3 draw, a fitting end to a season full of tight contests and heart-stopping finishes.
The final showdown of the season came when Arsenal narrowly defeated the Maddogs 3–2. Coach Warden praised the game’s spirit: “We had a great game vs. Arsenal tonight. It was back and forth all the way to the end.” Kaiden Lipford and Archer Bigelow scored for the Maddogs, while Nathan Kimbrel, Jaxton Durham, and Elijah Hoover secured the win for Arsenal. Zeb Kimbrel came up big again in goal, making several key saves to close out a championship-worthy performance.
From nail-biting finishes to breakout performances, the Juniors showed poise, leadership, and love for the game. They played every match with pride, and it’s clear the future of Optimist Park soccer is in very good hands.
As the sun set on another Optimist Park soccer season, the cheers of proud parents, grandparents, and friends lingered in the air a little longer. Week after week, these young athletes gave it everything they had, sometimes celebrating victory, sometimes learning from a tough loss, but always leaving the field with smiles and high-fives.
From the Teeny Mites just learning to kick the ball to the Juniors showing leadership and strategy, every player made their mark. Coaches volunteered their time and patience, teaching more than just soccer, they taught teamwork, respect, and perseverance. The sidelines were filled with families who showed up rain or shine, ready to encourage every goal, save, and defensive stop.
This season wasn’t just about scores or standings. It was about friendships formed, confidence gained, and moments that will be remembered for years to come. Optimist Park once again lived up to its name, a place where optimism, effort, and community spirit shined brightest.
Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and families on a wonderful season. Until next year, keep practicing, keep smiling, and we’ll see you back on the field.
