JTV Sports Quick Focus: Stewart, CCHS Have Numbers and Bigger Expectations This Season

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(April 6, 2022 5:33 PM) It would have been easy for the Columbia Central High School varsity soccer team to pack it in last season. 

The Golden Eagles had a new coach and played with less than 11 players during a number of games.

But CCHS player Alyssa Stewart said a little motivation went a long way during the difficult season.

The Golden Eagles don’t have that problem this year.

Stewart, a junior, joins 21 other players and CCHS has Jackson College Coach Andy Hosmer back to lead the team.

The Golden Eagles jumped out to an 8-0 win over Jackson Christian on Tuesday night at JCHS. Stewart scored a hat trick in the win.

“Our team has some really good numbers,” Stewart said after the win. “We have some new girls who have never played before and are stepping up.”

Stewart, who has been playing the sport basically as early as she can remember, said last year was a learning experience. After losing her freshman year due to COVID, the Golden Eagles played a number of games with eight or nine players – instead of 11. 

“The positioning on the field was different … we had to work together to make it go.

“We would give motivational talks on the bus trying to get ourselves worked up (prior to games). 

Stewart said she enjoyed her best season on RUSH Soccer during the summer.

“I finally had a chance to play my position … it was the best season overall,” Stewart said. 

She even had a chance to scrimmage against players at Jackson College to also gain soccer experience.

“Being 5-feet, 2-inches tall makes it a little scary,” Stewart said of the experience. “The first practice I was a little chill, but the next I went up against some of the better players.”

Stewart said she would like to play college soccer but still has two more seasons at CCHS.

“I think we can go far this season,” Stewart said. “I am hoping we can be conference champions.”