Park Hill’s Alyssa Estanich helped the Lady Trojans improve their win total by two games as a freshman in 2023.
KANSAS CITY – For the last two springs, Park Hill has had a lot of younger girls out on the soccer field and after hardly losing any seniors from last season, this is the most experienced squad in awhile.
Park Hill has struggled to win games in the last two years, which has been uncommon for a program that claimed five district titles in the six seasons prior. Having 10 of the 11 starters back gives this season more promise.
“We’re young, but we return several varsity players,” Park Hill head girls’ soccer coach Makenzie Heavey said. “We have a hardworking group eager to make an impact with some young players who have grown in confidence from last year.”
Juniors Taylor Quigley, Lydia Keller, Emily Woelk and Kenzie David not only started last year but also played heavy minutes in 2022 as freshmen. Park Hill relied on a lot of underclassmen a year ago – including sophomores Maryn Hudson and Alyssa Estanich – which only benefits them in 2024.
“A lot of things we are still sorting out; we have some core players clearly established but still looking to fill key roles for several positions,” Heavey said.
Katelynn Young, Layla Nelson and Paige Barry highlight the returning senior starters, along with goalkeeper Maggie Peterson who posted a shutout in six of the Lady Trojans’ seven wins in her junior campaign. Underclassmen Anna Payne and Jovie Lavin are looking to add depth to the back line.
“They have a nothing-to-lose mentality going into the season and eagerness to cause havoc for teams. We have some strengths defensively that are going to make it difficult for teams to generate chances,” Heavey said.
Since reaching sectionals in 2021, Park Hill has taken a step back in postseason play with a first-round exit in districts in 2022 and a district semifinal loss in 2023. Although the Lady Trojans’ season has ended earlier than they liked in recent memory, most the players who take the field have been exposed to that atmosphere and they will look to use that to their advantage once that time comes.