Wildcat soccer returns

Custer High School is competing this Fall in soccer for the first time since 2013.
Head coach Sydney Hickman said, “Back in wintertime, there was a push to bring it (soccer) back to the high school. It went to the school board, was approved and then we just went full steam ahead.”
The team’s first practices were last week and Hickman said the new program’s foundational team has a wide range of ages. The team is “a handful of seventh and eighth graders, a few seniors, four juniors. (It’s) a nice mixture which helps. It really just makes us stronger,” Hickman said.
Coaching in 85 degree early-morning temperatures, Hickman led the coed team to focus on how defense and offense act as their own mini-teams.
“The coed nature is something new for many of the students, but as a team, everyone blends together and plays well together,” she said. “I believe that since they all share the love for soccer, once they step on the field they put their focus on skills and the game.”
Assistant Coach Ryan McGehee, coaching from the center circle, explained how to keep a play’s momentum even while dropping back. In teaching how to communicate on field, both coaches led by example with shouts of encouragement, instilling helpful tips of how to work the ball and optimistically highlighting how the team can improve.
Hickman’s positive leadership and influence to become a soccer coach comes from her years of playing club, high school and university intramural soccer.
“I am so happy to be a part of the new program, and I look forward to where it will go. Everyone on the field loves soccer and they come out here and they’re having fun,” she said.
Hickman’s other role with Custer School District takes place in the classroom where she teaches high school English, Advanced Placement Language, and Composition.  
Custer’s High School soccer team will wear their jerseys for the first time when playing away Aug. 20 versus Freeman Academy.
Then the Wildcat’s first home game will be 5 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 23 versus St. Thomas More.