KCC Women's Soccer 2023 Season Preview

The Kellogg Community College women's soccer team begins its 2023 season this weekend under the direction of third-year Head Coach, Levi Butcher. This group holds some strong returners from last year's Region XII playoff-qualifying team, as well as many valuable newcomers. When asked about the upcoming season Coach Butcher said, "I am excited about how this group carries themselves and how much chemistry they have built headed into the fall season." 

 

Leading the group of returners is sophomore Lydia Schamanek (Cadillac, MI/Cadillac) who was a cog in the midfield last fall, and she's back as team Captain this season. Lydia is a dynamic player who can cover a ton of ground and has a great knowledge of the game. Coach said, "Lydia also possesses a keen knack for making those around her better with her passing range and decision-making."

 

Also returner for the Bruins is sophomore Rayna Richardson (Austin, TX/Gateway College Prep). Coach said, "Rayna returns this fall with a more attacking role on the team, and I think she can be a key contributor in terms of goals and assists. She is very technical on the ball and has great vision and field sense." Rayna works extremely hard and will certainly combine with those around her to give opposing defenses a hard time this fall.

 

Leading the group of incoming players is sophomore Annabelle Smith (Mount Pleasant, MI/Mount Pleasant). Bella comes in as a transfer student having spent her first season at Alma College. She brings an attacking prowess that will help the Bruins unlock opposing back lines, as well as a ton of finishing ability in and around the box. Coach said, "We look for her to lead our line and bring her experience to the field every time we play."

 

Berlynn Conley (Plainwell, MI/Plainwell) is a leader in the freshman group. Coach described her as a feisty and physical defender, stating,"Berlynn will have a huge role for us in the back, especially with fellow Freshman Aubrie Evans (Gobles, MI/Allegan) out with injury at the beginning of the season." Berlynn takes great lines to the ball, reads the game well, and is a tackling machine.

 

Another leader in the incoming crew is Allison Dietzel (Portage, MI/Portage Central). Coach Butcher said, "Allie comes from a winning culture at Portage Central and will play a huge role in anchoring our midfield this fall. We love what she can do in terms of winning the ball both aerially and on the ground, and she is a catalyst going forward." The sky is the limit for Allie when she puts her athleticism together with her technical ability.

 

Incoming keeper, Airanna Griecci (Chelsea, MI/Chelsea) is a valuable addition to the freshman group. The goalkeeping position is always an important one for any team, and they need to do a lot more than just stop shots in the modern game. Coach Butcher stated, "Airanna has a great presence about her, and she communicates and organizes extremely well. We should also be able to use her distribution skills to do some different things in launching attacks this season. We are looking forward to her being a leader for us between the sticks as well as off the field!"

 

Other incoming players include Aubrey Phenicie (Kalamazoo, MI/Portage Central), Lucy Lampart (Kalamazoo, MI/Homeschool), Jenna Vogel (Battle Creek, MI/Pennfield), Sharnell Fabian Romero (Battle Creek, MI/Battle Creek Central), Sophia Saunders (Otsego, MI/Otsego), Emilia Braman (Battle Creek, MI/Pennfield), and Jessie Cummins (Battle Creek, MI/Harper Creek). 

 

Coach Butcher said preseason has been key for this group, stating, "Though they have only been together a short time, they've developed a great vibe within the squad and seem to enjoy building an identity together. We had a good deal of success in tight games last year, and I am interested to see how this young and talented squad handles the pressures they'll face."

 

Last season, the Bruins qualified for the NJCAA Region XII Tournament for the second time in program history. They ultimately fell to NJCAA National Champions, and fellow league and Region XII team Schoolcraft College. Coach Butcher said, "Our league and Region are both very competitive, and we are excited to get going."

 

Head Coach, Levi Butcher is joined again by his assistant coaches Hunter Garland and Maggie Harma. For more information about the soccer program and what it takes to be a member of the team, contact Coach Butcher at wsoccercoach@kellogg.edu.