Statistically speaking, the Webster City girls soccer squad returns enough talent this season to take a significant step forward on the pitch.

First-year head coach Kristine Mason knows matches aren’t won on paper, though. The Lynx will have to put in the work in order to reach their full potential in 2024, and in Mason’s eyes, it must be a collective effort across the board.

“Our philosophy is person greater than player,” said Mason, a former high school soccer player herself and 2006 graduate of Marshalltown High School. “My job as a coach is to create a safe and enjoyable environment where every athlete can be who they are.

“We want each player to see huge improvements in their individual game and their overall confidence on and off the field. We also want everyone who started with us at the beginning of the season to be there at the end. We will work hard, have fun, develop life-long relationships, and gain character skills that last beyond high school.”

Senior Jillian Symens returns as the squad’s second-best goal scorer from a year ago. Symens found the back of the net 13 times last spring for the Lynx, who went 5-12 overall and placed fourth in the North Central Conference.

Symens, a forward, will serve as co-captain with classmates Addyson Beaulieu (midfielder/forward) and Joleah Stuhr (goalkeeper). They will be flanked by returning letterwinners Janey Putney, Mia Hansen, Caitlyn Gapp, Heidi Mendoza, Ashley Nydegger, Jayme Perez, Emerson Paukert, Kendyl Daniels and Kamey Stanley.

Symens, Beaulieu, Stuhr, Putney, Oswald, Hansen, Gapp, Mendoza and Nydegger were starters a year ago. Putney had a club-best 13 goals as just a freshman, while also tying for the Webster City lead in assists.

“I expect (the veteran players) to lead by example with their work ethic, holding the team accountable, and creating an inclusive environment,” Mason said. “Practices will be physically demanding and require more of their fitness than they are accustomed to.

“We need our leaders to step up and get the (entire) team to buy in.”

Mason is also hoping for significant contributions from freshmen Lovie Pruismann and Amanda Lahr.

“They’re both natural multi-sport athletes. I expect them to have an immediate impact on and off the field,” Mason said. “They face adversity well and they both bring a fun and positive energy to our team culture.”

Mason is looking forward to seeing her team progress in the weeks to come.

“Our strengths are that we have several returning players, good depth in our midfield and forwards, and we have an opportunity to start fresh with our new coaching staff and our developmental approach,” Mason said. “We will be working on technical skills every day. Without a competitive youth club developmental program locally, there is a gap with technical skill set across the board.

“The more confident we can get the kids on the ball, the better they will be able to execute tactically.”

Mason will be assisted by Kennedy Daniels.

The Lynx are scheduled to open their season on Thursday at Clear Lake.

2024 WEBSTER CITY GIRLS SOCCER

Roster

Seniors — Addyson Beaulieu, Kendyl Daniels, Jillian Symens, Kamey Stanley, Caitlyn Gapp, Joleah Stuhr.

Junior — Emersen Paukert, Mia Hansen, Allis Mateo Argueta.

Sophomores — Jayme Perez, Heidi Mendoza, Avril Borjas, Ashlee Nydegger, Janey Putney, Julia Griep.

Freshmen — Megan VanDeer, Amanda Lahr, Lovie Pruismann, Sandra Fuentes-Cruz, Samantha Sosa, Lilly Haney.

Schedule

March 28 — at Clear Lake.

April 1 — at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura; 4 — Hampton-Dumont/CAL; 8 — at Belmond-Klemme; 11 — at Iowa Falls-Alden; 15 — Humboldt; 19 — Greene County; 22 — at Clear Lake; 26 — Garner-Hayfield/Ventura; 29 — Hampton-Dumont/CAL.

May 2 — Belmond-Klemme; 6 — Iowa Falls-Alden; 9 — at Humboldt; 10 — Boone.