As defending Zone and Division champs, the Cochrane High School Cobras are targeted as the team to beat in Rocky View girl’s soccer.
The thought of wearing a target doesn’t rattle the players or their coach, who were all at Cochrane Rangers Field Sept. 5 training for the Rocky View Sports Association girl’s soccer season starting today (Sept. 11) at Bow Valley High School.
“We have strong players,” said returning 17-year-old senior Callie Morris, tabbed as the team’s “go-to” girl this season. Returning Cobras seniors include Cara Cook, Emily Rendell, Leah Polson, Claire Clarkson, Anna Robitaille and Brette Matheson. “We have a lot of Grade 9’s that are really good. Cochrane High has good luck with great players.
“I love meeting all the new players from Grade 9. We’re like a family.”
Count head coach Carolyn McLeod as another Cobra who welcomes the challenge of being the team to beat. Cochrane High will have to fend off Airdrie’s Bert Church Chargers and George McDougall Mustangs, along with Springbank Phoenix and crosstown rival Bow Valley Bobcats.
“Defend our title, and just play that beautiful game,” McLeod said of her team’s goals this season. “If there was ever a way to describe the beautiful game, it’s to watch the Cobra girl’s soccer team.”
Ball possession and continually working it into key scoring areas give Cobras their edge. Their controlled, attacking style keeps defenders on their heels and nets results for the team in the royal-red kit. That, and a bottomless supply of skilled new players coming through the ranks.
“We were very pleasantly surprised,” McLeod said of the 26 girls who showed up for Cobras training camp. “Quite a few Grade 9’s. And Grade 9’s coming with some skill. They’re already playing club soccer. They’re already used to a higher level of play. They fit right into the drills we were doing. They were right on board with the program and the type of game we play.”
