Depth, experience to spark Warrior girls

WASILLA — Soon after Amber Craig returned to the Mat-Su Valley from college, longtime Colony head coach Lorie Miner called Craig to see if the former Valley high school player would be interested in coaching.

Craig took advantage of the opportunity and inherited a group of seventh-graders on a local competitive team. Now Craig is the head coach of the Wasilla girls varsity program and those seventh-graders are seniors on her squad.

“It’s kind of fun for me,” Craig said.

This year the senior class will lead the Warriors’ quest to return to the Northern Lights Conference championship match and the state tournament.

Forward Amy Jo Coonrod, midfielders Kendra Miner and Lina Shadrach, and goalkeeper Kamarae Kaina are among those seventh-graders who are now seniors with the Warriors. Of the dozen seniors on the 2011 Wasilla squad, Craig said she’s coached about eight since they were in seventh grade.

Wasilla’s senior class also includes Ashlynn Frizzelle, Reace Morrison, Brooke Morgan and Rebecca Newcomb.

Frizzelle, named first-team All-Northern Lights Conference in each of the last two seasons, returns to lead Wasilla on the defensive line. Coonrod, a first-team All-NLC selection as a sophomore, is expected to be a top offensive player for the Warriors. Miner, who missed the 2010 season, returns as a senior to start in the midfield. Shadrach, a four-year varsity player and captain, will also start in the midfield.

Kaina, a former player in the field, is back for her second season as Wasilla’s starting goalkeeper. Kaina moved between the posts as a junior and earned second-team All-NLC honors.

“She’s impressed me, impressed her teammates so much,” Craig said.

Wasilla is deep with upperclassmen. About 17 of Wasilla’s 20 varsity players are juniors or seniors. That batch of upperclassmen also includes the reigning NLC Player of the Year, junior Nikki Vanni.

“She’s matured, and even more focused in practice,” Craig said of Vanni. “She’s very competitive and shows why she’s the player she is.”

Craig called Vanni, who was also named second-team All-NLC as a freshman, Wasilla’s field general.

“She directs our entire field,” Craig said.

Junior Erin Murray will move from the midfield back to defense this season, Craig said.

Craig said Wasilla’s least amount of experience is on the defensive side of the field. Frizzelle is the only returning starter in front of Kaina. The Warriors are excited about the talent up front and in the midfield.

“We’ve got a lot of experience there, which is nice,” Craig said.

The Warriors make their 2011 debut Wednesday against Colony at The Dome in Anchorage.

Defense leads

Wasilla boys

Last season, the Wasilla Warriors finished as the runner-up in the NLC and advanced to the state tournament. Wasilla head coach Blake Livingston believes the Warriors have what it takes to compete for a top spot in the NLC once again.

“I think we have a tremendous amount of potential,” Livingston said recently.

This season, Wasilla will be led by its pair of goalkeepers and defensive corps.

“It’s our big strength right now,” Livingston said.

Senior Eli Tingstand, a second-team All-NLC selection, is back for his fourth year as Wasilla’s starting goalkeeper. Wasilla also has another solid keeper in senior Chaz Davila Rush.

Both will see time in goal for Wasilla.

Wasilla has three returners on the back line — seniors Kyle Welton, Kevin Hogan and Eric Johnson. Seniors Derek Johnsen and Izaak Probasco will add depth on defense.

Senior Paul Sliwa will lead Wasilla on defense. Sliwa was named first-team All-NLC as a junior and to the all-tournament team at the state tournament in each of the last two years.

“He’s definitely a special player,” Livingston said. “He’s our field general.”

Senior Cameron Perry is also in the midfield for the Warriors. Livingston said sophomores Kyler Perry, Nick Blohm, Chance Morrison and Austin Frizzelle will contribute as sophomores. The head coach is also excited about the arrival of Travis Patterson, a transfer from Houston.

Wasilla opened the season with a 5-4 win over West Valley last week and continues play against Colony Wednesday at The Dome in Anchorage.

WASILLA WARRIORS

Girls head coach: Amber Craig

Girls 2010 finish: Second in NLC, advanced to state tournament.

Girls key returners: Nikki Vanni, Jr., MF; Amy Jo Coonrod, Sr., F; Lina Shadrach, Sr., MF; Ashlynn Frizzelle, Sr., D; Kamarae Kaina, Sr., GK.

Girls key losses: Krizia Verplancke; Rachel Kennedy; Celeana Powder.

Boys head coach: Blake Livingston

Boys 2010 finish: Second in NLC, advanced to state tournament.

Boys key returners: Paul Sliwa, Sr., MF; Eli TIngstad, Sr., GK; Kyle Welton, Sr., D.

Key losses: Jacob Barber; Matthew Friese; Alden Lee.