Despite the hard losses and tough season, the Warrenton girls soccer team still found a way to celebrate conference awards, team awards and their past season while focusing on the program’s growth.

Senior Kylie Overkamp was awarded second team all-conference, an honor she also received her junior year. She finished the season tallying four goals while playing numerous positions, even goalie at one point. 

“It was definitely a goal of mine to get one of the conference awards, you know it’s my last year so I knew I had to do something and put my name out there a little more,” Overkamp said.

Overkamp will go on to play soccer and run track at Graceland University next year.

“In my three years of being here, I’ve really enjoyed watching her play because she really just puts her heart onto the field,” Head Coach Courtney Nenninger said. “She’s fiery and very passionate.”

Sophomore Emma Duncan received the sportsmanship award. Duncan was unsure if she would return to soccer after her freshman year, but decided to give it another chance – a decision she did not regret. 

“I worked very hard this year and learning that I got the sportsmanship award felt like I was doing something good,” Duncan said. 

Nenninger noted that Duncan demonstrated sportsmanship by reassuring her teammates and making sure to compliment them. 

“She’s always building the team up and talking positively,” Nenninger said. “On the field, she always played really hard, but then she always had class against opponents.”

Nenninger added that Duncan shows a lot of maturity, something you do not always see in a sophomore. 

The team celebrated the two for winning all-conference honors on May 29, while also having their own team awards that were decided by Nenninger and Assistant Coach Jake Brown.

Freshman Malia Hopper was awarded with the defensive MVP. Nenninger praised Hopper for how composed she remains during games.

“I never saw this person falter under hard times, she was very consistent and a rock for us on the defensive line,” Nenninger said. 

With the most goals of any player on the team this season, Overkamp was awarded offensive MVP. Nenninger went on to say how reliable Overkamp was when something needed to be done. 

Sophomore Breeyn Young was awarded most improved after she moved from offense to defense this year.

“She blew us away on the defensive line,” Nenninger said. “We’re really proud of her for being able to step into that position and help us out.” 

The most versatile award was given to junior Haley Rausch after she moved into the goalkeeper position. Rausch had 106 saves in seven and a half games.

Lastly, the Warrior award was given to Duncan for being a positive presence on the team. 

The Warriors ended their season with a 2-20-1 record, but the players and coaches are looking forward to the growth in their program over the next few years.

“We are extremely proud of the girls,” Nenninger said. “We were still able to get some recognition and they deserved it.”