With only three sophomores on his women’s soccer team, Barton Community College head coach Aaron Avila led the Lady Cougars to a 15-4-1 record.
An impressive feat in his first year with the program.
That was something that the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference coaches likely took into account when naming Avila conference Coach of the Year.
“That was exciting,” Avila said. “It was a little bit unexpected, but the girls did all the work. I guess with such a young team, the other coaches realized they played well. They did good for having that many freshmen on the team.
“It’s a total team effort, for sure.”
The Lady Cougars finished in third place in the conference standings with a 10-2 record. Unbeaten Butler finished in first at 13-0, and Hutchinson finished second at 12-1.
Freshman forward Bianca Barron was selected as a first-team player.
“She was our only first-team all-conference,” Avila said. “She was actually in the top 3 or 4 in the nation in goals scored this year. She did well.”
Barron finished with 31 goals this season, leaving her No. 2 in school history in goals scored in a single season.
Only Shala Giardini has scored more goals for Barton in a season with 58 in 2009.
Barron is one of six freshmen to make the first, second or honorable mention list — including Ruth Cazier (second team), Mariana Poveda (second team), Olimpia Bonilla (second team), Emily Troll (honorable mention) and Hannah Fuchs (honorable mention).
“The girls are excited for next year,” Avila said. “We’ll have to get out there and fill in the gaps. Hopefully we’ll make a run next year. It’s definitely a lot to look forward to next year.”