Story By: Cortrez Colbert
Griffon soccer was one goal away from making it to the next round of the MIAA Tournament. This season was their second consecutive appearance in the postseason, after making it for the first time ever last season. That wasn’t enough for the Griffons, as they finished this year off with the first winning season in program history, with an overall record of 9-8.
Chad Edwards finished his sixth season as the Head Coach. After only winning two games three seasons ago, to now two consecutive postseason appearances, program seems to be heading in the right direction. All season, Edwards spoke highly of his five seniors and was happy they were able to have success in their career.
“I’m really thrilled for them to have the success that they did over the course of their time here,” Edwards said. “When they first committed here at Missouri Western, it was hard to believe in us, and they certainly did. They went through some rough patches along the way, but they saw that we were going in the right direction and certainly worked every day to make that happen. I’m just really proud of their effort and happy for them that we were able to have the success we did the last two years.”
Senior Sydney Andrews was a big part of the team’s success this season. Through her time here at Missouri Western, she has been apart of a team that has struggled and a team that has changed the tradition of the soccer program.
“It means the world,” Andrews said. “To be where we started when I came in and to watch this program grow and become what it is today, to say I had a part in it all is a huge honor. It’s a testament to the resiliency, determination and heart that those of us have stuck by coach these past years.”
Andrews had a great season individually, but also got to see her team make history.
“It’s an honor to be apart of breaking records and just bring this team out of where we were and into a new era,” Andrews said.
Next season, Edwards mentioned a few goals for his team moving forward.
“We want to continue to have winning seasons, continue to rise in the rankings in the league. Our goal every year is to finish in the top four in the league and host a playoff game,” Edwards said. “I really truly believe that next step is winning a playoff game. Once we win one, what can we do after that.”