In California, Missouri, the Lady Pintos soccer team isn’t just playing games; they’re building something from the ground up. With no long-standing tradition to lean on, this young program has had to grow together in real time. And while that hasn’t always been easy, it’s made every bit of progress feel earned. “What I love most about being a part of this team is the environment and the connections I have with each of the girls,” said sophomore wing Atley Howard. “We have grown tremendously in such a short the Lady Pintos scored just two total goals, a tough introduction to varsity soccer. But it laid the foundation for what was next.
the team will be in 5, 10, 20 years,” said sophomore defender Dillon McGuire. “It’s honestly an honor.” Being part of a new program comes with its challenges, especially when facing teams with years of experience. “It is extremely hard being a brand new program going up against schools with a well-developed history in soccer,” said junior captain Alli- son Hackett. “But with how ded- icated everyone is, we continue to make bigger strides every year.” One of those strides came in a moment no one will forget, the overtime victory against Mexico. “It was one of the most thrilling experiences,” Hack- history the way we did changed us girls forever.” For Car- oline Martin, that moment was even more special. “It was especially exciting for me because I scored the winning goal in sudden-death overtime,” she said. “That moment showed what we’re capable of when we work together.”
Still, ask around, and you’ll hear just as much about the moments
bonding moments,” said goalkeeper Chelsey Knipker. “Those are the things that will stay with me for a lifetime.”
Head coach Brian Hebenheimer, now in his second year and with 25 years of coaching experience, sees those moments as just as important. “For me, it’s the team bonding, the lock-ins, the summer activities, even the bus rides,” he said. “The wins and losses will al-
ways be there, but the experiences are what they’ll carry with them.” That bond has been tested in ways most programs don’t experi-
two years, every game was away,” Hackett said. “Long bus rides, late nights, missing school. It was a lot of work, but we persevered.”
benheimer said. “The girls have more time for themselves and their schoolwork. It’s a big step for the program.” added. “We’ll know the environment and be able to focus more.” “Having our friends, teachers, and community in the stands gives us
experiences are what they’ll carry with them.
The wins and losses will always be there, but the
keeps you less tired and helps you focus better during the game,” said Marisol Perez, the team’s leading scorer returning with 14 goals last season. Perez is one of several key re- turners helping lead a young roster with no seniors. Hackett anchors the defense as a two-year captain, while Knipker returns as goalie after recording a school-record 218 saves last season. Even with a young team, be- lief continues to grow. “Soccer has taught me leadership and helped me
someone my teammates can rely on has made me a better person.”
“It doesn’t matter what you’re going through. Once you
taught me I can do hard things if I keep going mentally.” For Hebenheimer, those lessons matter most. “We’re developing more than just athletes,” he said. “We want to help build strong, well-rounded individuals. Success isn’t always about wins, it’s about growth.” And that’s exactly what the Lady Pintos are chasing. “If we con- tinue to grow and understand the game, the success will come,” Hebenheimer said.
With strong numbers coming up through the younger grades and hopes of adding a junior varsity team soon, the future continues to take shape. “We want to build something that lasts,” said Knipker.
Show-Me Sports /// 69
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