by John Unrein Tears were wiped away as Sophie Broockerd and Raena Childers stepped forward to accept the Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 3 second place girls soccer trophy. The leadership provided by both seniors helped propel the Grain Valley Lady Eagles soccer program to a 22-3-1 overall record. The adage of what is worth the prize is worth the fight seems fitting in the will demonstrated by both Broockerd and Childers on soccer’s biggest high school stage in the Show-Me State. “Keeping everyone positive was our goal, even in situations like tonight. This team is tough, and we proved it again with how we played until the very end,” Broockerd said. The Grain Valley defender was relentless in pursuit of the soccer ball when in the Lady Eagles zone. Broockerd made a successful tackle of the soccer ball in each half that thwarted scoring opportunities for the Fort Zumwalt South Bulldogs (22-2). Broockerd’s tenacity could also be heard from the sideline as she was vocal in calling out passing lanes to alert her teammates. Equally as impressive was the play of Bulldogs forward Audrey Smith. The Freshman would go on to score a hat trick in pushing Fort Zumwalt South to a 5-2 win during the title game. Fort Zumwalt South executed their offense with pinpoint passing and shooting the ball well in space. It was more than the Lady Eagles could contain despite their valiant effort. The Bulldogs ended the game with 21-10 shots on goal advantage. Childers refused to allow her team to go away quietly or be shutout. The midfielder would score on breakaway goals for Grain Valley during the 72nd and 77th minute of play. Both times Childers split Fort Zumwalt South defenders before putting the ball in net. Childers offered positive reflection in her postgame comments despite the pain of not attaining what she wanted to achieve. “I am super happy with this team that I got to finish my senior year with. This is not where we wanted to finish, but it is still pretty dang good. We were the first team in the history of our program to go to State,” Childers said. “The younger girls that make up this team shared with us an unbelievable learning experience tonight. The future is so bright for them. I am glad that we got to lead them as seniors. They are a joy to be around.” Emma Thiessen is among the eight Lady Eagles that are part of the Grain Valley varsity roster. The freshman battled back from knocking heads with an opponent during the semifinal game while going for a header to attack on offense while on the Fort Zumwalt South side of the field. The freshman continued to display wisdom beyond her years in reflecting on the new standard that has been set for the program in what has been accomplished during the 2021 season. “The legacy this senior class has given is humungous. Coach Nichol showed trust in starting a team as young as we were. Everything that is a ‘ship’ from the leadership to friendship provided by those older than us has made an impact we will carry forward,” Childers said. “Soccer is the second part of this game for me. The bonds that were created through how prepared and competed is something I will never forget. I cannot say how much I will miss Sophie (Broockerd) as my big sister who looked after me and all of us. I truly bonded with someone.” Surpassing 200 wins during his coaching career and leaving for a new profession on a high note is Tyler Nichol. The reigns to the Grain Valley Lady Eagles soccer program will be turned over to assistant Brett Lewis for the 2022 season. The two childhood friends shared a common vision in their coaching approach that promoted success for their team. “There is nothing like this experience. Playing for your friends, your community, and the name of the school on the front of your jersey is second to none. MSHSAA does a great job of putting on a quality tournament in a great environment. The memories created here are ones that will never be forgotten,” Nichol said. “Brett (Lewis) is a great friend of mine that I have known since we were five years old. We went to school together and played soccer together growing up. He is going to do a great job with this group coming back that has a wealth of talent. I could not have asked for a better group for my last go around.” Nichol continued, “If I had to think of a word to describe this team, it would be ‘grit.’ It is not fun to lose. My hope is the experiences we have shared set these young ladies up for success as they move forward in life. I would not to be shocked to see them back here over the next three years under the leadership of Coach Lewis.” Seniors Raena Childers and Sophie Broockerd hold the MSHSAA Girls Class 3 Second Place State Soccer trophy. Photo credit: Valley News staff Left to right: Assistant Coach Brad Drinkwater, Head Coach Tyler Nichol, and Assistant Coach Brett Lewis. Photo credit: Valley News staff Freshman Emma Thiessen maneuvers her way through the Fort Zumwalt South defense.
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