Stewart Johnson
The reigning state champion Lady Dragons bolstered by the veteran leadership of nine seniors showed they could hold their own. Two seniors in particular, Sarah Hornyak and Alli Mills, were duly recognized as nominees for Dallas Girls Soccer Player of the Year by “USA Today.”
“Last year we were pretty dominant in the midfield,” says coach Matt Colvin. “But this year, I don’t think opposing teams could say we were stronger here or there. We were pretty well-balanced all around.”
Colvin’s lineup also showcased an up-and-coming roster of underclassmen who together compiled a 13-7-2 record before the season abruptly ended two games before the playoffs. Hornyak (19 points), a Baylor signee, Karina Owens (18 points) and Laney Kimble (11 points), a Stephen F. Austin-commit, brought experience, leadership and offensive firepower.
Sophomore Hanna Khan (26 points) was the top scorer and provided plenty of optimism for the future. But Colvin felt this year’s team had the tools to make things happen once again come playoff time.
“I’ve been here 19 years, and every year I’ve felt we’ve had the talent to win the state championship,” he says. “If you think otherwise, you’re selling your team short.”
SEASON RECAP
As the defending Class 6A state champions, Carroll expected to have a target on their back this season. It didn’t take long to see just how intense opposing teams and the game atmosphere could become.
“Our first scrimmage back in December against Highland Park was like a playoff game,” Colvin says. “We could tell that our opponents were giving us their best effort. I felt like our group stepped up to the challenge.”
The Lady Dragons started the season 4-3, then gained traction leading into district play. Carroll won its final three 5-6A contests to be in playoff position at 7-4-1 in district, 13-7-2 overall when the season was suspended and ultimately ended early.
“Most all of the games in which we were on the losing side were really close games and came down to the last few minutes, sometimes losing the lead in the last few minutes,” Colvin says. “There was some frustration there. But we had a big win against Byron Nelson, and we really felt we were turning the corner. It’s unfortunate to be two games away from the playoffs when we were peaking, and then we couldn’t play anymore.”
’20 Roster
Head Coach: Matt Colvin
Varsity Assistants: Lindsey Jacobson, Paul Lee, Allison Loftin
0 Alli Mills Sr.
1 Olivia Hein Sr.
2 Sarah Hornyak Sr.
3 Olivia Jacoby Fr.
4 Laren Baiotto Fr.
5 Madison Khan Fr.
6 Izzy Trevino Sr.
7 Bella Buncher Jr.
8 Hanna Khan So.
9 Laney Kimble Sr.
10 Megan Matthews Jr.
11 Lauryn Mazick Sr.
12 Kyleigh Johnson Jr.
13 Stephanie Smith So.
14 Caroline Semadeni Jr.
15 Julienne Guerin Sr.
16 Ella Harris Fr.
17 Jordan McConnell So.
18 Morgan Quillen Jr.
19 Gabriella Jamall Jr.
20 Karina Owens Sr.
21 Berkley Higgins Jr.
22 Kaelyn Riley Jr.
23 Payton Wilkerson Fr.
24 Tatum Parks Jr.
25 Paige Becker Fr.
27 Diana Shaugnessy Sr.