IMA SPORTS

For the first time since 2019, the Maumee girls soccer team will be playing under a new coach this season — and that has given the program a boost.

Matt Koop takes over a team that has gone 33-23-5 over the past three years, including back-to-back district titles in 2022 and 2023. The Panthers also shared the Northern Buckeye Conference title in 2022 and have gone 8-3-2 in conference play since joining in 2023.

Maumee returns 10 players from last year’s 8-8-3 team, most notably junior goalkeeper Lauren Liwo, who earned All-NBC honors with seven shutouts.

Also returning are Mariam Findling, who scored 10 goals and had two assists as a freshman; Gabbi Bischoff, who netted three goals; and Alissa Drake and Addie Stamm.

Perhaps more encouraging for a program that was in danger of losing its junior varsity team because of low numbers, Maumee has 14 new players this year, including nine freshmen.

“The transition has been incredible from my perspective,” Koop said. “In my opinion, in order to have a successful program, we need committed players, strong support from parents, a competent coaching staff and a supportive administration. We have all of that at Maumee plus a community that has shown outstanding support.”

This is Koop’s first season as a head coach after many years as an assistant at local high schools. He said he has a lot to learn on the administrative side, but his returning players are helping with that transition.

The Panthers will be leaning on several freshmen, including Harper Kain, Maci Allen, Oaklee Wagner, Simone Phillips, Sophia Kubicz and Stella Adams. Koop said the freshman class stands out because of its shared playing experience and friendships.

Back after sitting out last season are seniors Abby Albright and Teagan Kennedy, along with junior Kenya Storey.

The roster also includes senior exchange student Nadia Muntwyler from Switzerland, who arrived in the United States last Saturday. Koop said she has already shown strong soccer IQ and evidence of extensive playing experience.

“The one thing that has jumped out at me with this group is how coachable they are,” Koop said. “They have great attitudes, they are willing to put in the work and they have completely bought into what we are trying to accomplish.

“I think what is unique about this team, and may be what we hang our proverbial hat on, is that we are very much team-focused. We do not have that one superstar that we know is going to lead the team in points. We are going to have to get it done as a team.”

Koop and the Panthers have set season goals, but they don’t include wins, losses or tournament runs. The goals focus on areas such as perfect practice attendance, participation in team-building activities and completing a weekly individual soccer-related activity outside of practice.

“Our philosophy is that we want to set goals we can control, and if we meet those goals, we should see the outcomes we desire,” Koop said.

To help set the tone, the team spent a few days in early August at Camp Michindoh in Hillsdale, Michigan. While there, the Panthers took part in team-building activities and other challenges.

“The retreat was not only about having fun, but it genuinely brought us closer together,” Koop said. “This also gave us the chance to set our values and determine our goals for the season. Instead of me telling the players, ‘This is what our goals are going to be,’ the team worked together to create goals they could all be on board with.

“To me, the most meaningful part of camp was getting to hear most of the returning players step up in front of the campfire and speak to the rest of the team about their personal journey and what being a part of this team means to them. It was incredibly powerful to witness and has given us momentum to build upon for the rest of the season.”

Reach IMA at insidemaumeeathletics@gmail.com