09/15/2026
Here is what I said last night and I can’t say it better than I already did-💙⚽️🫶🏻
I first want to thank everyone for coming tonight, and to every other game-this whole season our team and these girls have been loved, fed, supported and encouraged. I could not have asked for a better set of families, friends and fans to carry us through the season.
I am very passionate about women in sports because I know what sports has given me and my hope is that it will be the same for my girls.
Girls who play sports remember what it is like to do something hard but to keep going. Girls who play sports know that we lift each other up and are each other’s biggest fans. Girls who play sports know how to dig deep and not give up. Girls in sports carry themselves differently-they don’t worry if they take up too much space or if they are too loud or if they are too much. Girls who play sports ask how can I be better and what do I need to do. Because girls in sports become women who lead.
These young ladies have played soccer on this team for the last three years. I have had the privilege of being their coach for the last two of those years. While only one of these girls is my actual daughter, I feel like they all are. There have been early morning pick-ups, late night drives home, stops at 7 Brew, tears, hugs, laughs because I am so funny, frustrations, celebrations, and a hundred “Coach Stephanie did you see that!” This group leads with passion, determination and a drive to do their best. They have an undeniable chemistry and have helped lead this team to two undefeated seasons so far. They are forces to be reckoned with on the field and they never want to come off. I know when I pull Alyssa off, she is going to be MAD. I know when I finally have to pull June and Charlee off, they will beg to go back in as any other position just keep playing. I know Harper will be very sweet and polite but remind me every minute she is out that she is ready to go back in whenever I need her.
I will miss these girls dearly- not just for the talented soccer players they are but for the wonderful people they are as well. Coaching them has been a true joy. So thank you to my 8th graders for all your time, all your commitment, all your leadership, for showing these girls its ok to be good at something and know it, for leading with integrity and strength, for holding us accountable, for always rising to the occasion and wanting to the be the best, for your blood, sweat and tears, for your contagious determination and drive to succeed but always willing to lift up and encourage when your teammates need it. Thank you for showing up and setting such a good example for the teammates who will take your place.
it won’t be the same without and we will miss you, but you are always a part of this team and what we have built. Now, we can’t wait to cheer you on in high school!
As your coach, I am so proud of how far you have come, and I will always be your number 1 fan.
As a mom who has been with you on the sidelines since 6th grade, stop growing up. It’s stressing me out and I keep crying.
Now let me introduce these girls to you and let’s show them how proud of them we are and how much they mean to us
Alyssa Banks #0
Alyssa is the daughter of Amy and Johnny Banks
She has played soccer for ten years.
Her favorite position to play is center striker
Her favorite MS soccer memory is the pool party at Mrs. Thompson’s house
Her advice to her teammates is
“only your opinion matters. You are better than you think, go prove yourself wrong”
Harper Castleberry #11
Harper is the daughter of Heather and Glenn Castleberry
She has played soccer for eight years.
Her favorite position to play is right wing.
Her favorite MS soccer memory is when we jumped in the Parks pool fully clothed and got ice cream
Her advice to her teammates is
“This team will be your forever family, so enjoy it
