Jordan Lea, Loyd Star

Second year Loyd Star head soccer coach Jordan Lea knew his girls’ team would have a chance at an unforgettable season once preseason practice began. With plenty of talent returning from a 13-5 team the previous season, the group was sprinkled with a mix of experience and young talent.

His squad lived up to those expectations as the Hornets finished 17-5, won Region 7-Division I and beat Morton for the first playoff win in school history. For his efforts leading the team, Lea has been named The Daily Leader All-Area Coach of the Year in girls’ soccer.

This is a repeat selection for Lea after he won the first ever COY given for girls’ soccer last year.

Lea had a strong senior class led by veteran goalkeeper Emma Britt, defender Brooke Cade, midfielder Wednesday Warren, midfielder Macy East, defender Aleigha Price and defender Emily Douglas.

Juniors on the team include DL All-Area MVP Mary Claire McCurley and Maria Piazza. The sophomore class is made up of Amy Estes, Abby Burnette and Rebekah Jackson. Freshman playing for LS this season were Ady Locke, Chloe Rodriguez and Arry Anna Rushing. The varsity roster is rounded out by seventh graders Aniston Brister and Maya Wyant.

Soccer isn’t just one season of the year for Lea, but something he stays involved with year-round. This spring he coached a U-10 team in the local recreation league along with his wife Rebecca.

Junior Mary Claire McCurley, who’s scored 96 career goals in her varsity career for Loyd Star says that Lea is a coach that empowers his team and lifts them up with his belief in them.

“He’s very smart about the game,” said McCurley. “He knows a lot and is honestly the best coach I’ve ever had. He’s very encouraging and good at building us up as a team. He never puts us down when we mess up — he just tells us how to fix it.”