Lady Wave soccer under new coach
By George Starks 

GREENVILLE- Once again, the Greenville girls soccer program is under new direction. 

The new coach for Lady Wave soccer is Steve Shepard and with a new coach, comes a new style. 

After a one win season a year ago, Shepard has his work cut out for him. 

With only 18 girls having come out for the team, it’s an uphill battle for the Wave. 

“Eighteen is not a good number for us,” said Shepard. “We would like to have 24-28 girls come out. I’m not sure at this point we will have enough for a reserve team.” 

When Shepard played at Greenville, he was a defensive specialist and defense is where he will focus the team. 

“We have to focus on defense,” said Shepard. “We have to start with fundamentals because we lack there. We are basically starting over. We have to get this program moving forward again.” 

Shepard is looking to get the positive energy back into Lady Wave soccer but he knows he can’t do it alone. 

“Getting that back is up to the girls,” said Shepard. “These are good kids and it all starts with the basics and they know this. The 18 I have are good, dedicated kids and that’s what it’s going to take, dedication.” 

The bottom line is simple for Shepard. 

“We’re going to get back to basics and learn to play defense,” he said. “We are starting from ground zero. This team gave up 138 goals last year. We really have to start over fresh. The kids are doing a great job and are picking things up.” 

According to Shepard, some kids have come out that played in the past but weren’t on the team a season ago. 

Shepard will look to Liz Hornbeck to be his keeper. 

“Liz is a good player and athlete,” Shepard pointed out. “She’s a good, solid leader and we’re going to need that. Alexis Minnich is a little quieter but is a good leader as well because she leads by example. She works hard and the girls respect her. Kids want to work to get to her skill level.” 

“We are starting new but I think we will come together as a team,” Shepard added. “That’s the most important thing is them coming together.” 

The Lady Wave will open their season at Valley View on August 18 before coming home on August 21 to face Miamisburg.