Ponca City’s new girls soccer coach is excited about his team’s prospects in the upcoming season.

“We’ve got the potential to do amazing things,” Coach Mike Arnold says about the 2023 season. “We have 18 players with high school and club experience that are going to bring much to our season.”

He first points to his four senior team captains as reasons for his optimism. Those senior leaders include Laney Reynolds, Lindy Fisher, Kaydee Windom and Hailey Creech. “The four varsity captains have extensive experience playing at the high school and club levels,” Arnold said.

In addition several juniors can be added to the mix. They are Adrina Gilbert, Didi Delagarza, Alyssa Sullivan, Allie Officer and Sanaya Rabb.

Arnold also mentioned three sophomores -- Tallie Boyer, Emma Steichan and Callie VanHoesen who are going to have a positive impact on this year’s results.

“There are some others who are expected to contribute,” Arnold said. “I am excited about out potential.”

The Lady Cats are in a tough district, which includes Broken Arrow, Bixby, Tahlequah, Muskogee, Bartlesville, Owasso and Booker T. Washington. Arnold acknowledges the district will be a challenge.

“It is a tough, tough district. But I think we got a chance to make the playoffs if we work like I know we can,” Arnold said.

In the preseason, Ponca City has competed in events in Stillwater and Putnam City, with good results including a 3-1 record in a 9 vs. 9 tournament in Stillwater.

The season is scheduled to get under way March 7 in a match against Enid at Po-Hi’s Sullins Stadium.

PONCA CITY VARSITY SOCCER Boys and GIrls 2023 Schedule March 7 -- Enid at Ponca City March 10-11 -- Choctaw Tournament March 21 -- Woodward at Ponca City March 24- 25 -- Stillwater Tournament March 28 -- Muskogee at Ponca City March 31 -- at Bartlesville April 6 -- at Broken Arrow April 11 -- Bixby at Ponca City April 18-- BT Washington at Ponca City April 21-- at Owasso April 24 -- Tahlequah at Ponca City