Derrick Webb, Managing Editor
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
LUCASVILLE — When the soccer ball is at the feet of Austin Frantz, she’s simply fearless.
Valley’s junior midfielder doesn’t shy away from contact, frequently wins the ball in one-on-one situations, and has a knack for finding the back of the net that you just can’t teach.
Her 13 goals and 14 assists both lead the team this season, and have been a huge reason why the Indians have enjoyed the success they have.
Those numbers, and her ability to lead by example — there’s a reason why she was voted as a team captain — are also why she’s been selected as SOSA’s Glo Fiber Athlete of the Month.
“I give one-hundred percent, no matter what, and try to do whatever it is my team and coach needs me to do,” Frantz said. “Whether it’s setting my teammates up or winning a ball, I try to have the mindset to play for my team and do whatever it takes for us to win and be successful.”
To say that Valley’s girls soccer program has hit the ground running would be an incredible understatement.
Last fall, in the Indians’ first-ever season, they finished 11-2 with their only losses coming to district champion Wheelersburg and regional champion Minford.
Now, in its first OHSAA-sanctioned season, Valley has continued to be impressive while furthering its reputation as a real threat to be dealt with come tournament time.
The Indians sit at 7-3 overall with a 5-1 mark inside the Southern Ohio Conference.
“It’s been amazing,” Frantz said. “I have been playing with most of the girls all through the youth league, and our school has blessed us with the opportunity to play at the high school level now. The process has been a lot of hard work, but it’s brought our team together. We have had a lot of support.”
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
Frantz is no stranger to dishing out support.
Her 14 helpers lead the area, are the 13th most in Ohio, and matches her season total as a sophomore.
“Our team has talent all around,” Frantz said. “We gained some great players this year that have helped us keep building what we started last year. I know, even in times when we get down, we will keep fighting. It only makes us better. We all want to keep getting better.”
As Frantz alluded to, Valley’s roster oozes with talent.
Frantz and teammates Mia Rose, Aubri White, McKenzey Arthur and Riley Nourse have all scored at least five goals.
In all, 11 different players have scored this season for a team that’s outscored its opponents by a 58-13 margin.
“I think having all of the girls committed to our team and what we are trying to do is a big key,” Frantz said. “We have been working hard together for the last two years. We have talent at all positions, good communication and our coach strives to bring out the best in all of us.”
Valley’s regular season schedule concludes with contests against Minford, North Adams, Chesapeake, Wheelersburg, Ripley and Jackson.
It’s a run of strong opponents that will only make Frantz and company better in the long run.
And then, for the first time in program history, it’s tournament time. Oct. 13 and 15 mark the division’s district quarterfinal round, where you can expect to see the Indians take the pitch.
There are three short weeks before that happens and, during that time, Valley will certainly learn a lot about itself. But there is one thing the Indians already know for sure and it’s the fact that Frantz is going to do everything in her power to lead her teammates to potential history.
“This year, we have the opportunity to be in a league and get to play in tournaments, which we are really excited about,” Frantz said. “If we keep playing how we have, and continue to grow as a team, then I know we can go far.”
