Coming off a great season where they advanced to the district finals, the Bethel girls soccer team looks to continue their success with many new players, and a new head coach to lead the attack.
Doug Rabe takes over for the departed Dru Bescoe, and while long-time coach in the Tippecanoe system know that much talent has graduated, he also knows the tradition will continue at Bethel.
“I expect us to continue the success again this year, and feel we can make some noise not only in the districts and beyond, but we have a great chance to win the league again this year,” he said, as his team prepared to start practice on a hot day last week.
“We have a very good talent base, with very good potential.”
Rabe coached 10 years at Tipp City, including two years as head coach of a powerful Lady Red Devil program.  During his time as head coach, they were 35-5.
“I had interest in getting back into soccer, and this is my district,” he said when asked why he took the Lady Bees job.  “I haven’t seen many Bethel games the last few years, but I know they have a very good tradition of success, and made the districts last year.”
Rabe brings his 4-4-2 style of play into Bethel, and the Lady Bees return one of the area’s key players, and leading candidates for the conference Player of the Year, senior Chelsy Swackhammer.
“In just this short time with this group, I will say Chelsy is one of the top kids I have ever had the chance to work with,” Rabe said, putting her in the category of all-area standout Lauren Sharpe and the late Sarah Merritt (All-American).  “She has tremendous quickness, drive and desire to score.  She also has fantastic foot skills.”
Rabe also is excited about the strong midfield of seniors Morgan Rigsby (forward), Leighann Alexander (midfield), Kelsey Paden (midfield), and junior Hannah Figlestahler (back). 
Defensively, the first-year Lady Bees coach looks for this group to be strong, with a good ability to mark the ball.
Other players to contribute this year are juniors Jessie Boicourt (midfield), Krista Burchett (midfield), Katelyn Cripps (back), Haley Hudson (forward), Samantha Harris (midfield), Emily Peyatt (midfield), Lindsey Ulmer (midfield), Kimberly Williams (back), and Kassie Yohey (midfield).
Two sophomores are on the squad, Caitlin Graves (midfield) and Kayleigh Marshall (keeper), while top freshman include Madeline Ellerbrock (midfield), Katie Kahle (back), and Emily Mongaraz (forward).
“We have some strong talent with our returning players, plus a nice mix of other incoming players and freshman,” Rabe said.  “If we all can work together, we will do fine this season.”
One position that will be a key is replacing the departing Player of the Year in the league, goalie Taylor Hart.  That job belongs to Marshall, who Rabe expects to perform well this year.
“Kayleigh can step up and be that same caliber of player as Taylor by the time she is finished here,” Rabe said.  “She also has a lot of drive and desire to succeed, and I expect good things from her this year in the goal.”