COLUMBUS — What a difference a year can make, or in this case, two years.
When Jacob Hunt took over as head coach of Heritage Academy soccer heading into the 2022 season, plenty of question marks existed. His Patriots answered many of those questions last year, going 9-6 and 4-0 in district play with a player honored on both the MAIS All-Star and Future’s game roster.
This season, Heritage exceeded all expectations, going 10-4-1 as five players were selected to All-Star and Futures game rosters.
“They took a big step this season in team mentality,” head coach Jacob Hunt said. “Everyone was able to step into a role where they had the ability to prove themselves, and they did. That was huge for us.”
Reagan Merchant and Chloe Boyd were selected to the 2023 All-Star Game, playing on the blue team with Hunt traveling down to Flowood as an assistant coach.
The pair of seniors played integral roles for Heritage, with Merchant helping lead the back line and Boyd acting as one of the better attacking players out of the midfield for the Patriots.
Boyd finished with six goals and six assists in her final season while Merchant bagged a goal of her own.
“They’re both deserving of it,” Hunt said. “They’ve been vital to our success this year and in years past. They’ve been great team captains. I’m glad they’re getting to play in this game because when you think of all-stars, those are the type of players you think of.”
As for the Futures roster, Kennedy Perkins, Sophie Starks and Sophie Milam were chosen, a pair of attacking players and Heritage’s starting goalkeeper.
Starks was second on the team with eight goals and three assists, while Perkins scored three on the season.
Milam had an impressive showing in goal as the sophomore was one of the best keepers among Class 5A schools, making big-time saves, including multiple penalty saves, that kept the Patriots alive in matches.
“All-around, these girls worked their butts off and they’ve done a fantastic job this season,” Hunt said. “The talent has always been there, but with different coaching, they’ve been able to fit their roles better.”
One notable all-star omission was Heritage junior forward Caroline Peal, who led the team with 14 goals and six assists, averaging a goal per match.
Matches are set to take place on Wednesday afternoon, with the Futures game beginning at 3 p.m. and the All-Star game starting at 5:30 p.m.
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