Union County put up just 5-9-2 overall mark in 2023, but tossed the record aside and made a Sweet 16 run, the fourth in a row (excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 season). With nearly half the starting lineup returning, the Lady Panthers are hoping for another big run.

Head Coach: Tim Hunter (12th Season)
2023 Record: 5-9-2; State Sweet 16

Returning Starters: 5
Key Returners: Lara Turner, Ariel McCarter, Katelyn Brown, Zoe Crawford, Maggie Delatte, Allana Franklin, Marina Stepps, Kiella Strand, Lily Brookshire, Kennedy Daniel, Chanda Gray

“Lara Turner, Ariel McCarter, Katelyn Brown all will return to us late in the season due to basketball,” adds Hunter. “Zoe Crawford (Outside Mid) and defenders Maggie Delatte, Allana Franklin and Marina Stepps have all been 4-year varsity starters. Kiella Strand is a junior and 3-year varsity player in midfield. Lily Brookshire returns to the team this year and will either play in the midfield or as goal keeper. Kennedy Daniel and Chanda Gray will look to make the transition from reserve players to varsity. Freshmen Abby Gilley, Ragan McCarter, and Emmy Kight also had good 8th-grade seasons last year and will battle for playing time with the upper classmen.”
Key Departures: Italia Salazar, Madison Torres, Kaylee Helton, Alli Franklin, Avary Smith Foot, Maggie Payne, Autumn Skinner

“We lost 7 Seniors, all of which were 3-4-year varsity players. Italia Salazar, Madison Torres, and Kaylee Helton will all be sorely missed in midfield as they were all 4-year starters. Alli Franklin and Avary Smith Foot were also 4-year starters on defense. Maggie Payne and Autumn Skinner contributed to last year’s Sweet 16 playoff run also graduated. This team will really be rebuilding as there are only 4 players remaining who started for our 2022 Region Champion and Elite 8 Team.”

Team Strengths: “We have a lot of speed and skill up front with our strikers, but unfortunately they miss a good bulk of the season as they are important members of our basketball team,” says Hunter. “We have a good amount of experience returning on defense. Allana, Maggie, and Marina are all seasoned defenders with playoff experience. We will really be looking to solidify our midfield moving into the season. We usually have had the luxury of an abundance of experienced midfielders. There are some girls with good skill that will be gaining varsity experience and improving as the season goes on.”

“Our region is one of the strongest in the state with the State Champion and State Runner-Up both being from Region 8-AA in Fellowship Christian and Athens Academy,” states Hunter. “This year’s team will be rebuilding a great deal but we always expect to compete in our region and try to win some rounds in the State Tournament. I think our team will continue to improve as we progress through the season and hope to be playing our best soccer during region play.”